What is another common name for a rescue engine?

A rescue engine is commonly referred to as a fire pumper. This term indicates that the vehicle is equipped with a pump and is primarily designed for firefighting and rescue operations. Fire pumpers typically have the capability to deliver water to fire hoses and provide water service for extinguishing fires, which is a key aspect of their function in emergency response situations.

While emergency apparatus is a broader category that may encompass various types of emergency vehicles, it does not specifically identify the rescue engine as a fire pumper. An aerial ladder refers to a type of apparatus designed to deploy a ladder at a height to reach fires or rescue individuals from elevated places, which serves a different purpose. Similarly, support vehicles are typically employed in auxiliary roles and do not specifically reference the primary firefighting capabilities that a fire pumper provides. Thus, recognizing the term 'fire pumper' accurately reflects the specific role and function of a rescue engine in fire service operations.