Last evening during rescue squad duty we were called to a structure fire. Fortunately no one had been harmed, and we were only needed to rehab firefighters. I'd never been on the scene of a fire before, and it was an up-close reminder of the heroism of firefighters.

A fellow EMT recently observed that the fire department is able to raise much more money than the rescue squad, and he wondered aloud why the public seems to revere firefighters more than EMTs. I suggested it has something to do with the sexy calendars. Of course, the real answer seems pretty obvious. Um, maybe because they will fucking go into burning buildings for you?

Being an EMT comes with risks, too. In this locale, law enforcement is dispatched to an EMT call whenever possible, for the purpose of protecting us. We never know what we might encounter when we walk into someone's home. Domestic violence calls are particularly dangerous, as are traffic collisions. And of course, there's always the chance of becoming infected by a patient, even if protective measures have been taken.

But firefighters will walk through fire for you. Literally. And what I didn't realize until last evening is just how taxing that is. These guys (nearly all of whom were volunteers) stumbled out of the fire, soaked in sweat and completely spent. They'd tear off their outer layers, fumble for a drink out of the cooler, and sprawl on the grass. We took drinks to the ones who didn't have the energy to walk to the cooler. And we monitored their vitals, which revealed just how much their bodies were affected by the act of fighting fire. Of course, they love it. It's a thrill, and they are chomping at the bit to go back in. But that doesn't lessen the sacrifice. And what especially struck me is that when no one is inside to save, they take the risks just to protect your property.

As things were winding down last evening, the owners of the house walked around and thanked every single emergency responder there. I was touched by that, considering what they'd been through. I was also touched to hear one firefighter tell them, "I'm sorry for your loss." At the risk of sounding over-the-top, my faith in humanity was restored a bit last night, seeing the unselfish effort and resources that went into helping one family in a moment of desperation.

We've come to expect emergency services and maybe even take for granted that such a support system is in place. To dial 911 is one of the first things we learn as kids. I've certainly always found reassurance in knowing immediate assistance is just a phone call away. But to make it happen, in every community people are volunteering their time to sit around and wait for you to have an emergency. And when you do, they will come without hesitation - despite potential personal risk - to do their damnedest to help.