Overview:
An EMS scenario will show the participants a key aspect of the fire fighter job
-- patient emergency care.
Main Message:
Fire fighters are trained to provide emergency medical care in addition to fire suppression and rescue. Fire fighters run thousands of calls that involve critically ill and injured patients.
Tasks Involved in Emergency Medical Services:
The following are the basic tasks involved in Emergency Medical Services. Local unions can use a combination or variation of these tasks to suit their needs.
I. Cardiac arrest (AED / Defibrillator)
Applicable NFPA standards (450, 473, 1250, 1561)
Talking Points:
Medical emergencies are time-critical and require rapid intervention. One of the most time-critical events is cardiac arrest – the number-one killer in the United States. Fire fighters and paramedics are specifically trained to deliver immediate care to these victims. When the heart stops pumping, brain damage immediately begins to occur. Rapid intervention is the key to saving lives. Restoring electrical rhythm to the hear must occur within four to six minutes.
II. Trauma
Applicable NFPA standards (450, 473, 1250, 1561)
Talking Points:
Medical emergencies, including trauma and injuries, are time-critical and require rapid intervention. Fire fighters and paramedics are specifically trained to deliver immediate care to these victims.
Exposure to infectious diseases and other injuries is a constant problem.
EMS personnel have the skills and the tools to care for critically injured patients.
Fire fighters and paramedics run thousands of EMS calls, including many that involve trauma.
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