Do you need keys to start the engine of a firetruck or ambulance? ?

Question

I know military vehicles don't require keys, but what about firetrucks, and ambulances? If they did require keys, it would seem more like a liability than an asset. I don't know why I am asking - just curious I guess.

Answer 1

Yes  

Answer 2

Yes.

When I worked in EMS, we would leave the keys in the ignition and leave the engine running most of the time. Ambulances are diesels and it is more fuel economical to leave them running. Besides, diesel engines take longer to warm up.

We always had an extra set of keys that one of the EMTs held so that we could lock up the rig but still be able to get in. Also, most newer ambulances have a secret button to unlock the doors from the outside without the keys. Ambulances would be locked up in dangerous areas...such as a hospital ER in a really crappy area of town. There is a lot of expensive equipment on board.

It's not unheard of for an ambulance to be stolen but it's not a common occurrence. After all, a stolen ambulance would be pretty obvious, don't you think?

The keys to unlock the back and side doors are different...and all narcotics were locked into a box that was in turn locked into a safety compartment. Only one person had the keys to that...the medic on board, who never let them be out of their possesion.

EMT

Answer 3

Yes all of them need keys to start them......

Answer 4

Yes  fire engines  and all of our trucks have keys in them at all times.  however they are in the engine room at the firehouse.  Police cars and ambulances also have keys in them most of the time however their drivers lock them but have a door on them at all times.  Firetrucks are built on the same chassis as most other trucks are except they have certain engine and transmission combinations for the job at hand. By the way on some older "custom" fire engines such as American Lafrance  and the likes were built with no key switches on them just a series of breaker switches.