The fire service has seen many changes throughout its rich history.  It is evident that as time progresses the fire department takes a larger role in more of the specialized emergency services that are available.  Progressive fire departments today no longer exist solely for their expertise in fighting fire. Emergency medical services is one of those services that most fire departments offer in some form.  Prior to the 1970’s, emergency medical services were largely unregulated.  If a person was seriously injured or ill, they were usually driven straight to the hospital by a family member or friend.  If you called for an ambulance in those days, it usually came from a local funeral home driven by the mortuary attendant. Emergency services have evolved tremendously since then.

Today the public expects to receive an ambulance equipped with the latest medical equipment operated by a pair of professional emergency medical providers at their door in a matter of minutes.  Television shows like 9-1-1, ER, and Chicago Fire have increased public awareness of emergency services in general.  Although these shows are purely fictional, they have given the public a basic idea of the job we do as the emergency responders.