Columbus Fire & EMS

Operations

The Operations Division is responsible for delivering fire and emergency medical services to the community. The division has a total staff of 343 sworn personnel, and the city of Columbus is divided into three (3) battalions geographically. A minimum of 94 personnel on duty per shift. Personnel work a 24/48 work schedule. The Operations Division responds multiple units to the majority of approximately 57,000 emergency alarms annually. The Operations Division operates from fourteen (14) stations which house a total of thirteen (13) engines (pumpers), six (6) quints (ladder trucks), two (2) squad companies, six (6) advanced life support ambulances, one (1) dive rescue vehicle, (1) one Georgia Search and Rescue heavy rescue truck (GSAR) and six (6) private ambulances. The Operations Division is also responsible for overseeing the department's Special Operations Teams to include hazardous material response, high angle rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, and water rescue/recovery. Every company in Columbus Fire and EMS can deliver ALS care because an Advanced EMT is assigned to every unit. Also, every ladder truck, squad trucks and Engine 15 are strategically place through the city and all are equipped with new Homatro extrication equipment.

 

Stations and Apparatus

The Operations Division operates from fourteen (14) fire stations strategically located across the city. These stations house a diverse fleet of emergency apparatus, including:

  • 13 Engines (Pumpers)
  • 6 Quints (Ladder Trucks)
  • 2 Squad Companies
  • 8 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulances
  • 1 Dive Rescue Vehicle
  • 1 Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Heavy Rescue Truck
  • 4 Contracted Private Ambulances

This fleet configuration allows the department to effectively manage structure fires, medical emergencies, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and large-scale emergencies. Emergency Medical Services Every company within Columbus Fire & EMS is capable of delivering Advanced Life Support (ALS) care, ensuring a high level of medical service across the entire city. An Advanced EMT is assigned to every unit, and ALS resources are strategically deployed to optimize response times and patient outcomes. Special Operations The Operations Division also oversees and staffs the department’s highly trained Special Operations Teams, which include:

  • Hazardous Materials Response
  • High-Angle Rope Rescue
  • Confined Space Rescue
  • Trench Rescue
  • Water Rescue and Recovery (including Dive Operations)
  • Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Heavy Rescue
Station Number Units Assigned
Station 1 E1, L1, M1, R1, B1
Station 2 E2, M2*
Station 3 E3, M3*
Station 4 E4, L4, M4
Station 5 E5, M5
Station 6 E6, L6, S6, D6, M6
Station 7 E7, M7*
Station 8 E8, L8, B2, M8
Station 9 E9, M9, GSAR
Station 10 E10, L10, M10, M16*
Station 11 E11, M11
Station 12 E12, B3, M12
Station 14 E14
Station 15 E15


* Private service ambulance: EMS Care