Emergency Services

Two stations are equipped with ALS rescues—Station 1 and 3. Each rescue is staffed with a minimum of two firefighter/EMTC/Paramedics, each having Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification. The rescues carry both Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) equipment and provide a high level of emergency medical care. Some of the items carried on the rescues are: advanced airway and ventilation equipment, vascular therapy supplies, and portable battery-operated monitor/defibrillator's. Firefighter/EMTC/Paramedics are able to supply immediate life savingmeasures and transport patients to the appropriate facilities.

From routine medical problems to the most critically  ill or injured patient, rescues fill a significant role in North Kingstown—considering the high frequency of EMS service demands in the area. Though their primary role is EMS, these units are staffed by firefighters equipped with structural firefighting protective equipment, extrication equipment, and self- contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).  Rescue personnel are also part of the Effective Response Force (ERF).

The North Kingstown Fire Department has one ladder company located at Station 6. The ladder company is staffed with a minimum of two personnel:  a supervising officer, and a firefighter. The ladder is a 105-foot rear mounted aerial ladder, which is able to reach above normal ground ladders. This allows firefighters to access or egress abuilding from a significant height and also to attack a fire from above. The aerial ladder is capable of allowing firefighters to direct an elevated master water stream from the tip of the ladder. In addition to the aerial ladder, the truck is also equipped with over 200 feet of ground ladders, heavy rescue and auto extrication equipment and many other types of rescue equipment to handle a variety of calls throughout the town.

This Heavy Rescue is single specialty piece of apparatus located at Station 1 in the center of the town. The Special Hazards is unstaffed.  The apparatus is cross-staffed by personnel from an available Engine Company.  Equipment such as air bags, hydraulic jacks, shears, or air quality monitors will be deployed as needed. Special Hazards responds to a wide array of calls such as rope rescue (use of ropes and harnesses to remove patients from elevated or below grade positions),extrications, hazardous materials incidents, confined space incidents, trench rescue, and industrial accidents.

One Deputy Chief is responsible for overall field operations from a command vehicle. The command vehicle, located at Station 1, is equipped with advanced communication equipment, a mobile data computer, and a pull out command desk. From this command vehicle, a Deputy Chief is able to direct emergency scene operations and command all firefighting, lifesaving, and fire prevention operations. Some additional equipment carried in the command vehicle includes: SCBA and suppression equipment, command worksheets and reference materials.

The North Kingstown Fire Department utilizes other specialty vehicles.  Information coming soon.