Why Does a Fire Engine/Truck and Ambulance Respond to EMS Calls?

In order to provide the highest level of EMS care to our residents, the Elgin Fire Department operates all Fire Engines and Ambulances as Advanced Life Support (ALS) vehicles and each unit is always staffed with at least one paramedic. For EMS calls where the closest unit is an Engine, the Engine will respond to begin patient care while awaiting the arrival of the ambulance. Even if the Ambulance is the closest unit, if the nature of the call is more serious or has the potential to require additional personnel the Engine will follow the ambulance to assist with patient care. When necessary, a paramedic or two from the assisting Engine will jump in the back of the Ambulance on the way to the hospital to continue assisting with patient care until the patient has been transferred to the Hospital’s Emergency Department.

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1. Where do I find general information about the Elgin Fire Department?
2. What are the Fire Station Locations and Phone Numbers?
3. How Do I Become a Firefighter/What Requirements Do I Need?
4. How Do I Receive a Copy of a Report (Fire/EMS/Billing/Inspection Report)?
5. How do I Submit a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA)?
6. What is the Fire Department's Insurance Service Office (ISO) Rating?
7. How Can I Schedule a Speaker/Tour/Event/Firehouse Visit?
8. I Need Help Installing My Child's Car Safety Seat, Who Do I Call?
9. How Much Does an Ambulance Transport Cost?
10. Why Does a Fire Engine/Truck and Ambulance Respond to EMS Calls?
11. Does the Fire Department Respond to Lock-Outs?
12. Does the City of Elgin Charge for False Alarms?
13. Where can I find information about CPR classes?
14. Can I Burn Debris/Yard Waste or have a Recreational Fire?
15. How Do I Install My Lock Box Keys?
16. How Do I Schedule a Fire Inspection?
17. How Do I Obtain Fire Alarm or Sprinkler Permits?
18. Does the Fire Department Provide Smoke Detectors?
19. How Can I Get My Blood Pressure Taken?
20. I Am Driving Down the Road and See a Fire Engine/Ambulance With Lights/Sirens, What Do I Do?
21. How do I dispose of household hazardous waste, such as chemicals, paint, solvent, pesticides/insecticides, motor oil, etc?
22. How do I dispose of an old or expired fire extinguisher?