FAQ2017-06-09T03:08:01-05:00

FAQs

Can I drop off used syringes or old medications to the fire station?2018-06-20T16:42:25-05:00

We do not accept syringes, sharp’s of any type. For please see the Waste Management brochure for disposal recommendations of “Household Medical Waste” (HHMW) at https://www.plainfield-il.org/pages/wasterecycling

Medication drop off sites are limited to the following locations:
Will County partners for Pharmaceuticals:
Illinois EPA
Basinger’s Pharmacy
Bolingbrook Pharmacy
Crest Hill Police Department
Elwood Police Department
J. D. Brown Pharmacy
Joliet Police Department
Lemont Police Department
Lockport Police Department
Mokena Police Department
New Lenox Police Department
Peotone Police Department
Plainfield Police Department
Remco Medical
Shorewood Police Department

What can I do to help the rescue personnel when responding to my home?2017-06-09T03:08:02-05:00

House numbers that are easy to find and easy to read are one of the best safety features that your home can have. Valuable property and lives can be saved simply by posting adequate numbers where emergency personnel can find them. All homes and businesses should be properly identified with large, easy-to-read address numbers. This makes it easy for emergency vehicles to find the location without wasting time. Numbers should be on the building in a location that is easily seen from the street. They should be at least 4 inches high and in a contrasting color to your house. If you have a street side mailbox, the house number should be visible there as well. In an emergency every second counts, so make sure your house numbers can be seen from the street.

Do you accept donations of stuffed animals or children’s toys?2015-08-14T18:35:35-05:00

We do on occasion accept new or very gently used stuffed animals. They must be clean, free of odors, stains, and have no parts that can be easily removed and possibly become a choke hazard. Please contact the EMS Coordinator at 815-733-7313 to see if we are accepting, please do not leave bags of stuffed animals at the firehouses.

When I see an emergency vehicle approaching while I am driving, should I always pull over to the right and stop?2015-08-14T18:35:00-05:00

State law dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if your car is already stopped, and you don’t have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicle goes around you. If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are planning on turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you. Do not tailgate, “draft”, or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.

What hospitals do you take me to?2021-07-05T18:03:34-05:00

Transport decisions are based upon your condition at the time of the call, your preference, your best interest, the closest appropriate facility and medical direction from the hospital.

We transport to several area facilities including the following in alphabetical order:

 

  • Amita Health Bolingbrook Med. Ctr. – Bolingbrook, 500 N Remington Blvd. (630) 312-5000
  • Amita Health St. Joseph Med. Ctr. – Joliet, 333 Madison St. (815) 725-7133
  • Edward Hospital – Naperville, 801 N. Washington St. (630) 527-3000
  • Rush-Copley Hospital – Aurora, 2000 Ogden Ave. (630) 978-6200
  • Silver Cross Hospital – New Lenox, 1900 Silver Cross Blvd. (815) 300-1100
When I call for an ambulance, why do I sometimes see an ambulance from another town?2015-08-14T18:32:52-05:00

The District has mutual aid agreements with many neighboring towns so that calls are handled expeditiously. During the course of a day it is not unusual for two or three requests for an ambulance to come in at the same time. If all of PLFD’s ambulances are busy, one from the next available town will be dispatched. The mutual aid agreements work both ways; therefore, PLFD ambulances can be dispatched to the other municipalities.

Why does a fire truck come to my house when I called for an ambulance?2017-06-09T03:08:02-05:00

The first reason has to do with having enough staffing to take care of the patient. All of our FT firefighters are also trained as paramedics. There are two paramedics on the ambulance and typically three personnel on the fire truck/engine. Many times when someone is acutely ill they need advanced life support (ALS) care. ALS treatment includes starting Intravenous (IV) fluids, monitoring cardiac rhythms, providing oxygen, administering medications, possibly performing CPR, and/or defibrillating a patient.

The next reason is to have extra personnel from the fire truck/engine to help safely move the patient to the ambulance. Most people that are acutely ill and need an ambulance need to be carried or lifted onto a cot. If the bedroom is on the second floor, or if there are steps outside the house, it may take more than two people to safely get the patient down the steps.

The third reason for sending a fire truck/engine on an ambulance call is if the closest ambulance is busy and unavailable. Again, the people on the fire truck/engine are also paramedics and carry the same ALS medical equipment as an ambulance, and they can begin care before the ambulance arrives.

What should I do after dialing 911 for a medical emergency?2015-08-14T18:29:16-05:00

Stay on the line for medical instructions from the dispatcher. Turn porch lights on if dark outside. Unlock/open the front door. Have someone waiting outside. Lock up pets.

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