Behind the Scenes in an LAFD Rescue Ambulance

Discover the value of every LAFD Rescue Ambulance. Every Fire Station (currently) has at least one ambulance. In most single engine stations, the ambulance is for “Basic Life Support“ or BLS responses. It is staffed by EMT/Firefighters. Single engine stations often utilize an “assessment“ Engine, meaning a Paramedic is on the engine. Larger stations have “Advanced Life Support“ or ALS ambulances, staffed by two paramedics. When you see an LAFD ambulance on the road, you can tell which is which by their numbers. An ALS ambulance from FS9 will have RA9 on the side. A BLS ambulance from FS9 will have 809 on the side. If the ambulance is from a station in the higher numbers, such as fire station 104, the BLS ambulance will be numbered RA904.