First responders are poorly named.

No slight to any cop, fireman, EMT or whatever. You guys are a very important part of our world and are often the very glue that holds civilization together.

Still, in my mind they are not first responders. 

The actual first responder is the person that calls them. They saw the situation and responded to it. 

Personally a lot of times I informally refer to them collectively as the US Cavalry because they come charging in blowing the bugle (or siren) to save the day. 

One time I was riding with a friend who sometimes is a little slow on the uptake and an ambulance was coming up behind us and I heard it first. "Pull over, the US Cavalry is coming up on our six," I said.

"The US Cavalry? What do you mean....Oh." was the reply.

To find out why the blog is pink just cut and paste this: http://piccoloshash.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-feminine-side-blog-stays-pink.html NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED IN THE WRITING OF TODAY'S ESSAY