Why is a fire truck always sent with an ambulance?

The fire department and the ambulance provider work as a 4-man team. In the new EMS 2000 regulations, 4 persons are recommended for answering a call for medical assistance.


All fire personnel are trained first responders. The fire truck is dispatched at the same time as the ambulance. The expectation is that the fire truck is closest to the scene and can minister to the victims in the time before the ambulance arrives. We assume that any call from a residence is a confirmed need for medical assistance, since the victim or someone with the victim has placed the call. The fire trucks all carry defibrillators, oxygen and trauma medical supplies as part of the standard inventory. All firefighters are trained to first responder level, while some are Emergency Medical Technicians.

Show All Answers

1. How do I know my smoke detectors are working?
2. Why are the fire trucks seen all over town when there is no fire there?
3. Why do my smoke detectors beep?
4. Why is a fire truck always sent with an ambulance?