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Rio Verde Fire District
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In a medical emergency can I just drive to the Station for Emergency care?No - DIAL 911. You should never drive if you are experiencing any type of medical emergency. You could endanger yourself or others. The crew on duty may need information that you have left at home in order to administer the best possible treatment to you.
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In an emergency, why should I call 911 first and not the Station directly?"911 dispatchers have the ability to give you assistance over the telephone such as CPR instructions, while simultaneously dispatching emergency assistance to your location. Dial 911. If the crew on duty is already dispatched to call away from the Station, there will be no one to answer your call. Never leave a voicemail on the Administrative line.
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Can I get my blood pressure checked at the Station?Yes, please ring the doorbell to the left of the Visitor Entrance so that we can assist you. However, if you feel ill or have an emergency, call 911.
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Can you install my car seat?Car seat Installation is provided by our Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Please call 480-471-2304, ext. 2 to schedule an appointment. For proper installation you need to bring the car safety seat, car safety seat manual and your vehicle manual. Installations take approx. 30 minutes
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Does the Fire District offer CPR classes?We offer CPR/AED classes one Saturday each month November through April (except December). Please click here to sign up for a class. You may also call 480-471-2304, ext. 2.
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What is the fee for the CPR class?These classes are free to the residents within the Rio Verde Fire District. There is a $10.00 class charge per non-resident. The certification duration is for two years.
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What should I bring to CPR class?The class is four hours, so we suggest that you dress comfortably and bring a snack.
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Where are the CPR classes held?Classes are generally held at the Rio Verde Fire District Station 442 (17619 E. Rio Verde Drive). Depending on scheduling, the classes may also be held at either the Rio Verde Community Center, the Tonto Verde Clubhouse, or Verde River Event Center.
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Why does the big fire truck come when I call about a snake?Firefighters never know when the next call will come in or where they will be sent. Therefore, each crew has to stick together so they are prepared for whatever comes next. They bring the fire truck for the same reason. If another call came in while they were picking up a snake, and they had to return to the Station to get the truck and/or the rest of their crew, precious time would be lost. When it comes to emergencies, time can mean the difference between life and death.
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Why does the fire truck show up at my house for a medical emergency?When a 911 call comes in, dispatchers often are not given precise or complete information. As such, units are dispatched on a worst-case scenario. All RVFD Firefighters are certified as either an EMT or Paramedic. In addition, all of our apparatus are staffed with at least one Paramedic and carry all the necessary equipment to provide ALS (Advanced Life Support) treatment at the scene of medical events. Ambulances are staffed with only two personnel. Many emergency situations require extra manpower. Remember, seeing a fire truck at your neighbor's house does not automatically make it any more or less serious than any other call.
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Why do I see other fire department trucks responding in our community?If Rio Verde Fire District units are already on emergency calls in our community when another call comes in, we must rely on our neighboring departments and automatic aid partners to respond in our place.
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What is the Life Line Program?Life Line is a public safety program designed to provide accurate medical information to aid first responders coming to your emergency medical aid.
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How does the Life Line Program work?Simply fill out the Life Line form, available at the station. Place the form in a resealable plastic bag marked Life Line with a permanent marker. Place the bag on the upper right-hand shelf of your refrigerator door.
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Who do I contact if I encounter livestock on the roadway?Please call Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) 602-506-8600.
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What is the Lock Box Program?A Lock Box is a secure box installed near the main entrance of a residence containing a key which provides access to that entrance. Access to this box is restricted to on duty fire district personnel only in case of an emergency. This program is voluntary.
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Where and how are the Lock Boxes installed?These boxes are installed by fire district personnel to the right of the front door at approximately three to four feet in height. They are permanently mounted, which involves drilling screws into the existing wall. They are installed in this specific location so they are can be identified quickly by on duty fire district personnel.
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How can I get a Lock Box installed on my property?The first step is to purchase the Lock Box at the Rio Verde Fire District Administrative Office. Cost of the box is $70. After purchasing the Lock Box someone will contact you to arrange installation.
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Why would on duty Fire District personnel need access to a key to enter my house?Perhaps you have fallen and are unable to get to the door in order to allow the fire department to enter. Or maybe a family member or neighbor is concerned that they have been unable to reach you and has requested that the Fire District perform a welfare check visit.
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How should I dispose of expired or unused prescription medications?Residents of Fountain Hills and the Verde communities can bring their unwanted or expired prescription medications to the drop box inside the Fountain Hills Town Hall. For more information, please click here.
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What should I do if I am stung by a scorpion?Unless you are allergic, scorpion stings are very painful but rarely cause damage. Dial 911. For additional information regarding insect bites and stings, please call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
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What should I do if I discover a snake on my property?If you discover a snake on your property please call 480-471-3504, the Citizen Assistance Line. Firefighters are trained to identify harmful snakes and can safely remove and dispose of them if necessary. Under no circumstances should you attempt to catch or aggravate a snake.
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What precautions can I take to avoid a rattlesnake bite?Maintain increased awareness of your surroundings in the evening hours when snakes are the most active. When walking at night always carry a flashlight. Regardless of the time of day, never place your hand where you cannot see it. Take extra precautions when gardening - bites often occur when placing hands under shrubs or plants without looking. Generally, snakes want little to do with humans and, given the opportunity, will find a quick exit.
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What should I do if I am bitten by a rattlesnake?Try to remain calm. While a snake bite is rarely fatal you will need medical attention immediately. Dial 911. Remove all jewelry from limbs where bite has occurred. Do not attempt to treat the wound by tying a tourniquet or any other practice.
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What should I do if I have a wild animal on my property?With desert dwellers such as coyotes, javelina, and bobcats if you leave them alone, they will go away. Do not attempt to offer food or water because they will most likely return.
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My question isn't listed here. How can I get the answers you need?If you have any questions that aren't listed here -or- if you think there's something we should add to these FAQ's, please click here to submit your question. You may also call 480-471-2304, ext. 2.
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