Emergency Medical Services

SMFD plays a critical role in emergency medical response, with EMS calls making up 65% of total call volume. The division undergoes monthly training and continuing education to maintain licensure and enhance their skills.

SMFD personnel respond rapidly to medical emergencies, delivering compassionate, high-quality care to residents. In the past year, firefighters/paramedics treated 982 patients, with 743 transported to local hospitals and 239 declining transport. The leading cause of EMS activation in Sierra Madre is trauma-related incidents, with falls accounting for 16% of all calls.

In November 2024, SMFD upgraded Fire Engine 41 from a Paramedic Assessment Unit (PAU) to a Paramedic Engine, following detailed audits by the Los Angeles Department of Health Services. This enhancement allows Medic Engine 41 to carry the same advanced medical equipment and medications as Rescue Ambulance 41, ensuring the community has two fully equipped advanced life support (ALS) units operating 24/7.

Paramedic Subscription Program

For a small annual fee, members gain financial protection for paramedic and ambulance services not covered by their primary insurance. Acting as secondary insurance, the program covers additional fees and helps minimize out-of-pocket costs for emergency medical services and transportation.

All Sierra Madre residents and business owners are eligible to enroll in this valuable program, which ensures peace of mind and coverage for emergency services provided by the Sierra Madre Fire Department or its authorized ambulance service within the city. Take advantage of this program today and protect yourself, your family, or your business from unexpected medical expenses.

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File of Life Packets

Medical emergencies are often stressful, and preparing medical information in advance helps ensure it is accurate and complete. The File of Life program allows Sierra Madre residents to keep essential medical details in one packet, stored in a plastic envelope on the refrigerator with a window decal to alert EMS personnel. File of Life packets are available free of charge at City Hall and the Fire Department, with instructions provided at pickup.

PulsePoint

PulsePoint is a suite of free mobile apps, primarily PulsePoint Respond, that alerts CPR-trained citizens to nearby sudden cardiac arrests in public places, guiding them to the victim and the closest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to provide life-saving help before emergency responders arrive. It connects directly to local 911 dispatch systems, ensuring simultaneous alerts to both professionals and community volunteers to improve survival rates for cardiac arrest victims.