How do I access the EMS system?

Dial 9-1-1 to report any emergency. When the call is answered, you will be asked several questions. The first question is "what is the emergency?" At the same time emergency equipment is being dispatched, you will be asked additional questions about the situation. When calling 9-1-1 please do the following:

• Speak clearly into the telephone and speak directly to the 9-1-1 operator.
• Don't talk with others while on 9-1-1; don't put the operator on hold.
• Know the exact location (building number, street, suite or apartment number, or street intersection) where help is needed.
• Answer all the questions the 9-1-1 operator asks. They need the information not only for your safety, but also for the safety of the responding personnel.
• Don't hang up until asked to do so by the operator. The 9-1-1 operator may be able to give important instructions before emergency personnel arrive, or may need additional information from you.

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What do I do after I call 9-1-1?

Remain calm. 9-1-1 operators will provide information and instructions to assist you in reacting to the emergency and providing aid to the patient. Remember to not move an injured person unless their life is in immediate danger. Equally important, don't become a victim yourself. Offer only the level of aid that you are comfortable with providing. Finally, if your request for assistance is for an illness, gather all medications the patient is taking, along with a current medical history, to pass on to the emergency medical personnel when they arrive.

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Is there anything I can do to assist rescue crews in finding my house?

Yes. First, rescue crews will be able to more quickly identify your house if your house number meets these standards:

• House numbers at least 5 inches in height and readable from the street
• House numbers set on a background of contrasting color
• On a corner lot, house numbers should face the street named in the address
• For a house on a set-back lot, your house number should be on the mail box or other sign at the street, as well as on the house
• It helps if house numbers are illuminated or easily visible at night
• House numbers should be in plain block numerals, not script or written numbers

Second, at night have someone blink the house lights when they see our emergency lights, or have someone at the end of your driveway to flag us down.

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What happens once rescue crews arrive at the emergency scene?

Personnel will arrive usually within six minutes. When emergency personnel arrive, their first action is to assess the condition of the patient and determine the need for immediate actions. They may contact the local emergency department by radio or telephone to consult with a physician. Many situations can best be corrected by life-sustaining therapy that is most successful when started at the emergency scene. Please allow the emergency medical crews time to complete these actions for the benefit of the patient. As the patient's condition is stabilized, arrangements will be made for transport. It is our goal to transport the patient to the most appropriate hospital facility.

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Why does a fire truck respond when I called an ambulance for a medical emergency?

Sometimes a fire engine will arrive first because it is the closest emergency equipment to the scene. All Arlington Firefighters are also Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs); while waiting for the ambulance to get to the scene, these EMT's will render whatever aid is necessary. Along with basic medical equipment, all Arlington and Fairfax fire engines are equipped with automatic defibrillators, a device used to monitor the heart and deliver an electrical charge to correct a life-threatening heart rhythm. Teamwork is an essential part of emergency operations, and all of the personnel on the emergency scene are trained to function as a lifesaving team.

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What should I do when there is an emergency vehicle driving behind me displaying its lights?

Virginia law requires that the driver of every vehicle shall immediately move as close as possible and parallel to the nearest edge of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop whenever an emergency vehicle with warning lights and siren operating is approaching. The driver shall remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed and no other emergency equipment is in sight. Frequently, drivers do not check rear view mirrors often enough and it is difficult to hear an approaching siren with windows up and the radio turned on. It's important to check your side and rear view mirrors frequently and always be alert to the possible presence of emergency vehicles around you. Remember, if you were in need of emergency help you wouldn't want thoughtless drivers delaying those en route to help you!

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Can I go along to the hospital?

You may ride along to the hospital; however, you likely will be asked to ride in the front with the driver. When possible you may want to drive your own vehicle to the hospital, because we are not able to give you a ride back to your home. When driving to the hospital on your own, you must obey all state laws and stay at least 500 feet behind the ambulance. Excessive speed and dangerous maneuvers will endanger others as well as you.

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Can I get transported from the hospital to my home by ambulance?

The Rescue Squad, along with the Arlington County Fire Department, provide emergency transportation only. If you are looking for non-emergency transportation from a hospital to home, a number of private ambulance services are available. They can be found in the Yellow Pages under Ambulance Service.

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Do you install child seats?

Cars seat installations are handled by the Arlington County Police Department or the City of Falls Church Sheriff's Department. Click here to visit the Arlington County Police Department web site, or here for the Falls Church Sheriff's Programs web site. Alternatively, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator to search for a location near you.

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How do I get a copy of a fire investigation or EMS report?

Copies of standard fire incident, medical, and Fire Marshal reports are available for a $5 fee. Some requests can be made on-line through the Arlington County Fire Marshal's Office.

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How can I get involved with the Rescue Squad?

The AFCVRS offers both administrative and operational membership to those who wish to get involved with our organization. To learn more, click here.

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Do you accept donations?

Absolutely! Our entire budget is made up of donations from individuals like you. We greatly appreciate all the assistance the community gives us. Without the great financial support we receive from the community we would not be able to provide our services to the citizens of Arlington County and the City of Falls Church. If you would like to contribute, check out our Donation Information.

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What do you do with my donated funds?

The Rescue Squad is an entirely volunteer organization. Your donations directly fund our operations and the emergency medical service we provide to the County. To learn more about how we might use your donations, click here.

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Is my donation tax deductible?

As a 501(c)3 organization registered with the IRS, your donations to the Rescue Squad are likely to be tax deductible. You may click here for a letter recognizing our 501(c)3 status, if you require it. Please consult a qualified tax professional for advice on this matter.

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Who is Jay Gremillion and why is he mentioned on the side of your ambulance?

Jay Gremillion was a dedicated member of the Rescue Squad who passed away of natural causes in 2002. He was the inspiration of many of us to get involved, and because of Jay's tireless work on behalf of the Rescue Squad, the organization survived some difficult times and emerged stronger. With Jay's selfless efforts, the Rescue Squad was reborn better equipped to operate within Arlington County and the City of Falls Church. We offer our humble thanks to Jay's family for their generous support of the Rescue Squad.

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Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?

All Fire Stations in Arlington County and the City of Falls Church offer free blood pressure checks. Please call or stop in during the day and ask! Click here to find your fire station.

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