Media » FAQ's » Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Q: Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

A: Fire and EMS units are dispatched according to information received by the 9-1-1 operator. The Miami Township Division of Fire and EMS thinks pessimistically when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. They are fast, well-trained and pleasant in their response.

A computer selects the closest unit to respond to an incident. The philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. There may be three emergency vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple" we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can prepare to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.