Strongsville Rescue Squads Equipped for Firefighting, Too

When Strongsville paramedics go out on a rescue call, they're equipped for anything.

Ambulances here are outfitted for firefighting, and paramedics make every run with their fire turnout gear on board.

"They couldn't be used for a house that's engulfed in flames, but they're good for smaller fires," Chief Jeff Branic said.

The two newest ambulances have state-of-the-art compressed foam systems, while the other two have 150-gallon water tanks and pumpers. 

They all have breathing masks and tanks, as well.

It makes sense to have the rescue units equipped for firefighting, Branic said, because they are often out and closer to the scene of an accident or other incident. They also respond to fire calls and sometimes arrived before the fire truck.