Services
Fire Supression and Rescue
Worthington Fire & EMS was previously Sharon Township Fire Department. In Ohio, the state was originally divided into numerous 6 x 6 mile tracts known as Townships. Over the years most of these Townships have been annexed as cities have developed. Ours is no exception.
In the mid 90's The City of Worthington became responsible for funding our services through the income taxes they collect. Previously, as a Township, we were funded through property taxes and levies. This change afforded the community with some financial benefits. In short, we're still providing service to the same geographic areas that we had been serving prior to the change. In fact, a neighboring Township was recently annexed by a more distant City. Several areas of that Township nearer to our Station were not annexed and are now served by our organization.
Our crews respond to approximately 1800 incidents annually. Approximately 1/3 of these responses are EMS assistance calls. Other types of calls include structure fires, highway accidents, hazardous material releases, Carbon Monoxide checks, alarm drops and other assorted calls. Typically a fire crew will respond to about 6 calls/shift. This between checking equipment, caring for the station, training, educating, inspecting buildings, etc.
All of our emergency response members work a 24/48 shift. This means they work one 24 hour shift, then are off duty for 48 hours. Three rotating crews provide coverage 24 hours each day, 7 days each week, 365 days each year. Holidays, storms - no exceptions. We're there for you at all times.
In Central Ohio most departments participate in an "automatic response"
program. This program has worked well for many decades, assuring the closest
equipment is dispatched to an emergency regardless of jurisdiction. Area
Departments work under common procedures, facilitating effective fireground
operations. This program also saves tax dollars by reducing redundant
services. Departments rely on each other for assistance with large-scale
incidents.
EMS Services
Several years ago we added the word "EMS" to our Department name. This change
was made to reflect that EMS accounts for the largest portion of service we
provide to our community. Our Department responds to well over 2,000 Emergency
Medical Calls annually - approximately 65% of our responses.
Our EMS vehicles are equipped with well trained and experienced personnel.
Three members are assigned to an EMS vehicle, at least two of which are EMT-Ps
(Paramedics) and one an EMT-A (Basic). This three person crew is assisted by
Fire Companies on runs which may require Advanced Life Support (ALS). Such
runs include possible heart attacks, unconscious persons, traumas, etc. The
vehicles carry medications, airway adjuncts, Cardiac Monitor / Defibrillator,
and other devices used to stabilize and support
persons experiencing difficulties.
We are fortunate in this area to have several well respected hospitals able to
provide expert definitive care to our patients. We strive to accommodate
patients as much as possible, frequently transporting them to a receiving
hospital of their choice. Unfortunately, staffing at these hospitals is
sometimes overwhelmed and we may be required to transport a patient to an
titleernate facility. In all cases, our members will transport to the hospital
best able to handle a patient's needs.
Education and Prevention Services
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Worthington Fire's educational offerings are varied and dynamic. Presently our
members provide the following public education offerings:
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