Columbus Fire & EMS

Operations

The Operations Division of Columbus Fire & Emergency Medical Services is responsible for the direct delivery of fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue, and special operations to the citizens and visitors of Columbus. As the largest division within the department, Operations serves as the front line of emergency response and is dedicated to providing professional, timely, and compassionate service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The division is staffed by 354 sworn personnel and is organized into three geographically based battalions to ensure effective command, control, and coverage throughout the city. On any given shift, a minimum of 99 personnel are on duty, operating on a 24 hours on / 48 hours off work schedule. Columbus Fire & EMS responds to approximately 45,000 emergency incidents annually, deploying multiple units to the majority of calls to ensure rapid intervention, scene safety, and high-quality patient care.

Stations and Apparatus

The Operations Division operates from fourteen (14) fire stations strategically located across the city. These stations house a diverse fleet of emergency apparatus, including:

  • 13 Engines (Pumpers)
  • 6 Quints (Ladder Trucks)
  • 2 Squad Companies
  • 8 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulances
  • 1 Dive Rescue Vehicle
  • 1 Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Heavy Rescue Truck
  • 4 Contracted Private Ambulances

This fleet configuration allows the department to effectively manage structure fires, medical emergencies, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and large-scale emergencies. Emergency Medical Services Every company within Columbus Fire & EMS is capable of delivering Advanced Life Support (ALS) care, ensuring a high level of medical service across the entire city. An Advanced EMT is assigned to every unit, and ALS resources are strategically deployed to optimize response times and patient outcomes. Special Operations The Operations Division also oversees and staffs the department’s highly trained Special Operations Teams, which include:

  • Hazardous Materials Response
  • High-Angle Rope Rescue
  • Confined Space Rescue
  • Trench Rescue
  • Water Rescue and Recovery (including Dive Operations)
  • Georgia Search and Rescue (GSAR) Heavy Rescue

Station Number
Units Assigned
Station 1
E1, L1, M1, R1, B1
Station 2
E2, M2*
Station 3
E3, M3*
Station 4
E4, L4, M4
Station 5
E5, M5
Station 6
E6, L6, S6, D6, M6
Station 7
E7, M7*
Station 8
E8, L8, B2, M8
Station 9
E9, M9, GSAR
Station 10
E10, L10, M10, M16*
Station 11
E11, M11
Station 12
E12, B3, M12
Station 14
E14
Station 15
E15


* Private service ambulance: EMS Care

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