Why do so many fire trucks respond to a car accident?
The Traverse City Fire Department uses a nationally recognized and accredited dispatching system. This system determines what type of a response from the fire department is necessary based on information given to us by the person who calls 911. This system errs on the side of caution, ensuring that every resource that is needed responds to the emergency in a timely fashion. Often times, things are not as “simple” as they look. To ensure each member of the public receives the best possible care, we always anticipate the worst case scenario and hope for the best. Each fire truck has a specific purpose and carries specialized equipment. For a motor vehicle accident you will see on ambulance (perhaps two if multiple injuries are reported), a rescue truck which carries the “jaws of life” extrication tools and other special rescue equipment, a fire engine for manpower and in case the car catches fire, and a Captain or Lieutenant to supervise the scene. This may appear to be a lot, but each i
