I don't think they're sending firefighters as first responders because they're bored. The idea of a first responder is you send whoever is closest to get there and render aid. If it's a medical emergency, they may send firefighters or police, if they are closest, but they also send the EMTs/paramedics who may arrive a bit later.
Thirty years ago (in USA) that's already how it was done where I lived.
Thirty years ago (in USA) that's already how it was done where I lived.