Enhancements for Emergency Response Coming to the Oakdale Area

Like major corporations, the fire service learns from both past mistakes as well as positive accomplishments. These "lessons learned" are incorporated into our training programs that include the changing of emergency response for our citizens.    

A recent good practice was realized when the Old Colchester Road bridge was closed at Oxoboxo Lake. During this time, mutual aid agreements were made with neighboring fire departments to automatically respond to the Route 82 and Lake Drive development areas to provide a more rapid response as the Oakdale departments response time would be delayed. Ironically, during the bridge closure, we had several calls to this area and found the added response to be extremely effective.    

Recognizing this enhancement, the Oakdale and Gardner Lake fire departments met and agreed to maintain this response. In the affected areas, Route 82 and Lake Drive areas, the Gardner Lake fire department will be automatically assigned for medical calls, structure fires and motor vehicle accidents.

Time is critical during these specific emergencies, so by getting an emergency medical technician to the scene quicker, patient care can be started faster, providing a more favorable outcome for the individual in need. In addition, by starting their tanker for structure fires, the much needed water will arrive in a timely manner.    

We feel this enhancement will serve as a great benefit to our citizens in this area as the response time will greatly reduced.

An analogy I like to use is this; "If you had a 50 pound rock placed on your chest, would you want it removed in 3 minutes or 8 minutes?" Most would prefer the lesser time and that is what we aim to do.