We are frequently asked why we send a fire engine on a first aid call. If there is an emergency in your home, naturally you want help as soon as possible.

You may have a fire engine located closer to your home than an aid unit. The aid unit could be delayed due to a flat tire, traffic congestion or other problems. Therefore, the closest unit, which may be an engine, is sent out at the same time the ambulance is dispatched. In this way someone with skills in basic life support and first aid will arrive at your home immediately. The firefighters from the engine will begin treatment that will continue as the paramedics arrive.

In major medical emergencies the speed of the first response has a determining impact on the final outcome of the emergency. For example, a time span of as little as one minute can make the difference between a small fire that can be handled by one fire engine and a fire that requires considerably more fire department resources. In a medical emergency, just a few seconds can make that lifesaving difference.