A paramedic kneels beside a man collapsed on the sidewalk, chest compressions rhythmic and precise, defibrillator ready, the minutes between collapse and her arrival the difference between life and death. An ambulance crew responds to a fall at a seniors' residence, the patient requiring assessment and transport but not emergency speed. They will be out of service for hours completing this call, unavailable for emergencies that may occur. A rural ambulance station is staffed by volunteers on call, the nearest advanced life support paramedics an hour away.