National EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Week recognizes Emergency First Responders for their vital role in the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical care. EMS first responders include paramedics, EMT’s, firefighters and police officers. The model for delivery varies across the country. Paramedicine has evolved to be an integral component of rapid pre-hospital response, patient assessment in the field, and immediate treatment prior to the patient arriving at a hospital Emergency Department. Paramedics respond to emergency medical calls in an ambulance that can transport one or more patients. In some cases, paramedics may also respond in first response vehicles that include lifesaving equipment without the ability to transport an emergency patient. Paramedic capability also varies across the country. Paramedics follow very detailed protocols (treatment procedures) in the field. In most cases, paramedics can intubate a non-breathing patient, start an IV and administer medications including narcotics, utilize a cardiac monitor to interpret cardiac rhythm, utilize a cardiac defibrillator to shock the heart, and provide other time sensitive invasive skills to save a life. All of these skills can be performed at the scene and while enroute to the hospital Emergency Department. Paramedics routinely have direct contact with the Emergency Department via radio or cell phone who will be receiving their patient. A radio report including assessment, treatment given and a wireless transmittal of a cardiac EKG can be sent to the hospital from the scene or while enroute. This forewarning allows for the receiving hospital to trigger internal resources that can be waiting in the Emergency Department for the ambulance to arrive. Some of the special capabilities that a hospital may muster in the E.D., based on the patient’s needs, might be a cardiac arrest resuscitation team, a stroke alert team, a trauma team, an OB delivery team, etc.
First Responders are more than paramedics. Many law enforcement agencies equip patrol vehicles with first aid kits. Many law enforcement agencies who respond to EMS calls also carry an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) which can shock the heart if it is warranted. Many fire departments respond as first responders. A common model is for fire departments to have firefighters who are cross-trained as paramedics. Firefighter/paramedics may respond in ambulances or non-transport vehicles including fire engines (pumpers), squads, ladder trucks, and command vehicles.
All in all, the combined efforts of many truly contribute toward rapid response, quick assessment and treatment, and prompt delivery of emergency patients to the hospital best capable of meeting the patient’s needs.
Thanks to all First Responders during National EMS Week.