Why does the Fire Department come when I call for an ambulance?

Midland firefighters are trained and equipped to handle a wide variety of emergency medical calls and currently we are certified at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level.  By being licensed as a BLS agency it allows us to perform basic and intermediate airway procedures along with administering basic medications.  Fire Department personnel can typically be at your door before an EMS ambulance.


Additionally, MidMichigan Medical Center’s (MMRC) ambulance service has a larger area to serve – they aid people throughout Midland County, whereas the Fire Department serves primarily the city of Midland. Also, MMRC’s ambulance service transfers patients to other hospitals. Midland Fire Department personnel can begin life-saving treatments before an ambulance arrives on the scene of an emergency. This quicker response can lessen the effects of catastrophic injury or illness and lead to faster recovery time for those who experience critical illness.

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1. What can I do to prepare my family for emergencies before they happen?
2. How can I report a fire hazard?
3. What kind of fire extinguisher should I have in my home?
4. What can I do with household-generated hazardous materials?
5. Does the Fire Department provide training to the public in CPR or other First Aid training?
6. Why does the Fire Department come when I call for an ambulance?
7. How is the Midland Fire Department involved in the City's inspection process for new construction or remodeling projects?
8. Why does the Fire Department bring a fire engine on an inspection?
9. Are small fires allowed in the city?
10. What are burning permits?
11. Will I be charged for any emergency services provided by the Midland Fire Department?
12. Does the Midland Fire Department offer tours or educational programs to schools or groups?
13. How can I become a firefighter?