Why does a fire engine come to my house when I have a medical emergency?

Engine companies in Mount Vernon not only fight fires, but are also fully trained and equipped Basic Life Support (BLS) units. All Mount Vernon firefighters are New York State certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). Each firehouse has a "EMS-Engine" assigned. Many times an Engine is closer to an emergency scene and is dispatched along with a paramedic ambulance which provides Advanced Support (ALS) unit. The Engine is called a "First Responder" since it is expected to arrive first on the scene and render emergency care as quickly as possible. After the paramedic ambulance arrives the members of the engine company will assist those paramedics. With this technology and progressive management system, the citizens of Mount Vernon are provided with both rapid response and quality care at a time when they are most in need.

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1. What are the Firefighter Agility Test Requirements?
2. Why does the fire department respond to my house for a medical emergency?
3. What is an engine company and what do they do at a fire scene?
4. What is a ladder company & what do they do at a fire scene?
5. What are the various equipment on fire apparatuses?
6. Why does a fire engine come to my house when I have a medical emergency?
7. What does an Engine company do and what are their jobs on a fire scene?
8. What does a Ladder company do and what are their jobs on a fire scene?
9. What kind of tools and equipment is on the different trucks?
10. Why do firefighters break windows and cut a hole in the roof at a fire?
11. Why do firefighters cut holes in the walls at a fire?