What is the minimum staffing requirement for Advanced Life Support (ALS) Engine companies?

The minimum staffing requirement for Advanced Life Support (ALS) Engine companies is set to ensure that the crew has adequate personnel to safely and effectively respond to emergency medical situations while also maintaining operational readiness for firefighting and rescue tasks.

Having one Company Officer provides leadership and oversight, ensuring that the team is effectively coordinated during an emergency response. The apparatus operator is essential to manage equipment and drive the vehicle, contributing to safe and timely location arrival. Including two firefighters meets the need for additional personnel to assist with patient care, support operational tasks, and enhance the overall response capacity of the unit, thereby allowing for a more efficient handling of complex emergencies. This configuration ensures that all critical roles are adequately staffed, supporting both medical care and fire suppression responsibilities.

This staffing standard aligns with best practices in emergency services, where the balance between emergency medical response capabilities and firefighting support is crucial to the service's mission.