First Responder

As part of the emergency response to their communities, many agencies provide emergency vehicles staffed with EMTs and/or paramedics who arrive first to emergency call scenes. These responders often begin emergency medical treatment for patients before an ambulance arrives to treat or transport them. In an effort to help recover the costs associated with deploying first responder personnel and emergency vehicles, agencies more and more are exploring the option of charging a first responder fee and recouping associated costs.