Why do so many units respond to “simple” incidents?

Dispatch always assigns units for a worst-case scenario. Time is also of the essence in emergency situations. Our response typically includes an engine or two engines and a supervisor. Other units might include Taylor Police patrol officers, Williamson County Sheriff’s patrol deputies, and a Williamson County ambulance.

Getting the correct number of responders to the side of the patients is the priority, but not all responders are needed to directly touch the patient. For instance, often times you will see two large fire engines and multiple other EMS and Police units at what appears to be a very minor vehicle collision. This is done to protect the citizens involved in the collision, protect the citizens driving near the collision, protect the emergency personnel providing care and all while facilitating the removal of the damaged vehicles so that the roadway can be reopened.

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1. Where are the fire stations located in town?
2. When do I change my smoke detector batteries?
3. Why do both a fire truck and an ambulance always show up for a medical emergency?
4. Why do so many units respond to “simple” incidents?
5. Why do fire trucks go through a red light with lights & sirens then turn off their lights and slow down?
6. Why do firefighters go to the grocery store together on a fire truck while on duty?
7. Why are the fire engines left running on calls?