Can hearing-impaired people use 9-1-1?
All 9-1-1 PSAP’s (Public Safety Answering Points) in the state of Florida are required to have TDD capability for communication with hearing and speech impaired persons.

Can I use my cellular phone to call 9-1-1?
Cellular phones can call 9-1-1 as a free call. Location information can be provided, but the accuracy is dependant on the phone and the telephone carrier.  The dispatcher is dependent upon the caller to provide location information, roadway, direction of travel, etc.

How does a 9-1-1 call get to the right place?
Telephone computers are set up to identify the location where the 9-1-1 originated and automatically route it to the correct 9-1-1 center for that geographic location. Usually the calls are routed based on the political jurisdictional boundaries.   A 9-1-1 call from unincorporated Pasco County will ring in to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) located in the Emergency Communications Center in New Port Richey.  Calls from the cities of Port Richey, New Port Richey, Dade City or Zephyrhills will ring in to the respective police departments for those jurisdictions. Calls originating anywhere else in Pasco County will ring to the Emergency Communications Center.

How does enhanced 9-1-1 work?
Special computers and monitors display the location and phone number where the 9-1-1 call originated. A typical 9-1-1 display will give the phone number of the caller, the address and apartment or lot number and the name of the telephone service subscriber.

Is there a penalty for abuse of 9-1-1?
Yes, it is a first class misdemeanor to make false 9-1-1 calls and is punishable by $1,000 fine or up to one year imprisonment, according to Florida Statute 365.172(13).

What about 9-1-1 calls from businesses?
9-1-1 works the same way from businesses. However, if the business has a private switchboard (PBX) the call may originate from one of several different buildings or floors. An example of this might be a bank with multiple branches, or a municipal government with multiple administrative office buildings. The information displayed on the 9-1-1 screens will show the location of the switchboard. The 9-1-1 call-taker will ask the caller for specific location information, such as which building or floor and room.

What about VoIP phones and 911?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service is a rapidly growing alternative to traditional phone service. Although its popularity is fueled primarily by low prices, it is important for consumers to be aware of its limitations when calling 911.   The web site www.voip911.org was designed to educate consumers on VoIP phones and the considerations for 911 services.

What happens if I dial 9-1-1 by mistake?
Callers who dial by mistake should stay on the line when the 9-1-1 operator answers and explain that the number was dialed in error. The operator will verify that police, fire or medical assistance is not needed. If the caller disconnects, the operator will call the number and attempt contact. A law enforcement officer may be sent to the address displayed on the screen to make sure all is in order.

What if a caller does not speak English?
All Pasco County PSAP’s have translator services available for non-English speaking callers.

What is Emergency Medical Dispatch?
Emergency Medical Dispatch is used by communications staff to determine the type of medical emergency that is occurring, provides a list of questions for the call-taker to ask to determine the severity of the emergency and also provides pre-arrival instructions including scripted medical instructions for CPR, Childbirth and Obstructed Airway emergencies.  EMD is the bridge for the caller between the time they initially dial 9-1-1 until the arrival of responding units.

When I call 9-1-1, why am I transferred to another agency?

In Pasco County, the Emergency Communications Division under the auspices of the Emergency Services Department is the primary answering point for 9-1-1 calls.  The call-takers in this division are trained to handle fire and medical emergencies.  Any calls requiring police assistance must be transferred to the appropriate police jurisdiction to handle the incident in progress.

When should I call 9-1-1?

1. To report a Fire.  2. To report a medical emergency.  3. To report a crime in progress or just occurred.  4. To report a motor vehicle accident.  5. To report any incident that could put the safety of life or property in danger.

While the call-taker is asking questions, is help being sent?
Once a call-taker determines the type of emergency, a call is generated in our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and is routed immediately to a dispatcher.  Delays may occur if a caller cannot give an accurate address or if a caller is not cooperative enough to provide basic emergency information so that the call-taker can properly input the call.

Why does the call-taker ask so many questions?
The questions are asked to determine the type of emergency and appropriate response.  The more questions we ask, the more information we can pass on to responders and the better prepared they will be.

Ambulance service is covered in my taxes. Why did I receive a bill?
Fire service is included in your property taxes.  Ambulance service is a user-based fee that recovers 75% of the cost from health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

How are Pasco County Fire Rescue rates determined?
Rates are determined by surveying other local emergency service providers’ rates, carrier allowed amounts, operational cost evaluation, as well as through the budgetary process.  Rates are approved by the County Board of Commissioners.

I don’t have insurance and cannot afford to pay for my ambulance service. Will you reduce or waive the charge?
Pasco County does not reduce or waive fees for ambulance services.  To provide financial assistance we will accept installment payments until the bill is paid in full.  Please contact our billing office at (813) 929-1324 for details of the installment payment plan.

Is the bill for ambulance service covered by insurance?
This depends on the type of insurance coverage the patient has and whether the service is considered “Medically Necessary” by the patient’s insurance carrier.

What does Pasco County Fire Rescue charge for ambulance service?
Charges are based on the level of service provided.  Levels of service are defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).   Emergency Advanced Life Support (ALS1) service is $450.00 and $9.00 per mile;   Emergency Advanced Life Support (ALS2) service is $525.00 and $9.00 per mile; Rescue Assist service is $75.00.

Why are you sending me a bill after my insurance company paid?
This could be for different reasons:  1) Pasco County does not have contracts with insurance companies to accept less than our usual and customary rate.  Your insurance may not have paid us correctly; therefore, you are being billed for the balance.    2) Your insurance company may have sent the check for our services directly to you.

Why did I receive a bill for Rescue Assist services? Why won’t my insurance pay for this service?
Pasco County charges for ambulance service when an ambulance responds to a 911 call and upon arrival the patient refuses transport to the hospital.  Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurances will not cover Rescue Assist services because the patient was not transported to the hospital.  Ambulance service is a transportation benefit.

Do you teach CPR and First Aid Classes?
We do not offer these classes to the lay public. We will assist you in finding an available class in the area.

Does Pasco County accept the National Registry License job placement?
Pasco County only takes applicants that have successfully passed the State of Florida Division of Medical Assurance testing.

How do I become a firefighter in Florida?
To be a career Firefighter in the State of Florida, an individual must submit an Application for Certification as a Firefighter II. Then successfully complete the Firefighter Minimum Standards Course, or have received an equivalent amount of training in another state (or country), and pass the state written and practical examinations, as required by State Statute.   The Firefighter Minimum Standards course currently consists of a minimum of 360-hours of training. The first 160-hours includes NFPA Firefighter I and Florida specific requirements. The following 200-hours includes NFPA Firefighter II and Florida specific requirements. An individual who holds a Florida Firefighter One Certificate of Competency may enter the Firefighter Minimum Standards Course at the start of the Firefighter II training, if permissible by the Certified Training Center.

How old must I be to be able to become a Firefighter, EMT or Paramedic?
You must be at least 18 years of age.

I am a certified firefighter in Florida, can I apply to work for Pasco County Fire Rescue?
Only if you meet the following criteria. Be State certified as an EMT or Paramedic, must currently be certified by AHA, Red Cross or ASHI in BLS and/or ACLS, be a high school graduate or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma and have a valid class D Florida State Drivers License.

I am a Florida Certified Paramedic. What classes do I need to take to keep my license current?
You must complete 30 hours of a Paramedic Refresher training based on the U.S. DOT Paramedic NSC, and includes the performance parameters for adult and pediatric emergency medical care, 2 hours of HIV AIDS refresher training in accordance with section 381.0034, FS., and also maintain a current Advanced Cardiac Life Support Card as provided in section 401.27(4)(e)2, FS., which may be included in the 30 hours of refresher training. The DOH shall accept either the affirmation of a licensed EMS’s provider’s medical director; or a certificate of completion of refresher training from a department approved continuing education provider as proof of compliance.

I am certified as a Firefighter II in another state, can I transfer my certificate to Florida?
A Firefighter Minimum Standards Equivalency Examination is offered to individuals who have received training in another state (or country), that is evaluated as equivalent to that required in Florida's Firefighter Minimum Standards Course. To determine an individual's eligibility for the Equivalency Examination, a two-part application process is required. The Preliminary Equivalency Application (DFS-K4-1309) is submitted to the Challenge Review Board, along with supporting documentation. Such documentation should be a transcript, by subject, of the hours spent in initial training. Upon review and approval of the training documentation by the Challenge Review Board, an application for the Equivalency Examination and Certification will be sent to the applicant. The Equivalency Examination is offered four times a year at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. Please refer to the Testing Schedule for test dates.  http://www.fldfs.com/sfm/bfst/Standard/StdTstSc.htm

What could keep me from working as a Paramedic, Firefighter or an EMT in Pasco County?
A poor driving record, such as tickets for reckless operation, speeding or DUI convictions. Being convicted of any type of  felony. Any substance abuse problems.

What if I am certified as an EMT II in New Jersey, can I apply for a job as a Paramedic for Pasco County?
You would have to contact the Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, @ P.O. Box 6340,  Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6340 or:                    http://www.doh.state.fl.us/main-emt.html, or (850)245-4472

What kind of education do I need to become a Paramedic?

You must have a High School diploma or its equivalent, Take the following courses through and accredited college, community college or vocational/technical school:

• Emergency Medical Technician
• Successfully pass the DOH written exam for EMT Licensure
• Medical Terminology/Communication
• CPR for the Healthcare Professional
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• Anatomy and Physiology I
• Paramedics I, II, and III
• Successfully pass the DOH written exam with an 80% or above

How much do you charge for a fire inspection?
Currently there is no charge for fire prevention personnel to conduct an inspection during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 0830 – 1600 hrs).

What codes are used by Pasco County Fire Rescue when inspecting a building or reviewing plans?
The primary code that is utilized is the Florida Fire Prevention code – 2004 Edition. The Florida Fire Prevention Code may then refer specific issues to other NFPA codes or guidelines.

What is a Class 5 contractor?
“Class 5” refers to a contractor whose business is limited to the execution of contracts requiring the ability to lay out, fabricate, install, inspect, alter, repair, and service the underground piping for a fire protection system using water as the extinguishing agent beginning at the point at which the piping is used exclusively for fire protection and ending no more than one foot above the finished floor.

What regulations govern the installation and placement of hydrants in Pasco County?
Regulations governing the installation and placement of fire hydrants are governed by the Pasco County Hydrant Ordinance (Chap. 46-51). Information regarding the ordinance can be found at the Pasco County Government website (www.pascocountyfl.net) and is listed under the heading of “ordinances/resolutions” on the left side of the page.

What’s the difference between ALS1 and ALS2 service?
Advance Life Support (ALS1), Emergency:  When medically necessary, the provision of an assessment by an ALS provider or supplier or the provision of one or more ALS interventions.  Advance Life support (ALS2), Emergency:  When medically necessary, the administration of three or more different medications and the provision of at least one of the following ALS procedures:  Manual Defribrillation/Cardioversion; Endotracheal Intubation; Central Venous Line; Cardiac Pacing; Chest Decompression; Surgical Airway; Intraosseous Line.

Where do I take my plans for review?
Plans may not be taken directly to fire prevention. Plans must be taken to Central Permitting at any of their three locations;  West – Pasco County Government Center, 7530 Little Road, Suite 210, New Port Richey  Central – 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Land O’ Lakes   East – Pasco County Government Center, 14236 6th  Street, Suite 203, Dade City

How fast can the ambulance and fire truck go when they have their lights and sirens on?
Florida Statutes state the ambulance and fire engines must obey all traffic laws while driving. They are allowed to exceed the posted speed only when responding with lights and sirens, and road conditions allow for safe operation.

Is it true that a new born baby can be left at a Fire Station when the mother doesn’t want it?
Yes, any infant 3 days old or younger can be taken to a fire station or Emergency Room and dropped off anonymously without questions as to why. The parent will be asked if there are any medical problems with the infant. This has been made possible due to the Safe Heaven for New Born’s Law

What happens to the baby when they are left at the fire station?
They are immediately checked out by a Paramedic to ensure that they are not sick or injured and then they are transported by ambulance to the closest Emergency Room to begin the adoption process to find new parents.