Why is the fire department usually toned out for mental health calls?

Why is the fire department usually toned out for mental health calls?I am listening to my scanner, and a guy has apparently barricaded himself in his bedroom with a shotgun, threatening to do harm to himself. Why would the fire department be toned out in a case like this?

Answer by starting over
Manpower, to aid in building access - using a stepladder to get in a building when a door is not accessible.

I am sure there are many reason. Many cases, the firemen are EMTs and Paramedics...so they are there for medical support.

Answer by Mark P
In most cases, fire department personnel are also trained EMT's, and are trained and equipped to deal with these situations. Part of it is maximizing a town's resources.

Answer by Joey Bagadonuts
If the suspect is an EDP....it's quite possible that he can set fire to the building...thats why the FD is nearby. In many jurisdictions the fire department also runs EMS services.

It's also possible that a fire can accidentally start from the weapons that the police use, such as tear gas canisters or flash-bang grenades.


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Answer by Tom K
If someone gets shot by this guy then they are right on the scene to give medical treatment. Also, if this guy is taken into custody and he's extremely violent he can be tethered down to the EMT cot and transported much more safely.

Answer by swthollitoes
I am suprised that they didnt have a police crisis negotiator there. very strange in my book.......

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