FIRE/EMS Special Events & Community Engagement

Because Prince George’s County plays host to a wide variety of public events from professional football, half-marathons, festivals, parades, and other gatherings, the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department’s Special Events Unit works to ensure these events remain healthful and safe for all participants and spectators. Last year, the Special Events Unit was mobilized on nearly 100 occasions to provide medical assistance at various events. 

View the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department Special Events Unit schedule for your next gathering. 

Community Engagement 

One of the department’s most active outward facing offices is the Community Engagement Office, or CEO. The CEO focuses on proactive public education programs to prevent 9-1-1 calls, such as managing the department’s free smoke alarm installation program. The Community Engagement team conducts a variety of fire prevention, fire and life safety, and injury prevention programs to schools, churches, businesses, and community groups within the County. 

To schedule an event with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department’s Community Engagement Office, send an email with the details of your request to: PGFD_CommunityRelations@co.pg.md.us 

Hands-only CPR/AED use 

According to the American Heart Association - our hands can do so many things, the most important of which may be saving someone’s life. Hands-only CPR involves pushing repetitively on the center of the patient's chest. The purpose of hands-only CPR is to get the patient's blood pumping through their body until Fire/EMS units can arrive and perform more advanced life support measures. An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The easy-to-use medical device can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. According to the American Red Cross, currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an AED. Learning both hands-only CPR and how to use an AED could help you save a life. 

Stop the Bleed 

Through our Stop the Bleed course, you’ll gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and intervene effectively. The person next to a bleeding victim may be the one who’s most likely to save him or her. Take the course and become empowered to make a life or death difference when a bleeding emergency occurs. Stop the bleed - save a life! 

Smoke Alarm Program 

After meeting the smoke alarm criteria, The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department will visit your home to install one free smoke alarm. To arrange a visit, call the Prince George's County Watch Office at 301-583-2200. To see if you qualify for one free smoke alarm, please click on the link below. To facilitate the installation of home fire notification system for Maryland Residents that are deaf or hard of hearing please visit Fire & Burn Safety Coalition of Maryland.

Create link for smoke alarm criteria:

1. Proof of residency
2. Homeowner (not rental property)
3. The Department will install ONE FREE SMOKE ALARM per residence. 

Age-targeted Safety Presentation 

The Community Engagement Office offers risk reduction sessions on a variety of topics for all age groups. These programs are designed to inform and educate the public on the various injury prevention initiatives, such as falls, bicycle safety, fire escape plans and reduce the number of 911 calls.  

Car Seat Installations 

Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department strives to make sure children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat while traveling. Receive a free community service by having your car seat professionally checked by one of our nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician(s). Contact PGFD_Communityrelations@co.pg.md.us to schedule your appointment.