In the United States, when did some fire departments begin providing first aid and medical rescue services to the public?

Fire departments in the United States began transitioning into roles that extended beyond firefighting in the 1920s, marking a significant evolution in their responsibilities. During this period, numerous departments recognized the need for emergency medical services due to increasing urban populations and the accompanying rise in accidents and health emergencies.

The introduction of first aid training and the deployment of personnel to provide medical rescue services became more formalized during this time. Many fire departments started equipping their apparatus with emergency medical supplies and developing protocols for responding to medical emergencies. This shift laid the groundwork for the incorporation of comprehensive emergency medical services into the fire service, which would continue to evolve throughout the decades.

In contrast, while other decades contributed to the development of fire services, the 1920s is noted as a pivotal period for the initial integration of medical rescue services.