YOUR Definition Of A Squad

[Phaze]

There have been SO many different squads for different departments so I wanted to know how YOU used it. I am not sure about my dept because we are so large and there are so few and they are on the other side of the county. But I know some examples.

LACoFD: Medical unit

LAFD: Hazmat

FDNY: Engine/Truck/Rescue/Hazmat

[FWDbuff]

Southeastern Pa: a Squad company is (usually) an "enhanced" engine company, having extra capabilities beyond that of an ordinary Engine Company- usually carries additional truck company/rescue company tools such as saws, jaws, some technical rescue equipment, and maybe extra ground ladders.

[EastKyFF]

Around here we are generally talking a mini-pumper, usually with some rescue tools.

[Phaze]

That's interesting, what you have just explained a bit of a rescue engine (or "truck engine" like some call it down here) but its interesting that it carries extra ground ladders, wouldn't that be the duty of a ladder truck (most likely "tiller" or quint)

[FWDbuff]

wouldn't that be the duty of a ladder truck (most likely "tiller" or quint)

Yes, however when you are faced with daytime manpower shortages as we are, combined with long driveways made inaccessible by hose lays and/or apparatus, it's nice to have extra ground ladders close to the fire building or on the first-out piece.

[Fyrtrks]

What's in a name more like what's in the vehicle.

I have heard a squad referred to many different vehicles, not limited to the following:

1 A Heavy Rescue like the 5 in FDNY
2 An ambulance usually referring to a Type I or Type III
3 An Engine with rescue tool capabilities here in Broome Cty NY for NIMS renumbering.
4 A light rescue like a Johnny and Roy style used as a RIT
5 A SUV carrying manpower only


I think it depends on the location you are in.

[Eng34FF]

Around here a squad is for heavy rescue. it generally carries extrication tools, rope rescue equipment, and various other rescue items. The county standard also requires it to have a cascade system, and it may or may not have a pump.

Squad crews also do truck work on the fire-ground. They have a minimal compliment of ladders.

[ChiefKN]

Southeastern Pa: a Squad company is (usually) an "enhanced" engine company, having extra capabilities beyond that of an ordinary Engine Company- usually carries additional truck company/rescue company tools such as saws, jaws, some technical rescue equipment, and maybe extra ground ladders.

This...........................

[LaFireEducator]

Not a term you will hear in this part of the state.

I know New Orleans has a "Flying Squad" which, as it was described to me by them, is a manpower unit with heavy and technical rescue capabilities.

In my travels a squad has been everything from a pickup with no equipment at all, to a Suburban with airpacks and a few tools, to a mini-pumper, to a light rescue, to a air-light unit, to an engine with extrication tools, to a truck company.

So basically, it can be just about anything a region or department wants it to be.

[ATFDFF]

Around here a squad is for heavy rescue. it generally carries extrication tools, rope rescue equipment, and various other rescue items. The county standard also requires it to have a cascade system, and it may or may not have a pump.

Squad crews also do truck work on the fire-ground. They have a minimal compliment of ladders.

This........

[FIREMECH1]

We don't have anything that is called a "squad". If it is said, it is in reference to a Med Unit (ambulance).

FM1

[rkulp51]

Around here a squad is a small or large style body ranging from a pickup to a medium rescue (without the tools) and is used for manpower, traffic control, spills, cascade, etc.

[HuntPA]

We do not use the term squad in our department. We do have one department here that refers to their ambulance as a squad so that they can skirt the state law that says an ambulance cannot exceed the posted speed limit or go through red lights.

My understanding is that a squad is a unit capable of some medical and light rescue duties, but is not patient transportable.

But then again, isn't a cop car called a squad car?

[RFDACM02]

We do not use the term squad in our department. We do have one department here that refers to their ambulance as a squad so that they can skirt the state law that says an ambulance cannot exceed the posted speed limit or go through red lights.

Good luck with that! I'd say they're damn fools if they think that'll actually save them in court.

Our squad is very similar to what FWD noted, minus any extra ladders.

[Bones42]

Around my area, referring to the "Squad" means your talking about your local EMS agency...as in First Aid Squad.

My Department, however, has a Squad Assignment in the case an engine or truck is not on scene and the other is. Meaning, if the engine is arriving and there is no truck on scene, the engine may be reassigned as Squad 1. They will then split the crew and half do engine 1 work, half do truck 1 work. Same can happen if truck on scene but no engine. Yes, our TL has a pump, tank, and hoses.