Q: Why does a fire truck show up for a medical emergency?

A: The North Port Fire Rescue District is an ALS (Advanced Life Support) First Responder agency, and each of its fire fighting personnel are dual certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) or Paramedics.  Fire trucks are also equipped to handle medical emergencies.  Often a fire truck is the closest unit, and its crew will respond to stabilize a patient prior to the arrival of an ambulance.  The fire truck crew can also provide additional manpower to ensure that the patient receives the fastest possible care.

Q: Does it cost me anything when I call 9-1-1 for an emergency?

A: The North Port Fire Rescue District responds to all fire and medical calls, including vehicular accidents and other service calls, at no cost.  There is a charge for Basic and Advanced Life Support ambulance transport services to local hospitals.  Hazardous materials calls also may be billed, depending upon the type, scope, and duration of the incident.

Q: If I lock my keys inside my vehicle, will the fire department unlock it for me?

A: Our department will respond to a true emergency situation, such as an infant or pet locked in a vehicle, and will use a punch tool to remove one of the windows. However, if there is no emergency involved, our department must regretfully refer you to a locksmith.

Q: If I have had an emergency, how do I get a copy of the incident report?

A: If the emergency was not medically related, such as a house or vehicle fire or a service call, contact our Administration Office at 240-8150 and we will provide you with a copy of the report.  However, medical information is exempt from Florida public access laws.  A copy can be provided, but all medical/patient information will have been deleted.  However, if the person involved in the medical incident either appears in person (with proper identification) or provides our office with a notarized release of medical/patient information form, the report can be released without modification. The unmodified report will also be released to the legal guardian of the patient or a designated executor.

Q: Where can I get my blood pressure checked?

A: The personnel at any of the fire stations will be happy to take your blood pressure whenever they are able to – that is, when they are not out of the station for emergencies or training reasons. There is no charge for the service and it is available during reasonable daytime hours.

Q:  How can I dispose of my used needles or syringes?

A:  The Fire Rescue District has a sharps exchange program.  The program allows residents to safely dispose of their used household hypodermic needles, syringes and lancets, otherwise known as sharps.  Sharps must be put in an approved rigid, leak proof, puncture resistant container.  Filled containers can be dropped off at either Station 81, 4980 City Center Blvd. or Station 82, 5700 North Port Blvd. and exchanged for a new container.  There is no cost for this program.

Q:  My insurance company is looking for the ISO rating, the distance from the nearest fire hydrant and how close I am to the nearest fire station.  Can you provide that information?

A:  The City of North Port’s ISO rating is a 2/8B.  The 2/8B rating is very significant.  Of the 780 fire departments in Florida, there are only five Class 1 departments and 16 Class 2 departments. On a national scale, North Port Fire Rescue District now ranks in the top 1% of the country.

Q: Where is the closest Fire Station?

Fire Station 1 the administrative headquarters of the North Port Fire Rescue District, is located at 4980 City Center Blvd. North Port FL  34286 (off Sumter Blvd.)

You may determine the distance between an address and the fire station through an Internet map/direction program, or by driving from the location to the station.  To determine the location of fire hydrants, contact North Port Utilities, GIS Section, at (941) 426-9500.

If additional information is necessary, we can provide a letter to the insurance company detailing our response and mutual aid agreements.  Please call (941) 240-8150 and ask for an insurance letter, which we can fax to the insurance agent.

Q:  I am in a wheelchair and cannot easily leave my home.  Are there any provisions to ensure my safety before and during a disaster?

A: North Port residents who are infirm, handicapped, or those who can not get evacuation help from other sources are encouraged to register for the People with Special Needs Program (PSN), a program designed specifically to provide evacuation and sheltering assistance

The Sarasota County Department of Emergency Management coordinates registration for the PSN program.  To register, residents must complete a Special Needs Questionnaire, available at North Port Fire Station 81, 4980 City Center Blvd., and mail this form to:

Department of Emergency Management

Special Needs Registry

1660 Ringling Blvd.  6th Floor

Sarasota, FL  34236

A Registry of People with Special Needs is maintained by Sarasota County Emergency Management. If you are unable to respond independently to an emergency situation and have no other means of assistance, should you be required to evacuate your home, then you should register.   Register in advance. Contact Sarasota County Emergency Management, People with Special Needs Office at (941) 861-5000 for the necessary forms and registration information. The information you provide is confidential and will be available only to Emergency Services personnel.

Printable Families with Special Needs Flyer

Printable People with Special Needs Form (Revised 08/15/06) For more information see: http://www.allhazards.scgov.net/ESBC/PSNHurricane.aspx

Q:  Is North Port a Safe Haven for Newborn community?

A:  Station 1, 4980 City Center Blvd. and Station 2, 5700 North Port Blvd. are designated as Safe Havens for Newborns.  Safe Haven sites provide anonymous alternatives to the abandonment of newborns.  Birth parents may leave an infant, who is not abused or neglected, at a fire station or hospital without fear of being arrested or charged with abandonment.

To get additional information about the Florida “Safe Baby” law, call 1 (877) 767-2229.

Q:  Can I burn yard waste?

A:  No.  Burning trash or yard waste is illegal in the City.  Cooking fires are permitted but must be properly attended at all times. 

Q:  Can I choose the hospital I am transported to?

A:  In non-critical instances, you may choose the local hospital that you are transported to.  The hospitals we transport to are Fawcett Memorial, St. Joe’s, Englewood Hospital, Venice Bon Secours, Sarasota Memorial, Doctors Hospital, and Charlotte Regional Medical Center.  In critical care situations, the paramedic must transport to the closest facility capable of rendering patient care.