What Happens When You Call 911

  1. Your Call Goes to a 911 Center
    When you dial 911, your call is routed to the correct dispatch center based on the phone’s location, which if a cell phone, is determined by the carrier using a combination of cell tower information and GPS coordinates.
  2. The Dispatcher Will Ask Questions
    The first questions usually asked:
    “What’s the address of your emergency?”
    Then they will ask:
    • “What’s the phone number you’re calling from?”
    • Okay, tell me exactly what happened?” (fire, medical, crime)
    • Stay Calm and Speak Clearly.
    • Give the exact address or closest landmark.
    • Explain what is happening.
    • Answer all questions.
  3. Follow Their Instructions
    The dispatcher may tell you what to do before help arrives, like CPR or first aid.
    Do not hang up until they say it’s okay.
  4. Help Is Sent Right Away
    The dispatcher sends firefighters, paramedics, or police.
    For medical emergencies, a fire engine and an ambulance may both come.
  5. Stay on the Line
    They may give you more instructions or updates while help is on the way.

Emergency Medical Services

Bend Fire & Rescue provides emergency medical services (EMS) and ambulance transport to a 1,450 square mile radius within Bend and Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2 known as the Ambulance Service Area (ASA). The Ambulance Service Area includes key highway corridors from Mt. Bachelor to the west and 70 miles to the east of Bend. About 75% of service calls are for medical emergencies.

 

Key EMS Services

  • Ambulance Transport – Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS).
  • Community Trainings –Hands Only CPR and Stop the Bleed.
  • Car Seat Clinics – Technicians who can check child restraint and offer car seat guidance.
  • PulsePoint– Alert community responders to nearby cardiac emergencies so they can help save lives. Register AEDs in the community for easier public and responder access.

Ambulance Billing and Services

Find information on ambulance billing, payment options, service rates, and other services.

Firefighting Services

Bend Fire & Rescue responds to a vast geographic area which includes 164 square miles known as the Fire Service Area (FSA). The services provided to this area include:

  • Structural Fires – Residential, commercial, and industrial.
  • Wildland Fires – Coordinated with regional partners for wildfire suppression.
  • Hazardous Materials Incidents – Specialized teams handle chemical and environmental hazards.
  • Technical Rescues – Including vehicle extrication, swift water and rope rescues.
  • Fire Investigation & Prevention - fire investigations, fire mitigation inspections, smoke detector installations, and wildfire risk mitigation

Our Fleet and Capabilities

Bend Fire & Rescue uses specialized vehicles for fires, rescues, and medical emergencies. Each unit is fully equipped and staffed by trained professionals to respond quickly and help keep our community safe.

After the Emergency

Recovering from an emergency—whether it’s a fire, flood, medical crisis, or other disaster—can feel overwhelming. Here are some key steps to help you move forward:

Ensure Safety First
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Secure Your Property
Locate important documents and items
Seek Disaster Assistance
Take Care of Emotional Health
Make Notifications About Your Change of Address
Plan for the Future

    FireMed Membership

    Did you know Bend Fire & Rescue does more than fight fires? We handle 100% of 9-1-1 emergency medical calls and ambulance transports in Bend and the Rural Fire Protection District #2. In fact, about 75% of what we do is helping people during medical emergencies. In 2024, we responded to nearly 14,000 medical calls—both emergency and non-emergency.

    Here’s the thing: while most insurance plans cover part of an ambulance bill, they often don’t cover the whole cost. That’s where FireMed comes in. For just $60 a year, our FireMed membership covers everyone in your household and takes care of any out-of-pocket costs for emergency ambulance evaluations or medically necessary transports. We’ll bill your insurance, and whatever they pay is considered payment in full. You’ll never get a surprise bill for an emergency ambulance call.

    FireMed also covers emergency medical evaluations that don’t require a ride to the hospital. These visits cost $150 and usually aren’t covered by Medicare or most insurance plans—but with FireMed, you’re covered.

    Want to learn more or sign up?

    For more details: