Fire stations have several different types of fire-fighting units, most of which are operated in Wichita with firefighter staffing below recommended levels:

• Engines — This is a large truck that provides fire suppression and medical response. Most engines are considered staffed when they have 4 people. Some large cities have 5 or 6 assigned to an engine. Wichita has 3.
• Quints — This unit has a 75-foot ladder and has the same capability as an engine. This truck can provide elevated hose streams as well as an elevated ladder for rescue. Wichita staffs these units with 3 people. Most cities use 5 people on these machines, with a minimum of 4.
• Squads — The squad, a smaller truck, is the workhorse of the Wichita Fire Department. This unit provides primary emergency medical response. This unit also carries the “jaws of life.” Wichita has 2 firefighters on a squad. This is normal staffing for this type of machine.
• Aerial platforms — This truck provides an elevated ladder with an enclosed basket to hold personnel and victims. This truck also provides elevated fire streams in the event of a large defensive fire. There are four of these trucks in Wichita. On January 14, 2008, the Wichita Fire Department changed unit staffing on several trucks. All of our aerial platforms are now fully staffed with at least 3 personnel. To accomplish this change, the personnel were moved from an engine at Stations 1 and 2. Stations 9 and 16 moved personnel from the squad and placed them on the aerial platform. Wichita has 3 assigned; most cities staff these trucks with at least 5 (some have up to 8 assigned). Industry standard is 4-6.
• Specialty units — The Rescue team and Hazmat team have units that contain specialized equipment to deal with specialized emergencies such as a grain elevator explosion, water rescue from the river or floods, or response in the aftermath of a tornado. Hazmat deals with meth labs, anthrax scares, hazardous materials spills and gas leaks. Because of limited staffing, the two members of the squad crew moves over when available to fill the Rescue and Hazmat trucks when needed. The specialty units are staffed only when extra personnel are available. This has become a greater priority for the fire administration, but there is no minimum staffing on the trucks; they are still cross-staffed when short of staff. Most cities staff these trucks with at least 5 firefighters, and some have up to 8 assigned.