In an emergency, seconds matter.
That's why the Merced City firefighters are looking into new ways they can help save lives.
"We want to provide the highest level of service to the citizens of Merced," said Merced Fire Chief Billy Alcorn.
Alcorn says the plan is still in the early stages, but they're looking into possibly getting more certified paramedics into the department.
That means firefighters would be able to provide more life-saving services while they're on duty.
"We can only respond at a basic level or EMT levels. Right now, we have two paramedics. And they can't operate to that higher scope," he said.
Alcorn says they receive at least 10,000 calls a year, and more than 60 percent of those are EMS incidents.
Mickey Brunelli is one of the two paramedics at the department.
He says if the department were to make the shift, he'd be able to perform live-saving tactics instead of your basic life support.