Individuals who are responsible for controlling and extinguishing fires and responding to emergency situations where life, property and-or the environment are at risk. They are frequently the first emergency personnel at the scene of a traffic accident or medical emergency and may be called upon to put out a fire, treat injuries or perform other vital functions. They also rescue victims and provide emergency medical attention as needed, ventilate smoke-filled areas and attempt to salvage the contents of buildings. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster management. They are also a safe haven for abandoned newborn babies.