Operations
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's (PBCFR) Operations Division is the backbone of our department, providing comprehensive emergency services to our community. This highly skilled team ensures rapid response and expert care for a wide range of emergencies, 24/7.
Here's what makes our Operations Division exceptional:
- Extensive Coverage: With strategically placed fire stations across Palm Beach County, our 51 stations guarantee efficient response times.
- Highly Trained Personnel: PBCFR boasts a minimum daily staffing of 347 highly trained professionals, ensuring there's always a crew ready to respond. Our firefighters are cross-trained in firefighting and emergency medical services, allowing them to tackle any situation effectively.
- All-Hazard Response: PBCFR is an "all-hazards" department, fully equipped to handle anything from minor medical emergencies to large-scale natural disasters.
- Adaptable Resources: Our resources are strategically deployed to best serve the community's needs. Units can be relocated as needed to ensure optimal zone coverage.
PBCFR's Operations Division is committed to providing the highest quality emergency services to the citizens of Palm Beach County.
Special Operations
PBCFR's Special Operations teams undergo rigorous and ongoing training to maintain their exceptional skills and readiness. This ensures they can effectively respond to any emergency situation, no matter how complex or challenging. They are a vital part of the department's mission to protect the lives and property of Palm Beach County residents. Their expertise, dedication, and bravery make them a true asset to the community.
PBCFR's Special Operations technicians are experts in a wide range of rescue disciplines, including:
- Hazardous Materials Response: Containing and mitigating threats posed by hazardous materials spills or leaks.
- Confined Space and Technical Rescue: Extracting individuals from confined spaces or complex technical scenarios.
- Dark Water Dive Rescue: Performing safe and effective underwater rescues in low-visibility environments.
- Advanced Automobile Extrication: Using specialized tools and techniques to safely free people trapped in wrecked vehicles.
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (with PBSO): Working collaboratively with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) to handle explosives and bomb threats.
- High Angle Rescue: Conducting rescues from heights using ropes, harnesses, and other specialized equipment.
- Trench Rescue: Safely rescuing workers or bystanders from collapsed trenches.
- Large Animal Rescue: Providing specialized care and rescue for large animals in distress.
- Structural Collapse Rescue: Locating and rescuing victims trapped in building collapses or other structural disasters.
The Personal Rescue Watercraft (PRWC) Program
Four Personal Rescue Watercrafts (PRWC) are available to assist land-based crews during
incidents such as drownings and other open water emergencies. These units are strategically
stationed at inlets in PBC; two PRWCs are assigned to Station 18 (near Jupiter Inlet) and two at
Station 37 in Lantana (near Boynton Beach Inlet). PBCFR prepares personnel to be proficient
PRWC operators and skilled rescue swimmers during intense training taught in and on the water.
Highly Trained Personnel for Swift and Safe Rescues
PBCFR prioritizes the safety of its residents and visitors. To ensure the program's effectiveness, PBCFR meticulously trains personnel to become proficient PRWC operators and skilled rescue swimmers. This intensive training, conducted both in and on the water, equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform safe and efficient rescues in even the most challenging situations.
Dedicated Service During Daylight Hours
Each PBCFR PRWC is equipped with a dedicated operator and rescue swimmer, ensuring a rapid response during daylight hours. This program enhances PBCFR's ability to respond to emergencies like drownings and other water-related incidents, promoting safety and peace of mind for those enjoying Palm Beach County's waterways.
Aircraft Rescue
PBCFR provides Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) and EMS services for Palm Beach International
Airport (PBIA) from Station 81. During the past fiscal year, PBIA’s number of passengers was over 8.2 million.
The crews at Station 81 are trained for emergencies in the airport terminals, airfield, and both commercial and
general aviation aircraft. This station is equipped with four specialized vehicles, also known as “Crash Trucks”
or “Dragons,” capable of delivering high volumes of water and foam in an emergency landing of an aircraft.
Unmatched Firefighting Capabilities:
- Unparalleled Power: The Rosenbauer Panther boasts a mighty 750 horsepower engine, enabling it to reach speeds of 75 mph and accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in a mere 34 seconds. This ensures a swift response to any aircraft emergencies.
- Triple Threat Extinguishing Power: The crash truck carries a massive 3,000 gallons of water, along with a diverse arsenal of extinguishing agents:
- 400 gallons of foam concentrate for tackling flammable liquid fires.
- 500 lbs. of dry chemical extinguishing powder (Purple K) for electrical fires.
- 460 lbs. of clean agent extinguishing gas (Halotron) for fires in delicate environments.
- Precision Piercing Technology: Equipped with a stinger piercing tip, the Panther can penetrate aircraft fuselages at a staggering 2,600 psi, delivering extinguishing agents directly into the heart of the fire.
- Unmatched Reach and Maneuverability: The HRET allows for unparalleled firefighting flexibility.
- The High Reach Extendable Turret maneuvers with exceptional articulation, reaching above or below aircraft for targeted fire suppression.
- The High Volume Low Attack (HVLA) Bumper Turret is a hydraulic marvel, rotating down to within 18 inches of the ground for optimal foam application.
- Superior Flow Rates: The Bumper Turret delivers an impressive 600 gallons per minute (GPM) on low flow and a staggering 1,200 GPM on high flow. Additionally, it boasts dry chemical discharge capabilities, far exceeding the limitations of previous crash trucks which were restricted to water/foam at a flow rate of only 300 GPM.
Enhanced Public Safety:
The Rosenbauer PANTHER 6x6 HRET crash truck represents a significant leap forward in Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's commitment to public safety. This powerful and versatile firefighting vehicle ensures the department is fully equipped to handle any aircraft emergency, safeguarding the lives of travelers and crew members who choose Palm Beach County as their destination.
Trauma Hawk
In partnership with the Palm Beach County Health Care District, PBCFR paramedics and flight nurses
rapidly transport ill and injured patients from the scene of an incident or transport critical patients from
one facility to another to reduce travel time and increase survival rates. Critical patients may be transported
by one of two Trauma Hawk helicopters. PBC is home to two Level 1 Trauma Centers. A Level 1 Trauma
Center is capable of providing total care for every aspect of injury - from prevention through rehabilitation.
Pioneering Trauma Care in Palm Beach County:
- Pre-1990: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department helicopters provided initial air transport for critically ill and injured patients.
- 1990: Recognizing the growing need, a formal countywide Trauma System was established, including the Trauma Hawk program.
Trauma Hawk's Mission:
- Rapid transport of critically injured patients to specialized trauma centers, burn units, spinal cord centers, and pediatric hospitals.
- Reducing injury mortality and improving patient outcomes.
Trauma Hawk Today:
- State-of-the-art Sikorsky S76-C+ helicopters:
- Owned and operated by the Health Care District (FAA-licensed air carrier).
- Each helicopter can transport two patients and up to four medical attendants.
- Highly skilled medical crew: Provided by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
- Paramedics and nurses with extensive experience in critical care.
