The Providence Fire Department has expanded its emergency medical services (EMS) coverage and modernized its frontline rescue fleet to enhance response capacity. A new rescue apparatus has been delivered to Rescue 1 at the Broad Street Fire Station, replacing the existing unit and providing additional reserve capacity for peak-demand operations and maintenance. Rescue 1, an Advanced Life Support unit staffed by two Firefighter/EMTs, responded to nearly 6,000 calls in 2025, making it one of the busiest in New England. The new apparatus cost $386,913 and was ordered in 2023.

Additionally, the department has added a 10th staffed rescue unit operating daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during peak demand hours, boosting daytime staffing to 10 rescue companies. This expansion follows the addition of two impact rescues in late 2025, which helped reduce Providence’s reliance on mutual aid from neighboring communities by about 40 percent. The fleet modernization continues with a new frontline rescue expected in September for Rescue 6 at the Atwells Avenue Fire Station. Over two years, five of seven frontline rescues will have been replaced, marking a significant upgrade in the city’s emergency response capabilities.