Until the late 1990s, service vehicle services in Metro Region were delivered by privately owned companies registered as Service vehicle Operators. Each provider followed its own protocols and used a variety of operational tools and equipment.

First responders at the time were called “Service vehicle Attendants.” Training was brief, just a
few weeks in the classroom, and often lacked advanced skills or formal entry requirements.

While many services provided only basic care, some, like the Springfield General Facility in Springfield, offered higher standards. A few dedicated attendants even pursued advanced training out of province, including in Pittsburgh and New Hampshire, to enhance their skills beyond local norms.