DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services: About FEMS
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About FEMS
 
The District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) is an all-hazards agency providing emergency medical care and transportation (EMS), fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous material response, and technical rescue services to residents and visitors in the District of Columbia. FEMS resources are deployed from 33 neighborhood fire stations and include 37 EMS transport units, 33 engine companies, 16 ladder trucks, three heavy-rescue squads, one hazardous materials unit, and one fire boat company. 17 of these transport units and 19 of these engine companies are staffed by paramedics providing advanced life support (ALS) care. FEMS responds to over 150,000 incidents a year, an average of 421 a day.  FEMS also provides protection for special events that are unique to the nation’s capital, such as major demonstrations and the Presidential Inauguration. In addition, FEMS provides fire and medical protection for Presidential motorcades and helicopter landings.

FEMS works to prevent fires and injuries before they occur by educating the public on the importance of smoke detectors, CPR and automatic defibrillators, and provides free smoke detectors and home fire safety inspections. District residents may obtain a free smoke detector through the agency website or by calling (202) 727-1614. District residents may request a home fire safety inspection by calling (202) 673-3331. Citizen CPR training may be obtained by calling (202) 673-3245.