RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN — The year 2023 has proven to be an active and demanding one for both the Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department (MFRD) and the Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS). Despite the challenges, these dedicated emergency responders have managed to uphold an impressive level of efficiency and promptness in addressing the needs of the community.

Brent Carter, the Community Relations Coordinator for RCEMS, provided insights into the demanding nature of their responsibilities. The ambulance service has experienced a surge in call volume, averaging approximately 3,800 calls each month... This places an extraordinary demand on their 16-truck fleet, translating to nearly 240 calls per truck per month.

Carter elaborated on the diverse nature of calls received, emphasizing the critical role of dispatchers, GPS units and Google Maps in enabling paramedics to swiftly locate those in need of medical assistance. Despite the continuous expansion of roads in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and LaVergne, emergency personnel consistently achieve an impressive response time of under 7 minutes. This response time surpasses the national average and is a testament to the strategic deployment of emergency workers across Rutherford County.

In contrast to the national trend, where response times can exceed 14 minutes in rural settings, Rutherford County maintains a commendable average to a wide variety of calls...

Within the city limits of Murfreesboro, the MFRD has also been diligently responding to a high volume of calls. In December alone, the fire department tackled 23 fires and 1,197 incidents, which involved rescue operations or collaboration with RCEMS. False alarm calls, though time-consuming, are rigorously investigated to rule out any potential emergencies, contributing to the city fire department's total of 127 false alarm calls for the month.

Despite the challenges, the city fire department demonstrated unwavering commitment by responding to 1,833 incidents in December. The preceding month of November witnessed 1,925 calls, underscoring the continuous dedication of firemen to ensure the safety and well-being of Murfreesboro residents.

As the year progresses into the first month of 2024, MFRD and RCEMS remain dedicated in their commitment to providing swift, efficient, and top-notch emergency services to the community, embodying the true spirit of public service.