FAQ
Boynton Beach Fire Rescue exists to serve the community. We understand that our customers, friends and neighbors have many unanswered questions that may, or may not, pertain to the many services that we provide. Each and every member of this department is either informed or equipped to answer your questions or to put you in touch with the appropriate office or person who can. Please feel free to contact upon us via phone, fax, e-mail or in-person should you have any questions or concerns.
Here are some of the most
Frequently Asked Questions that we receive:
“I’m a teacher at a local school, I would like to have my class visit the fire station or arrange for a fire truck to come out to my school. Who should I call?”
Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, we are available throughout the year to visit schools, clubs or other organizations and our personnel are capable of providing numerous presentations on various subjects. Our stations are also open for tours, walk-in emergencies or as a “safe haven” for infants in the event a parent cannot care for a newborn. For tours or visits to your school or organization, please call 561-742-6342.
“Why do I sometimes see both fire engines and rescue trucks responding when there is no fire?”
We are often asked this question along with why we sometimes send a fire engine when someone calls for an “ambulance.” There are a number of reasons and answers to these questions:
• All of our units are dually capable of handling medical emergencies. While there may be no fire, our engine personnel are always staffed with at least one on-board certified paramedic and the engines themselves are equipped to handle both Basic Life Support medical emergencies as well as Advanced Life Support.
• At the same time, our rescue vehicle personnel are also firefighters and the rescue vehicles are designed to treat Advanced Life Support medical emergencies, but are also equipped for basic fire suppression.
• Therefore, in the best interest of the patient, we respond the closest available unit(s) and are prepared for a “worst case scenario” at all times. We believe it is better to over-respond and cancel any unnecessary units, than to delay our response or under-serve a citizen or citizens in need.
"My insurance company wants to know how close we are to a fire station?"
Everyone living within the city limits of Boynton Beach is either 3 miles from a fire station or 500 feet from a fire hydrant.
“How can I obtain a copy of my medical ambulance report?”
You will need to submit an authorization to release medical records. This will include the name, date of birth, address, picture identification and signature of the requesting party.
"What if I am not the patient?"
You will need to show proof that you have power of attorney over the patient and that it is authorized for you to obtain the patients medical records.
"What if my lawyer needs a copy of my medical records?"
The requesting lawyer’s office will need to submit a records request, which will include the patients signature allowing the release of their records. Otherwise they may send a subpoena to us at Boynton Beach Fire Rescue, City of Boynton Beach, 100 East Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435. They may call (561) 742-6338 and speak with Amy McDeavitt. Both the records request and the subpoenas will go to the attention of Amy McDeavitt. Her fax number is (561) 742-6346.
ALL REQUESTS MUST HAVE THE DATE OF ACCIDENT OR INJURY AND THE PATIENT’S NAME.
“Car Seats - do you install them?”
Yes, we do! If you are (or will be) in need of a Child Safety Seat for your vehicle, you will need to plan ahead. Appointments are required and will need to be scheduled based on the shift availability of our certified technicians. Therefore, you will need to call (561) 742-6600 to find out the next available dates and to schedule your appointment for the appropriate date and time to coincide with the impending fly-over by the stork.
“Hurricane Shelters - where are they and when do I go/should I go?”
The following shelters will be available to serve Boynton Beach:
• Park Vista Community High School—7900 Jog Rd.
• Boynton Beach Community High School—4975 Park Ridge Blvd. & Gateway
• Odyssey Middle School—6161 Woolbright Rd.
Red Cross Shelters are to be used as your last resort only. You must wait until a particular shelter has been officially declared open. Shelters will be crowded and uncomfortable. You will need to bring your own pillows & blankets, food, water, and prescription medications. Bring small quiet toys, games and books if you have young children with you. NO PETS, NO ALCOHOL, NO FIREARMS will be permitted into the shelters!
If you are, or know, a person with “Special Needs” you will need to PRE-REGISTER with the County for admission to the Special Needs Shelter located at the Fairgrounds. People with special needs may include, but are not limited to, those who rely on oxygen, those with insulin dependence or other medical needs that require closer medical attention than will be provided at the regular shelters. While medical personnel will remain onsite at the Special Needs Shelter, you must supply your own medications, medical supplies, food and water for up to 5 days. To pre-register, call the Palm Beach County Emergency Management Office at 561-712-6400.
“Flu vaccines – How, when and where can I get one?”
Please call the Flu Vaccination Hot Line #561-712-6501. Hours are from 9:00am - 5:00pm, 7 days a week.
“Are YOU my fire department?”
While there are over 65,000 residents living in the City of Boynton Beach, not all are served by Boynton Beach Fire Rescue. Some residents may be served by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue plus, others in our contract areas of Hypoluxo, Ocean Ridge, Village of Golf and Briny Breezes may be surprised to find that we serve those areas.
“Why don’t fire departments get cats out of trees?”
This is one of the greatest misconceptions in history. While it does paint a very warm Norman Rockwell picture, history has more than proven that cats are not only adept at climbing trees, but they are equally adept at getting out of trees all by themselves! The course of action we suggest is to place an open can of cat food at the base of the tree and walk away—most often, the cat remains “stuck” in the tree because of all of the commotion on the ground—leave the cat alone and it will come down when it gets hungry. Risking neither injury to the cat nor the firefighters would be an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. (Unless of course, the cat is on fire, in which case please give us a call!)
“I have firefighter training/certification from another state. Is it transferable to Florida?”
Firefighter certifications are administered by the Bureau of Fire Standards, Florida State Fire College in Ocala, Florida. For specific details contact 352-732-1330.
“Is my out-of-state EMT or Paramedic certification recognized in Florida?”
For certification information contact the State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, Division of EMS in Tallahassee at 850-245-4440.
“Who shall I contact about questions concerning storage/disposal of paint, oil or other hazardous materials?”
For information on the disposal of hazardous materials, citizens should contact the Solid Waste Authority at 561-697-2700.
“My neighbor is outside burning brush/trash. Do they have to have a permit for this? Whom shall I report it to?”
Yes, a permit is required for burning. Contact the Fire Marshal’s office at 561-742-6600 for more information.
“Telemarketers - why are you calling me and asking for money?”
The Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Department has received numerous inquiries and complaints from Boynton Beach citizens regarding phone solicitation for donations from organizations and/or individuals stating that they represent the Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Department. The Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Department is not currently, nor will it ever, use telephone solicitation as a means of requesting donations from the public. The Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Department receives no funds from these organizations.