[bargee]

There are many reasons for a dual response,ambulance delay,forcible entry required,lift assist required,multiple patients discovered on arrival,gas leak where breathing apparatus is required ect.We responded in this manner in Ct. for the 30 years I was a first responder.

[missypie]

Same in NC. I think we just may notice it more ie: the presence of fire trucks and ambulances, because we do in fact live in an older population of people.

[NavyNJ]

First off, the scenario OP outlines is not unique to TV, or Fla. for that matter, as many others have stated already. It also has little to do with funding or manpower, but more to do with availability of required resources to respond. It also might depend on the nature of the initial 911 call (heart attack, stroke, fall from ladder, non-responsive, etc.) and the protocol employed by that dispatch center.

It also happens that Emergency Services, particularly EMS, is primarily structured at the state and local level across the country, so you have plenty of variety in how things are not only done, but organized. A good example is the designation and location of a "Para-Medic" (versus an EMT) - In NJ, by statute, a Para-Medic can only be attached to a Hospital and dispatched with an ALS (Adv. Life Support) unit such as a Mobile ICU (Suburban or other big SUV). Fire Depts and Rescue Squads, paid or volunteer, can only be staffed by an EMT. Whereas, in Fla., many (maybe most) Fire Depts have Para-Medics on staff who are on nearly every engine/truck. Big difference on how quick that level of care might get to a call, based on who they arrive with.

Anyway, as many others have said.....wouldn't be too concerned about how many vehicles arrive, or who gets there first....so long as they get there quick!! Cheers!!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by wudda1955

It was like that in Connecticut, as well. Usually, the fire truck showed up first. Probably because they were closest. Sometimes a police cruiser showed up as well. I guess it just depends on who is available first.

Same in Ontario, Canada.
If you need help in a hurry for a medical emergency, you are more than grateful to welcome any person that can help!

[perrjojo]

Fits the norm in the Atlanta Metro area too. Makes sense to me. Whoever gets there fírst can assist. Mostly there is not a lot of time between the two but those few minutes can save a life.

[NotGolfer]

My brother in law works for a 911...in WA state. He says the fire truck is the First Responders with the ambulance being there if transport is needed. It's as everyone states here in this thread. Thinking it must be the same all over.

[bagboy]

Seems the question has been answered quite well by many in this thread. I might add that our Villages response procedures are also the norm in Ohio and South Carolina. My son in law is a trained E M T and often is assigned to an engine company and responds to any and all emergency calls if for nothing more than being a highly trained medic on hand for manpower.

[dok4933]

In Chicago whenever there a heart related or possible stroke an additional truck or engine responds with the ambulance. The main reason for this is if CPR has be administered the additional manpower can help. The truck or engine will follow to the hospital. This may have changed in last five years since I left but I don't think so.

[champion6]

Originally Posted by Annie01

why is it everytime a emt is called to a home.....a firetruck FOLLLOWS???? i can see that at a car accident (gas problems)..but why a home call??
never seen that done anywhere else...sometimes they don't even get out of their truck....seems like a waste of gas and time....anybody know???? a neighbor of mine had a small heart attack...and THERE was the firetruck also ????

You asked this same question in April 2014. emt/fire trucks

Originally Posted by Annie01 on 04-13-2014, 10:34 AM can someone explain to me why the fire truck follows the emt trucks for an emergency call??? NO FIRE..maybe a heart attack etc...of what use is a fire truck??? seems llike aot of wasted gas and time for them to follow every call...anyone know why?????
i would think the emt truck has everything they need.....just wondering !!! and the answers given then are the same as now.

The answers given then are the same as now.

[Barefoot]

...

[xcaligirl]

It's a state policy in CA also. When I had the same question, I asked our fireman/neighbor and, after he explained the reason along with the fact that it is a state policy, it made sense. Just think of how many lives have been saved!

[Greg Nelson]

Our next door neighbor needed help and it took only 3.5 minutes to arrive..amazing!

[graciegirl]

This is a great opportunity to thank our first responders and all of those who watch after us, including law enforcement.

We villagers see you a lot, but you're busy. Thank you ladies and gentleman and sending blessings for health and kind wishes at this time of the year and always.

[Jim Wilson]

If you ever have a heart attack (God forbid) ... like I did .... and the trained folks that come rushing to save your life ... like they did for me ... I'd bet you would be VERY happy to see that big old truck rolling down your street to help!!

[GaryW]

Originally Posted by champion6

You asked this same question in April 2014. emt/fire trucksThe answers given then are the same as now.

Great catch, I was thinking the same,,,

my Neighbors are all on TV Fire Dept. Besides all the reasons already given, they never know excatly what they will encounter once they get to the home, the person could be trapped under something or anything., thus you have the fire dept there incase anything happens, and they are the first responders. Highly trained personnel!!! Nice to have these cats around.