Because it is their mission to protect the lives and economic well -being of the people of Hays from the effects of fires, accidents and related emergencies, the Hays Fire Department answers more than fire calls.

Seconds count in a medical emergency and each of the HFD firefighters is also an EMT-Emergency Medical Technician.  Firefighter Justin Choitz, a host in the new Citizen Ride Along Program, says they respond with lights and siren, whether it’s a motor vehicle accident or a patient already in a doctor’s office.

The firefighters can start IV bags, hook up monitoring equipment, help with patient assessment, and gather medical information from family members or bystanders.

Sometimes, says Choitz, HFD assists Ellis County Emergency Medical Service by gaining access to a house without causing major damage.  For example, someone with Life Alert may have enough strength to push their emergency button, but be unable to walk to the front door and unlock it.

The Hays Fire Department is  a full service fire department providing all of the emergency and urgent services identified in the federal government’s National Fire Information Reporting System. These services include responses to fires, rescue and medical emergencies, hazardous conditions, and airport emergencies, as well as non-emergency fire safety services.

Tune in for more tonight on Street Beat Eagle Community TV Channel 14.