The Coplay Fire Department had a record-breaking year in 2012.

According to Interim Fire Chief Matt Buskaritz, the year-end call tally was 141, surpassing the previous record of 111 calls set in 2007. This uptick in incidents was due in large part to the department's increased response to assist EMS.

Calls for EMS assistance represented close to 31 percent of the fire department's overall response. Automatic fire alarms accounted for 25 percent. All other call designations accounted for between 1 and 6 percent of total volume for the year.

EMS emergency calls Coplay responds to are determined via Lehigh County Communications dispatch. All incoming requests for medical emergencies countywide are classified on a priority system. The Coplay Fire Department is dispatched to all calls where an automated external defibrillator (AED) may be required in addition to other high priority emergencies.

The benefit to dispatching the fire department alongside the emergency squad is that the fire department can often reach the scene quickly to stabilize a patient until EMS crews arrive. The department is also utilized to aid EMS in situations such as lift assists to help EMS staff move larger patients.

All active members of the Coplay fire department are trained in first aid and AED operation.

"The EMS calls take up a good chunk of our calls." said Buskaritz. "It does raise the call volume, but it's a good thing to have especially if the ambulance is tied up and we're getting mutual aid from North Whitehall or somewhere else [further away] we are dispatched automatically. We have a better chance of getting there with the police or shortly after the police, and we can give them a hand until the ambulance gets there."

Coplay Fire Department's response to EMS calls is beneficial to residents of the borough as ambulance response times can vary due to a number of circumstances.

"Minutes matter and that's why we decided to respond. We contacted Cetronia Ambulance [the emergency agency that responds to medical emergencies in Coplay] and we said here we are," said Buskaritz.

The Coplay Fire Department also plans to convert the existing fire chief's vehicle, a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria, to a quick response unit that will be used on EMS assist calls and other incidents as needed. This will lessen the department's use of fuel, which was a concern expressed during the December regular meeting of Coplay council. Currently the fire department rolls an engine to EMS assist calls.

The car will be outfitted with new reflective markings and a fire department insignia on the front door panels. The vehicle, which as of the end of 2012, had 108,404 miles on it was recently inspected and deemed to be in good working order.

The fire department hopes this new use of the fire chief's car will better serve the inhabitants of Coplay. The department will also begin keeping a mileage log in all vehicles for greater accountability and improved record keeping.

Total Coplay Fire Department Incidents for 2012 include:

· 43 EMS assists

· 35 automatic alarms

· 9 wires

· 6 brush/mulch fires

· 6 motor vehicle accidents

· 6 odor investigations

· 5 appliance fires

· 5 citizen assist

· 5 spill control

· 4 police assist

· 3 traffic control

· 2 rubbish fires

· 2 smoke in dwelling

· 2 smoke in structure

· 2 transformer fires

· 2 water rescue

· 1 animal rescue

· 1 carbon monoxide

· 1 tree down

· 1 vehicle fire