Below are some frequently asked questions and answers. Please contact us (see "Contact Information" page) if you have a question not addressed here.
Q) Should I call 911 if I'm not sure it's an emergency?
A) yes, when in doubt call 911. The dispatcher who answers will ask you some basic questions, notify the appropriate resources, and an ambulance with an EMS licensed crew will respond immediately. Never hesitate to call 911, even if you're not sure your situation is an emergency. We can respond to you quicker with the appropriate medical help and transportation than you can by driving yourself. You're not obliged to have us transport you even if we respond. We can always render aid and leave or turn around if the situation changes but get us coming.
A) yes, when in doubt call 911. The dispatcher who answers will ask you some basic questions, notify the appropriate resources, and an ambulance with an EMS licensed crew will respond immediately. Never hesitate to call 911, even if you're not sure your situation is an emergency. We can respond to you quicker with the appropriate medical help and transportation than you can by driving yourself. You're not obliged to have us transport you even if we respond. We can always render aid and leave or turn around if the situation changes but get us coming.
Q) Is there someone at your station all the time?
A) Our station is staffed from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, 7 days a week and frequently overnight as well (unless the crew is out on a call). However there is always a crew of at least 2 members on duty at all times, 24 hours a day. In addition, members monitor the radio and will respond if there is need for additional help.
A) Our station is staffed from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, 7 days a week and frequently overnight as well (unless the crew is out on a call). However there is always a crew of at least 2 members on duty at all times, 24 hours a day. In addition, members monitor the radio and will respond if there is need for additional help.
Q) Is everyone on your crew a "real" EMT?
A) Rest assured all duty crew members of Fryeburg Rescue are at least Maine State licensed at the Emergency Medical Technician level. There are various license levels that allow some members to perform more advanced skills when the situation demands. There are times we may call for additional advanced help from other services when we feel it will benefit the patient.
A) Rest assured all duty crew members of Fryeburg Rescue are at least Maine State licensed at the Emergency Medical Technician level. There are various license levels that allow some members to perform more advanced skills when the situation demands. There are times we may call for additional advanced help from other services when we feel it will benefit the patient.
Q) How do you know where I am?
A) When you call 911, the dispatcher will ask for your location and pass it on to us. It's important to be accurate with this information. Oxford County Regional Communications Center - our local dispatch - is also capable of gleaning the address of the reporting phone and pinging cell phones in wilderness areas. Our response vehicles are equipped with GPS but some residences or wilderness locations may only be approximated in our database. You can help by having your street address prominently displayed on your home or business and making note of any landmarks when in wilderness locations. Also, please try to keep driveways and walkways clear of snow, ice, and debris when possible.
A) When you call 911, the dispatcher will ask for your location and pass it on to us. It's important to be accurate with this information. Oxford County Regional Communications Center - our local dispatch - is also capable of gleaning the address of the reporting phone and pinging cell phones in wilderness areas. Our response vehicles are equipped with GPS but some residences or wilderness locations may only be approximated in our database. You can help by having your street address prominently displayed on your home or business and making note of any landmarks when in wilderness locations. Also, please try to keep driveways and walkways clear of snow, ice, and debris when possible.
Q) Do you get paid or are you a volunteer?
A) Yes to both. Fryeburg Rescue is a volunteer organization and all members must be voted onto the membership roll. Duty crew members get paid for their time but we are your neighbors, most live within our coverage area, and we volunteer our time and skills to our community as a primary responsibility to any scheduled paid duty shifts we may work.
A) Yes to both. Fryeburg Rescue is a volunteer organization and all members must be voted onto the membership roll. Duty crew members get paid for their time but we are your neighbors, most live within our coverage area, and we volunteer our time and skills to our community as a primary responsibility to any scheduled paid duty shifts we may work.
