Why do Engine Companies respond to Emergency Medical calls

A question was recently asked why Engine Companies respond to emergency medical calls. Engines (as well as Ladders) typically arrive first on scene & are able to initiate high-quality EMS care, pending arrival of a medic unit. Dispatch of an engine (or ladder) to an EMS call is a factor in our successful EMS program. Often, the Engine company or Ladder company may be on the street in the vicinity of an EMS call and is dispatched by radio.

 

Engine comapnies, as well as Ladder companies, are equippped with emergency medical equipment, including defibrilators and Narcan. All firefigters are trained to the medical first responder level, and in Cambridge, most are trained and certified to the EMT Basic or Paramedic level. Medical training is continually ongoing for all members.

Thanks as always to our public safety colleagues who are an integral part of our Emergency Medical System, Cambridge Police, ProEMS, & Cambridge Emergency Communications staff for their partnership in keeping our city safe. Our EMS response protocol is one of the reasons why our cardiac arrest save rate is almost twice the national average.