The fire service’s on-call unit is first on the scene

As an on-call firefighter, you can jump straight into the fire service’s on-call vehicle. This means the on-call firefighter is the first to arrive at the burning building. Within a few minutes, several fire engines reach the scene, hoses are rolled out, and the rescue operation is in full motion. The top priority, as always, is to save lives.

Thankfully, this is only an exercise. On this slushy March evening, both full-time and on-call firefighters are training smoke diving and cutting extinguishing techniques in the practice building next to the fire station.

Strengthening emergency readiness

The on-call vehicle is part of a one-year pilot project and a new function called rescue reinforcement. The project began at the end of February on the initiative of Boden’s fire service.

The new function means that one of the five on-call firefighters always keeps the on-call vehicle with them — at home, at work, or during leisure activities. When an alarm comes in, this firefighter can drive directly to the incident. The other four firefighters collect vehicles and equipment at the fire station before heading out.

“We wanted to strengthen our readiness and arrive faster when something serious happens,” says Kristoffer Stigson, head of the rescue unit. “After the pilot period, we will evaluate the results and decide whether to make this a permanent solution.”

A special responsibility

The on-call firefighters take turns being responsible for the vehicle. Every eight weeks, one of them has the on-call vehicle with them wherever they go. This is why you might see the fire service car parked outside a preschool at 3:45 in the afternoon. There is no need to worry — it means the vehicle is ready to respond immediately if needed.

Tord Vikberg has been an on-call firefighter for ten years. In a few weeks, it will be his turn to carry the responsibility for the on-call vehicle.

“Being the first to arrive at a fire or an accident is a special responsibility, and every call is different,” says Tord. “It’s rewarding and meaningful to be a firefighter. Helping others makes me happy.”