Emergency Medical Services (EMS) / Paramedic Program

Each frontline Rancho Cucamonga Fire District response unit is staffed and equipped to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) services in response to a variety of illnesses and injuries. Firefighters cross trained as certified Paramedics are responsible for patient assessment, contact with local hospitals and advanced treatment that includes the administration of controlled drugs. These advanced skills include:

• 12-lead EKG STEMI Program
• EZ/IO
• Airway Management (CPAP)

RCFD Paramedics Compete for Top Honors

Firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, Emergency Nurses, Emergency Managers, and other first responders recently attended the 5th Annual CFEDWest Conference and Expo in Ontario, California.  During the conference, a two-day Paramedic Challenge pit eight teams of two paramedics against each other in a friendly competition to test their paramedic skills.  Firefighter-Paramedics Ofer Lichtman and Steve Rasmussen teamed up to represent Rancho Cucamonga Fire for the challenge.  At the end of the first day of competition, Ofer and Steve had completed four scenarios, demonstrating outstanding patient care skills taking them into the lead.  The following day the final scenario challenged them against Loma Linda Fire to win top honors.  Navigating their way through a complicated solo vehicle traffic collision scenario, Steve and Ofer performed advanced life support skills to treat an ejected patient and a second unconscious passenger with limited medical gear and manpower.  Steve and Ofer earned top honors, winning the competition for Rancho Cucamonga Fire!    Congratulations, Ofer and Steve!

Hazardous Materials Team

The Hazardous Materials Team consists of highly trained Hazardous Material Specialists supported by certified operational first responders. The Haz Mat Team responds out of the Day Creek Fire Station (173) to incidents reported to involve potentially dangerous spills or releases of various hazardous materials.

The Haz-Mat/Fire Team participates in a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) with four other surrounding agencies including cooperative assistance from the Ontario International Airport Fire Department. This JPA offers additional staffing or equipment as needed in the event of an incident. Rancho Cucamonga has also employed a Small Quantity Conditionally Exempt Generator (SQCEG) Program through San Bernardino County. The SQCEG program allows the Fire District to mitigate small spills without delay allowing the businesses less down time and reduced clean-up costs.

Technical Rescue Team

The Technical Rescue Team is able to respond without delay to calls requiring highly specialized rescue skills. The Tech Rescue Team is certified as a Heavy Level Rescue and was the first Heavy Level Team in San Bernardino County. Additionally, the Tech Rescue Team is part of the California Emergency Management Agency (CAL-EMA), which allows for the Team to be activated throughout the state if needed. The Team is trained and equipped for the flowing types of incidents:

• Confined space rescue
• Trench collapse rescue
• Building collapse and shoring
• Swift water rescue
• High angle rope rescue
• Large animal rescue

Many of the Team's calls are rope rescues usually located in the steep foothills of the District.

Wildland Fire Protection

A team of firefighters specializing in Wildland Fire Protection strives for public and firefighter safety above all. Working to continue improving the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Protection Plan, a new campaign focuses on the fuel modification front to "Give Firefighters a Fighting Chance." Fire District personnel are working closely with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Safe Council and homeowners to improve the defensible space around residences in order to give firefighters a chance to save such properties when in danger of wildfire.

Currently, members of the Wildland Fire Protection Program are working closely with the Fire District's Emergency Preparedness and Response Program to develop evacuation and travel routes in the event of a wildland fire emergency. This plan was practiced during a recent countywide preparedness exercise focusing on a wildland fire scenario.

Fire Station Services

Medical Waste Disposal

Rancho Cucamonga residents can bring used/unused needles & syringes (or SHARPS) to any fire station, but they must be stored in the proper container.  Unfortunately, we cannot accept expired medications.   Some expired medications (except controlled substances) can be taken to the City's Household Hazardous Waste collection facility, but others must be disposed of at an alternate location. 

Sandbags

The Fire District offers sandbag materials to all Rancho Cucamonga residents, free of charge, with a limit of 20 sandbags per resident.  Sandbags are available at the Amethyst and Banyan Fire Stations, but cannot be used for commercial purposes.

Safe Surrender Site

Under the Safe Surrender State Law, all RCFD fire stations are designated Safe Havens.  Under this law, a mother may surrender her baby (up to 3 days old) confidentially, without fear of arrest or prosecution for abandonment.