Why Fire Trucks Are Always Sent for Medical Emergencies: Unveiling the Mystery
The next time someone suggests sending a fire truck to handle a medical emergency, it's important to understand the rationale behind this practice. In many regions, fire departments are often the first responders to such incidents, not just for fire-related emergencies but also for medical assistance. This article explores the reasoning and the advantages of this approach, shedding light on why fire trucks and their crew are dispatched for medical emergencies.
The Underlying Logic Behind Fire Truck Dispatch
When someone suggests spraying a person with a fire hose to wake them up, it is clear that this approach would be both ineffective and potentially harmful. Instead, fire departments have a well-established protocol to address various emergencies, including medical incidents. This protocol is rooted in practical considerations and the deployment of well-trained individuals.
Truck Teams: A Packaged Deal
The reason fire trucks are always dispatched for medical assistance is twofold. Firstly, the truck crew is a package deal. Fire departments often have a mix of trained individuals on their crews. Some members are paramedics, while others are equipped to assist by lifting, carrying, and holding things. This diverse skill set makes the fire department an ideal first responder for medical emergencies.
Qualified EMTs and Paramedics
Firefighters in the United States are often crossover professionals who hold certifications as EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic. EMT-Basics are trained to provide basic life support and assist with advanced life support procedures. In contrast, EMT-Paramedics undergo extensive training and certification for various advanced life support procedures.
Given their location, fire departments are typically stationed more densely than ambulance crews. Therefore, they can often arrive on scene before an ambulance can, providing necessary medical assistance in the interim. This is a crucial advantage in many communities, especially those with limited ambulance coverage.
Reduction in Fire-Related Calls
This practice is not unique to the United States. With advances in building codes and fire safety measures, the number of fire-related emergencies has decreased. Consequently, fire departments need to maintain a high level of readiness and resource allocation for various types of emergencies, including medical incidents.
International Perspectives
While this approach is prevalent in the United States, it is not a standard practice in other countries, such as New Zealand. In New Zealand, for instance, the ambulance service is often a registered charity, and there is a more voluntary fire service. As a result, fire trucks are not typically first responders for medical emergencies unless it's a road accident or chemical spill.
When calling 111, residents may be prompted to specify whether they need a fire ambulance or police. This flexibility ensures that the appropriate resources are allocated based on the specific needs of the situation. In cases where the emergency is not fire-related, the response is typically handled by the ambulance service or other specialized units.
Conclusion
The decision to dispatch fire trucks for medical emergencies is a well-thought-out strategy that leverages the diverse skill sets within the fire department. While it may seem unusual at first, this approach ensures that medical emergencies are addressed efficiently and effectively, providing necessary assistance until specialized medical teams arrive.