CFD ALS Engine Companies - Why we did it

[gaelicfirefighter]

http://www.emergency.com/chigpara.htm

[paramedicmike]

Wow. So instead of addressing the problem of an ambulance shortage by putting more ambulances on the street they make the situation worse by sending providers in non-transporting units.

The problem is not a shortage of ALS providers. The problem is misappropriation of funds and equipment. If you need more ambulances, put more ambulances on the street. Fire trucks aren't going to be able to meet that need.

-be safe

[gaelicfirefighter]

Exactly! And instead of better trained ALS/Paramedic ambos, they like to put in cheaper BLS/EMT ambos. This makes no sense. I like the idea of cross trained medics on rigs. I think it makes for a better fire department. But I agree with you. If we are short ambos, go get ambos and quit screwing around. I have no idea why they do this.

[zzyzx]

I see that this article is from 10 years ago. So how have things worked out?