They had a programme in the UK called 'Emergency Bikers' which featured both Police and Paramedics. The Paramedics are trained to the same level as the Police riders, if memory serves.
In London a bike is definitely quicker than a car/van, whether it's an emergency vehicle or not - the advantage of filtering / lane splitting, whatever you wish to call it. It can be good fun, and if you ever get the chance try to follow a motorcycle courier through London - those guys are experts in their field.
