CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Charleston Fire Department wants to decrease its call volume after hitting a record-breaking number last year.

They received 6,091 calls in 2024, which was 416 more than in 2023. Fire Lieutenant Jordan Philpott said one of their main concerns was the rise in EMS and service calls.

In 2023, there was a 10% increase, and that rose another 11% last year. Philpott said most of those numbers come from the older generation.

“The population is getting older. Obviously, America is not as healthy as it used to be. We just see things like the opioid epidemic, we do deal with a little bit of things from that,” Philpott said. “But just in general, more people are just feeling the need to call for an ambulance, for transport to the hospital to seek treatment.”

He also said one of their goals this year is to educate the community more. The fire department will help people by creating new safety measures to decrease falls and assist families who want to learn first aid.

Phillpott said although the record-breaking call volume isn’t horrible, the department still wants to do everything in their power to limit them. He said they’re always free to answer any questions the community may have.