Why does the Fire Department dispatch a fire engine or ladder with a Medic? Based on what a 911 caller tells the dispatcher about the condition of a person requiring medical attention, they may require immediate medical care. An engine or ladder is dispatched in addition to a medic unit because they may be closer than the responding medic and can begin providing medical intervention upon arrival. Many serious medical calls will also require more people to provide the level of care necessary to stabilize the patient’s condition and provide transportation to an emergency room.