FAQs

EMS FAQs

Why does a police officer respond to medical emergencies?
The Cromwell Police Department routinely dispatches officers to medical situations. This is a great help in getting medical aid to the scene quickly. The officers are trained in CPR and first aid, and they carry oxygen and medical supplies. We work very closely with our PD, and value their contribution to the EMS system in Cromwell.

Why did I get a bill after my ambulance trip?
The CFD bills for ambulance service at rates established by the State of Connecticut. The Middlesex Hospital Paramedics respond with us to provide Advanced Life Support services, and they also bill for their services. If your insurance doesn't cover the bill in full you may receive a bill for the balance due. If you have questions about any bill you received related to ambulance service from the CFD, please call our billing service at 1-800-258-3902.

EXPLORERS FAQs

What is the Explorer Post?
In cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America, the CFD sponsors an Explorer post for young people ages 14-17 interested in emergency services. Under adult supervision, Explorers receive training in first aid, CPR, firefighting, and related fields. They provide support activities at emergency scenes in a safe area, such as helping to change air bottles or helping EMS personnel with rehab.

How can I join the Explorers?
Contact Sean Angus, Head Explorer Advisor, by calling our dispatch center at 860/635-5211.

FIRE-RESCUE FAQs

How many pieces of apparatus do you have?
Cromwell Fire Department has 1 small brush/attack pumper, 4 full-sized "Class A" pumpers, 1 heavy rescue, 1 aerial truck, 2 utility trucks, 1 Gator, and 1 stretcher golf cart. We also have 3 ambulances, 1 inflatable "zodiac" rescue boat, and a full-size boat for river operations.

Why do you have such a humongous Rescue truck?
The Rescue serves a number of vital purposes. It is classified as a "heavy rescue," meaning it is equipped for a wide variety of technically complex rescue situations. We respond to a great many auto accidents on I-91, Route 9, and in town where extrication is required.

The Rescue also serves as a mobile air tank refilling station, so we can refill firefighters' self-contained breathing apparatus at emergency scenes. Inside the back section is a Command area, equipped with multiple radios, cell phones, computers and a fax machine.

We also carry EMS equipment for treating patients at multi-casualty incidents, and special ropes and equipment for high angle rescue. Every inch of the Rescue truck was designed with a purpose in mind, and it provides a valuable service to our community and the surrounding areas.

How many Hurst tools do you have?
We have five Hurst tools, commonly known as the "Jaws of Life." These powerful cutting and prying tools are used to quickly gain access to patients trapped in wrecked cars and other situations.

The Rescue has two tools on hydraulic hose reels for quick deployment, and a backup unit powered by a traditional stand-alone generator. Engine 1, Engine 2 and Engine 3 also carry Hurst tools. We need this many tools because it is common for us to either need more than one tool at the same crash, or to be called to multiple crashes at the same time.

There aren't any skyscrapers in Cromwell. Why do we need an aerial?
The Aerial truck is extremely important for fighting structure fires of any size, and we use it a lot. Also, in event of a fire in a large, single-story building, such as a grocery store, the 100-foot reach of the Aerial can safely extend out over the roof. This keeps firefighters off the roof surface itself, which can often collapse during a fire.