Communications Division

The SAFD Communications Center answers over a quarter of a million calls annually. These calls include requests for emergency medical services, fire suppression, and numerous other general information inquiries. The Call Takers/ Dispatchers who man the center are certified Texas Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics, certified Structural Firefighters, and hold special certifications as Emergency Medical Dispatchers and Emergency Fire Dispatchers.

Communication Quick Facts 32 Call Takers/Dispatchers 703 Portable Radios Total Number of Calls Received in 2007: 276,809 Average Daily Call Received: 758

As experienced Firefighters and EMT-Paramedics, Call Takers can quickly extract needed information and begin determining the appropriate SAFD response. They have saved countless lives by talking frantic callers through step-by-step instructions so that emergency treatment could begin while waiting for the responding units to arrive on the scene. Additional division responsibilities include: Assisting EMS field units by constantly monitoring and updating the availability of local hospitals. Contacting resources such as Arson Investigators, Fire Inspectors, and Public Works for response to fire scenes. Notifying City Public Service and the San Antonio Water System for assistance with power and gas lines or water pressure. Currently, the Fire Department has a total of 703 hand-held radios plus base radios located in each of the 50 fire stations. The Communications Division constantly monitors and analyzes radio system capacity and usage, taking needed actions to maintain peak performance—for both equipment and personnel. The Communications Division is overseen by an Assistant Chief. Each shift is staffed with eight Call Takers/Dispatchers and one shift supervisor, who also serves as a backup or overflow Call Taker. File of Life Program The File of Life Program provides a way for seniors and others with known medical conditions to quickly and clearly communicate their medical information to EMT-Paramedics should a situation arrive. Learn more about the "File of Life Program." Interested in a career with the San Antonio Fire Department? Find out what it takes to Join Our Team!