It is not uncommon for the fire department to be asked to help in situations like this 'round our way. I am paged out all the time (I am a firefighter and an EMT) for 'Lifting Assistance'. Sounds like her husband didn't realize this was a practical means of solving the problem and not an insult. I was touched by the politeness of the term you used for quickly loading the patient and treating en route. Here in the mountains we call that 'Sh*t and git'. :o)