Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Three out of every four responses by the Defiance Fire and Rescue Division are for emergency medical services. In 2021, the Fire and Rescue Division responded to 2,539 EMS calls. The Division provides emergency medical services to the City of Defiance, Defiance Township, and Noble Township; approximately 60 square miles with a population of 19,628.

22 of the Division's 26 full-time personnel are dual certified as Firefighters and Paramedics. The remaining four full-time personnel have certified at the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basic level. The Division's part-time personnel also hold emergency medical certifications as EMT Basic or Paramedic.

The Division operates three rescue squads with drugs and state-of-the-art equipment that include:

• Autovent
• Capnography
• Cardiac monitor/defibrillators with 12-lead EKG capability
• Continuous positive airway pressure
• EZIO
• Lucas Device for CPR
• Medication-assisted intubation

The Division transports patients to Defiance Regional Medical Center or Mercy Hospital. The City charges $700 plus $18 per loaded mile for basic life support and transport, $900 plus $18 per loaded mile for Level 1 advanced life support, and $1,000 plus $18 per loaded mile for Level 2 advanced life support. These charges help reduce the amount of tax dollars needed to fund the Division.