[oldyeller]

When you call 911 the operator asks you a number of questions to determine the nature of the call. These question help determine what type of emergency the crews are responding to and also what type of response is needed. A nose bleed may require one first responder while a multiple vehicle accident requires quite a different response.
The ambulances primary use is to transport the patient to the hospital. Depending on the type of emergency and whether the patient needs or wants transport to a hospital the first responder may be able to handle the problem. If transport is not needed the ambulance can be released to respond to another emergency while the fire truck remains assisting the patient and vice versa. They both carry life saving equipment for emergency medical issues ranging from minor emergencies such as nose bleeds or broken limbs to the more serious coronary, respiratory and trauma emergencies. The first crew on scene asses the patient’s condition, takes vitals and starts treatment. If it is determined the patient needs to be transported to the hospital the truck crew will assist the ambulance in preparing the patient for transport and in the case of a serious problem may ride with the ambulance to the hospital. With emergencies you can’t wait for help, it needs to be there when you need it. In the case of a coronary it takes one person to do compressions, one person to secure and maintain an airway, another to start an IV and two others to help with the equipment and prepare the patient for transport. Traumas also require an abundance of staffing that needs to be on scene when they are needed. With multiple trauma patients the staffing issues are doubled to say nothing of the other issues that may need attention. With an emergency there is no such thing as to much help, if they are not needed you can always cancel them but when you need HELP you need it NOW!