get dispatch for SF and full box assignment

[B S K]

lots of tension between the ambulance station and the local FD. the ambulance beats the engine to the structure and arrives first like 30 secs before the engine get there. should the ambulance give a quick over the radion size up: ambu 41 on scene, 2 story structure nothing evident sides a/b/c? or should they just let the engine have that radio traffic

[GhostRider]

I would have to ask are the Ambo personell fire trained? If so they can give a size up. But if I was on the Ambo IMO I would only give a return if I couldn't see the engine or truck comming. If you see them or know they are behind you let them have the radio. Remember they have instructions to give unless you are asking for someone to pick up your dual o2 lines.

[BigGreasy]

I have been in this situation and I am a FF/PM. If i seen the engine in my rearview no response but arriving on scene and where i will be standing by. No companys in sight then a brief report 2st,nothing showing, etc. One time the caller meant the unit outside and report they saw smoke from roof area. So I called in on loc. nothing showing 2st brick middle group bystander states smoke was from roof nothing evident now.

[stirnitupp]

That is a tough one. As long as you are also a firefighter, and you don't see the engine in the rearview, I say it would be OK to give a size up. I have done it on the beltway responding for staffing for the engine (supposed to be a tractor trailer fire, rolled up it was overheated brakes and the truck was leaving) so I hopped on the radio to let them know. Just one example.

But if you roll up first and there is smoke showing and you didn't tell the engine crew who may be a couple of minutes behind you to give everybody time to think about whats going on...I think I would be a pretty pissed off engine officer. But hey, its just me...Where I come from unless you are responding to make up staffing on the engine, you are a band-aid station on the fire ground. Which is an important job nobody wants to do...much like RIT...

[Mags]

Beeen in this situation multple times, being that I'm a FF/EMT and the Ambulance service I run works closely with FD. I see no harm in calling a report to the first due piece. If you know what you are talking about, also if there's entrapment or hazards. Its always helpful to have an extra pair of eyes just don't get over zealous, don't call for additional units or cancel any fire apparatus that are responding, let the FD handle all of that. And check with the FD officers, see what they prefer that you do. Remember if it is a fire scene EMS is only there to provide EMS if you help thats ok as long as you don't overstep your bounds. And if you're cross-trained remember which side of the fence you are on that day, don't get caught up in the moment.