In September 1975, Stamford Fire Department accepted the delivery of its first modular ambulance. They called it a “Rescue Ambulance.” The idea was that, in addition to its medical responses, it would be equipped with certain rescue tools such as the hydraulic “Jaws of Life”. The idea was somewhat short-lived as the next two ambulances were van-type ambulances. It appears the department quickly determined that rescue operations required more than just two EMTs who were also responsible for medical care. The decision to spin off rescue operations from the ambulance may have been the reason for the eventual formation of Rescue Company #1.
