The men and women of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue are trained to respond to a multitude of incidents including fire, medical, vehicle crashes, hazardous materials spills, technical and water rescue, and natural disasters. Because medical incidents constitute the highest percentage of emergency calls, firefighters are certified as emergency medical technicians  (EMT) or paramedics. With at least one paramedic on all first- responding engine and truck companies, citizens receive the highest quality of advanced life support medical care.

One of the District’s hallmarks is its innovation and ability to "Think Outside the Box." Staff and firefighters continually look for better, more cost effective, and faster ways of doing business. One example is the District’s use of five new Rescue Units. Three of the Rescues are staffed for 12 hours (7 am to 7 pm), six days a week. The fourth unit remains in service 24 hours a day, four days a week. The fifth unit is in service 24 hours, six days a week.

District also has incident management and specialty teams for emergencies requiring special skills and equipment, including hazardous materials, water rescue, and technical rescue.