For Those Who Care

62 - I Called 911 for a Medical Emergency - Why Did the Fire Department Show Up?


Listen Later

Send us a text

After 10 years of calling 911 as a full-time caregiver, I finally got answers to the question I never remembered to ask: “Why is the fire department here instead of the ambulance?”

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with EMS Fire Chief Tom to break down exactly what happens when you dial 911 for a medical crisis.

We cover:

  • Why firefighters show up first
  • The must-have documents every caregiver needs ready
  • How to talk to 911 dispatchers so help arrives faster
  • Safety tips to protect your loved one and the responders
  • What to expect when EMS walks through your door
  • How to follow up and improve the next call

This isn’t just for caregivers — it’s for anyone who might ever need to call 911. If you’ve ever been confused, scared, or just wanted to be more prepared — this episode is for you.

EMS Fire Chief Tom returns in Part 2 with even more answers.

0:26 Intro: Why I made this episode  

2:31 Must-have documents for EMS & where to keep them  

10:28 Key medical info every caregiver needs ready  

13:16 What to tell 911 dispatch so the right help arrives fast  

17:26 Why the fire department shows up first  

20:52 Tips for non-English speakers or communication barriers  

24:50 Home safety tips for patients + responders  

37:46 House fire: what to do & how to prepare  

44:09 End-of-life conversations: why you need them before 911 is called  

53:51 Closing thoughts + please subscribe & share

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

For Those Who CareBy RuthAnn Batchelder