What is the term for an apparatus that combines features of both engine and truck companies?

The term for an apparatus that combines features of both engine and truck companies is a quint. A quint is designed to serve multiple functions, integrating the capabilities of a fire engine (which primarily provides water supply and firefighting capabilities) with those of a ladder truck (which typically has a ladder for ventilation and rescue operations).

The key features of a quint include a water pump, a water tank, hose storage like a fire engine, and an aerial device like a ladder truck. This versatility allows a quint to effectively respond to various incidents, handling both firefighting and rescue operations without the need for multiple units, thus optimizing resource use and response times.

Understanding this function helps firefighters and emergency response teams utilize their equipment more strategically during incidents, ensuring that they can address a range of scenarios with fewer apparatus while maintaining operational effectiveness.