The Honolulu Fire Department has an agreement with the City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu Emergency Services Department’s Emergency Medical Services Division to dispatch an apparatus to life-threatening calls, such as heart attacks, difficulty breathing, possible strokes, vehicle crashes, significant trauma, etc. The Honolulu Fire Department will dispatch its closest apparatus, which may be a rapid response vehicle, an engine, a ladder, or a rescue or hazardous materials company.

With fire stations located strategically throughout Oahu and ambulances often busy with other medical calls, Honolulu Fire Department apparatuses often arrive prior to ambulances; fire fighters then begin life-saving techniques. Since we are unable to predict when or where the next fire call will be, the Honolulu Fire Department believes it is prudent to dispatch a ladder company if it is equally close and available.