ll firefighters are trained and certified as part of the job requirements as North Carolina Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with heart defibrillation capabilities, and are a vital part of the Fayetteville Fire Department responses. The training period consists of 200 hours of rigorous training culminating in a state exam with continuing education requirements and participation in an ongoing recertification program. Our First Responder program began in the 1970s. We respond to all types of incidents, from motor vehicle accidents to medical and trauma related life threatening situations.

The Fayetteville Fire Department is classified as a heavy rescue response department. Heavy rescue is defined as advanced rescue capabilities for extrication, collapse and confined space while providing medical responder support for all incidents. Transportation capabilities are provided in coordination with County resources. Types of rescues performed include, but are not limited to extrication methods, rope rescues, lifting and stabilization of objects, and urban searches. National standards are maintained for proper response times and staffing to all incidents.