The crew debates a firehouse classic: If most of our calls are EMS, should most of our training be EMS? With departments running 80%+ medical calls in many areas, is it time to shift focus—or double down on fire because it’s high-risk and low-frequency?
EMS isn’t going anywhere.
Call volume continues trending heavily medical. Fires are decreasing due to prevention, codes, and education.
Train for high-acuity on both sides.
Even if you run EMS daily, you still need reps on cardiac arrests, strokes, trauma, airway management, and rare presentations. Same logic as training for low-frequency, high-risk fire incidents.
Service is service.
Whether it’s a working structure fire or grandma on the floor, we’re there to solve problems. The public expects professionalism no matter the call type.
Jack of all trades? Good.
The fire service is an all-hazards profession. Being competent across fire, EMS, rescue, and prevention is the job.
For new firefighters:
You’re signing up for both. You’ll pull hose and you’ll run 12-leads. Train hard at both.
New Engineer Tier Patreon members: Simon Gray & Ty Rowan
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Merch shoutout + FDIC Burn Box teaser
Road to 1,000 Spotify followers
Bottom line:
EMS vs. fire isn’t either/or. It’s both. Train accordingly.
