Why did you have to send the fire truck and the ambulance? Wouldn’t it be better to just send the ambulance, they’re the ones providing EMS right?
Actually, the EMT’s assigned to the ambulance are only part of the response needed to adequately mitigate any emergency medical situation. While the EMT’s are taking vital signs and interviewing patients and witnesses, other personnel are busy doing other tasks. These tasks include bringing in stretchers, stair chairs or other specialized medical equipment. Further other personnel on scene help calmly explain to family members what is going on and keep them out of the way of the attending EMT’s. In some instances they have to move home furnishings and help in the extrication of injured parties. The fire truck is stocked with various specialized tools and equipment that may be needed at any given call. Personnel are also needed to help carry patients down stairways safely. In instances where CPR is being performed the personnel on the fire truck are needed to assist the Paramedics in performing lifesaving procedures, giving patients the best chance of survival. There are countless other ways in which the additional help from the engine company personnel is important at all emergency medical calls.

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1. When am I allowed to burn brush outdoors?
2. I was having a medical emergency and called 911 for an ambulance, but the fire department came. Why?
3. But I just wanted to be taken to the hospital emergency room where I can get the care I need. What can firefighters do to for my medical emergency?
4. I called for an ambulance, but a fire truck arrived first. Why wasn’t the ambulance sent before a fire truck, that’s what I asked for?
5. When I called 911, the dispatcher asked me a lot of questions. Why can’t they just send an ambulance?
6. Why did you have to send the fire truck and the ambulance? Wouldn’t it be better to just send the ambulance, they’re the ones providing EMS right?
7. Why does the Fire Department provide ambulance service anyway?
8. So why shouldn’t the town hire a private ambulance service?