Why does a fire engine respond on ambulance calls?

All shift personnel are cross-trained as firefighter/paramedics. On those calls that may be life-threatening (for example, chest pains, car accidents, stroke, unconscious patients, etc.), a fire engine is dispatched to provide additional manpower needed to initiate advanced life support treatment. If they are not needed, the fire engine is released from the call.

In addition, the fire engines carry the same paramedic equipment as an ambulance, but cannot transport patients. In those rare cases where an ambulance is not immediately available, the personnel from the fire engine can still initiate paramedic services, prior to the arrival of an ambulance on the scene.

Show All Answers

1. What hospitals do the Fire Department ambulances transport emergency medical patients to?
2. Is there a fee charged for emergency medical and/or ambulance service?
3. How do I obtain a copy of a fire report or ambulance report?
4. Why does a fire engine respond on ambulance calls?
5. How often should I replace my smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors?
6. Is open burning of landscape waste allowed in the Village of Wheeling?
7. Does the Fire Department perform lock-outs?
8. Are barbecue grills allowed on balconies in apartment or condominium complexes?
9. What does "ISO Class 2" mean on the side of the Fire Department’s vehicles?
10. How do I obtain a fire hydrant flow test for my project?
11. Does the Fire Department have volunteer/paid-on-call firefighter positions?
12. Does the Fire Department provide Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training?
13. Does the Fire Department conduct Fire Station tours?
14. Does the Fire Department trade, swap, or sell patches, t-shirts, etc.?