For Those Who Care
Welcome to “For Those Who Care”. Hosted by RuthAnn, who spent 25 years caring for her husband, Lance, a disabled U.S. Navy Veteran living with two rare blood cancers and early onset dementia, this podcast was created for caregivers and those who support them. Gain valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the caregiver’s life through honest conversations, personal stories, and interviews with caregivers and experts. RuthAnn and her guests explore the challenges, joys, and often overlooked moments of caregiving.
Whether you are a caregiver yourself or someone who wants to better understand and support the caregivers in your life, this podcast offers insight, encouragement, and community. Join us to connect, listen, and find strength in the caregiving experience.
For Those Who Care
62 - I Called 911 for a Medical Emergency - Why Did the Fire Department Show Up?
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
After 10 years of calling 911 as a full-time caregiver, I finally got answers to the question I never remembered to ask: “Why is the fire department here instead of the ambulance?”
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with EMS Fire Chief Tom to break down exactly what happens when you dial 911 for a medical crisis.
We cover:
- Why firefighters show up first
- The must-have documents every caregiver needs ready
- How to talk to 911 dispatchers so help arrives faster
- Safety tips to protect your loved one and the responders
- What to expect when EMS walks through your door
- How to follow up and improve the next call
This isn’t just for caregivers — it’s for anyone who might ever need to call 911. If you’ve ever been confused, scared, or just wanted to be more prepared — this episode is for you.
EMS Fire Chief Tom returns in Part 2 with even more answers.
0:26 Intro: Why I made this episode
2:31 Must-have documents for EMS & where to keep them
10:28 Key medical info every caregiver needs ready
13:16 What to tell 911 dispatch so the right help arrives fast
17:26 Why the fire department shows up first
20:52 Tips for non-English speakers or communication barriers
24:50 Home safety tips for patients + responders
37:46 House fire: what to do & how to prepare
44:09 End-of-life conversations: why you need them before 911 is called
53:51 Closing thoughts + please subscribe & share