Why do so many apparatus respond to simple incidents?
Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Santa Rosa Fire Department thinks worst case when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. They are fast, well-trained and professional in their response. A GPS computer selects the closest unit to respond to an incident. The first unit on the scene may not be an advanced life support unit (a unit with paramedics). Therefore, such a unit will also be responding.

There may be several fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be terribly mistaken. We respond rapidly and are prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

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1. Why do so many apparatus respond to simple incidents?
2. How come I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?
3. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?
4. Why do you block traffic lanes at auto accidents, more lanes than are necessary?
5. Can I barbeque on my balcony?