Why do fire engines follow ambulances on emergency calls?
Many residents ask why fire engines follow ambulances on emergency calls. The answer is quality of care! The Lincolnwood Fire Department endeavors to give our residents the best care possible. All Lincolnwood Fire Department ambulances are staffed with two firefighters/paramedics. Each of the fire engines are staffed with at least one paramedic. In an emergency medical incident, additional staffing may be necessary to treat the patient and prepare him or her for transportation to the hospital. This additional staffing enables the responding crew to simultaneously complete different tasks for the patient’s care. By having additional paramedics on hand, the care of the patient is improved, and the preparation time before transportation to the hospital is shortened. The fire engine often remains on the scene for assistance, but is available to respond to another emergency if another emergency call comes in. In the event that another call does come in and the closest ambulance to the patie
