More Than Firefighters: Why Every Kensington Volunteer Firefighter Is Also An EMT
When most people picture a firefighter, they think of fire engines, heavy gear, and structure fires. What many people don’t realize is that in Kensington and throughout Montgomery County, Maryland, every firefighter is also trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). That means the same KVFD volunteers who respond to fires are also prepared to provide lifesaving medical care when emergencies occur.
During National EMS Week and throughout the year, it’s important to recognize that medical emergencies are a major part of what firefighters respond to every day, and that behind every response is a team trained to handle far more than fires. Keep reading to learn more about what this training means for the Kensington community.
Why Every Firefighter Learns EMS Skills
Learning EMS skills is one of the first steps for KVFD operational volunteers. Members pursuing operational firefighter roles are required to complete EMT training, just like all career firefighters throughout the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
That training reflects the reality of today’s emergency response environment: approximately 80% of the emergency calls KVFD responds to in Montgomery County are EMS-related. Medical emergencies make up the majority of the department’s call volume, which means firefighters must be prepared to provide medical care just as often as they respond to fires.
That training prepares them to respond to medical emergencies ranging from cardiac arrests and traumatic injuries to breathing emergencies and vehicle accidents. For Kensington, this creates a stronger and more skilled emergency response system.
A fire call could involve injuries. A medical emergency could require rescue tools or additional manpower. Because KVFD firefighters are also EMTs, they can immediately assess patients, begin medical care, and help manage the emergency from the moment they arrive.
This dual certification helps ensure the department can respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies while delivering faster, more coordinated care to the community.
What Firefighters Do On Emergency Calls
KVFD volunteers respond to far more than structure fires. Medical emergencies, vehicle accidents, rescue calls, and public service incidents are all part of the job.
On many calls, volunteer firefighters are among the first to arrive and begin patient care before an ambulance even reaches the scene. They assist with medical assessments, provide lifesaving care, help stabilize patients, and support the overall emergency response effort.
That ability to handle both fire and medical emergencies allows KVFD crews to respond faster, work more efficiently, and provide better support to the community during critical moments.
How Fire Response Has Changed
Fire service today looks very different than it did decades ago. In many cases, medical emergencies now account for the majority of emergency calls departments respond to each year.
That shift means today’s firefighters are expected to be adaptable, medically trained, and prepared for almost any situation they encounter.
KVFD volunteers train alongside career personnel within the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, learning both firefighting and emergency medical skills from experienced instructors and mentors.
Serving as both an EMT and firefighter builds decision-making, leadership, teamwork, communication, and confidence under pressure. Many KVFD members use their experience as a pathway into healthcare, emergency services, and public safety careers.
Become a Firefighter at KVFD
KVFD is always looking for dedicated community members ready to step up and serve.
Volunteers receive free professional training, flexible scheduling opportunities, mentorship, and the support needed to succeed with no prior experience required.
Learn more about volunteer firefighter benefits and how to apply.
