The only thing that makes this a story is that it happened in Allentown.
In every major city in this country ambulances and an accompanying piece of fire apparatus are sent out regulerly for calls like this.
I answered hundreds of them . 5 men on an Engine Comany and an Ambulance crew tied up for a stubbed toe, a bloody nose, a dog bite that didn’t break the skin,overdose’s of aspirin,an appointment at the hospital clinic. Met at the door by a patient who has packed a lunch bag to take with them. I can tell stories that will curl your hair.Fully half the Ambulance calls in most major cities are BS, and made by repeaters who have been using the system so long you get to know their names , and their complaints before you arrive.Many of them are known in every hospital in the city.
A few years ago, I had an atrial fibrilation issue. I was at the cardiologist’s and he said he was going to admit me to the hospital. My wife and I got up from our seats and were headed for the car. “Not so fast,” the doc said. He called 911; a few minutes later, an ambulance AND a fire truck pulled up. I told the doc I could have jogged over to the hospital, but he said no way. So the ambulance drove me the few miles to the hospital. About a month later I got a bill for $650 for the ride. My BC/BS paid $500 and I got stuck paying the Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue Service for $150 (pre medicared days). It was totally unnecessary.
Just out of curiosity, when did they start sending out an engine company along with the ambulance? and why? I realize this now seems to be standard practice nationwide but I remember when it used to be just the ambulance.