Quote:
Originally Posted by billalexander
I understand that the fire stations may be located closer and can get there before the EMT, but I still don't understand why they need to run an expensive fire truck and four or five men, that takes the fire truck away from the station when they might be needed for a fire call, which is equally important. Why not have one fireman with EMT ability respond in a small truck or SUV. I am the first that would want the best care in an emergency situation, but it looks like it could be delivered cheaper and just as well by considering cheaper options. I realize it is standard procedure, but following the lead of everyone else may not be the best option. Just my thoughts.
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Dear Bill,
Your question is one we used to hear a lot during my career. A few reasons are that one person alone is not much more of a help. Also, taking that one FF away from a truck now hurts the efficiency of that truck. If there IS a fire call during an EMS response, they are free to "break away" as a fully operational unit to respond to any other fire or MVA call, etc.
Trucks need to be run, streets learned, and a unit to work well needs to stay together. The small savings you would get running a smaller truck cripples the response time for that larger truck. And as posted earlier, to increase chances of an EMS survival oftentimes you need that many hands.
The older I get the more valuable good Fire/EMS means to me. My taxes are still WAY lower then they ever were in NY, and I think I am worth it.
Hope that helps!
Respectfully, Frank