Why Do Firefighters Respond to Medical Emergencies?

Contrary to popular belief, firefighters often find themselves responding to a wide array of medical emergencies, far more frequently than they do fires. In this article, we explore why firefighters are trained and often the first responders for such emergencies.

The Demographics of Firefighters and EMS Responders

Typically, the number of firefighters (first responders) vastly exceeds the number of paramedics (EMTs) in a given fire department. Many firefighters are emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are capable of providing basic life support (BLS) procedures to stabilize patients until advanced care from AEMTs or paramedics can be provided, or until the patient is transported to a medical facility for further treatment.

Types of Medical Emergencies Faced by Firefighters During Incidents

Medical emergencies from fire incidents can manifest in numerous ways. These include:

Burn victims Crush injuries from structural collapse Carbon monoxide (CO), CO2, and cyanide poisoning Respiratory distress from smoke inhalation Respiratory failure and subsequent cardiac arrest

These emergencies often require immediate attention, as stable and prompt treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes. Research and data collected from US fire departments indicate that firefighters without pre-hospital medical training often provide minimal care until it is safe for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to arrive or until they can transport the patient to a medical facility.

Training Requirements and Cross-Training in Pre-Hospital Medicine

To address the need for prompt stabilization and treatment during such emergencies, many fire departments have mandated cross-training their firefighters as EMTs. This ensures that patients receive timely care, which is critical to their survival and recovery. When only EMTs and paramedics are trained to respond to medical emergencies, and they must be called out separately, it can lead to inefficient use of resources and delays in response times.

Logistics and Efficiency of Response

Logistically, it is far more efficient for firefighters to be EMTs, as they are already integrated into the local 911 dispatch system. The reality is that as fire prevention measures and technology improve, the number of actual fires decreases. However, the frequency of medical and trauma emergencies is on the rise, driven by unhealthy lifestyle choices and an exponential growth in population.

Personal Experience

From a personal perspective, my tenure as a firefighter member for three years involved only two fire responses. My friend who suggested I attend an EMT course joined a nearby rescue squad, while I joined the closest fire department as a first responder. This position allowed me to handle medical calls close to home and often be the first responder to the scene, highlighting the practical benefits of cross-training.

Overall, the cross-training of firefighters as EMTs is not just a requirement but a strategic decision designed to optimize emergency response and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients in need of urgent medical care.