On Saturday, November 26, 2005 Deborah and I were the guests of Phoenix Fire Department Station #9 A-shift, for a "Ride-Along." Station #9 is located in the heart of the City of Phoenix, just south of the VA hospital off Indian School Road. Our adventure started at 4pm on Saturday and we finished up by 1:30am Sunday morning.

During our visit, were had steak dinner in the mess with all 16 of the on-duty firefighters and paramedics. We also were given a complete in-depth tour of all the trunks and equipment. I found the in-truck GPS radio computer street mapping and dispatcher call data terminals quite fascinating.

We also rode with lights and sirens blasting inside both Ladder #9 and Engine #9 to five medical emergencies. It was quite a thrill and rush to be inside the cab of the fire truck watching all the cars move over to the curb as we raced down Indian School Road.

Wearing an official Phoenix Fire Department vest, we followed and went inside all homes along with firefighters during the five following rescues:

1. Drunk woman passed out on street corner. When we arrived at the seen the woman woke up and walked away on her own.
2. Man on Crystal Meth trespassing on privet property looking for a warm place to sleep. He did not know where he was. Phoenix PD was called and man was transported to a shelter.
3. Alcoholic woman had liver failure, found by daughter passed out in a van on blocks in the back yard. Woman had turned yellow and had open sores all over her body. Rescue #9 transported the woman to St Joe's.
4. Diabetic man in a coma found by roommate. When we arrived the man was foaming from the mouth and his sugar level was 20. Paramedics gave IV and he came out of the coma. The man signed off on a waver not to be transported to St. Joe's.
5. 300+ pound 47 year old woman had chest pains, weak breathing and could not speak. Took five firefighters to pick woman up out of her bed and place onto gurney. Rescue #9 transported woman to St. Joe's.

On average, the calls lasted between 20 minutes to an hour and half.

I didn't take any pictures of the calls we were on in respect to the people and their families. Plus I'm sure you wouldn't want to see a 300 pound nude fat woman. However the following are some nice pictures inside station #9.

All-in-all, it was a very informative nine and a half hours. All the firemen were very cordial, friendly and professional, and both Deborah and I felt just like part of the team by our fifth call out. I have to honestly say, I now have lots of respect and admiration for the Phoenix Fire Department firefighters and paramedics.

I highly recommend if you get the chance to do a ride-along, DO IT!