Engine-1 responds to fires and motor vehicle accidents. The style of truck is known as a "quint", which refers to its ability to serve multiple functions by carrying a pump, water, hose, ladders, and crew.

At a building fire Engine-1 will typically park near the building so its 75' aerial ladder will reach the building's roof, and firefighters can pull hand lines from the engine into the building. Engine-1 carries a crew of six and all the tools firefighters need to extinguish a building fire. Tanker-2 is expected to arrive next to deliver a continuous supply of water.

At motor vehicle accidents Engine-1 employs an electric-driven hydraulic pump to power the "jaws of life" hydraulic tools. The same generator that powers the hydraulic pump provides electricity for electric power tools and powerful scene lighting.