EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Emergency Medical Services

Prepared and Submitted By

Firefighter/Paramedic Samuel Snyder, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator

 The Walpole Fire Department continues to be one of the busiest departments in the area in 2007.  The ambulances responded to a total of 2179 incidents.  The ALS ambulance “A1” responded 1354 times, and the BLS ambulance “A2” responded 825 times.  These responses included medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous material incidents, structure fires, ice and water rescues, carbon monoxide alarms, as well as other requests for assistance.

 Members of the department have taken much pride in their ability to provide quality medical service to the town of Walpole.  In order to accomplish this quality there has been an increase in the amount of EMS training provided to members.  Much of the training has taken place on duty through classes put forth by our medical director Dr. Andrew Geller, and myself.  The classes of 2007 included abdominal emergencies, respiratory  emergencies, respiratory assessment, nerve agent response and mark I kit administration.  This training has been part of a program offering required training to members while on duty.  This allows members to complete the state requirements to maintain certification in house.  The growth of the EMS service training has been incorporated into the monthly training assignments of the department.  As the EMS coordinator I have been able to take instructor classes in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Life Support.  These classes will allow me to provide this essential training to members of the department in house. 

Also provided in 2007 was a Basic Life Support EMT refresher.  This 24 hour class was attended by 22 members of the department and is required bi-annually by the state.

 2007 has seen an increase in the skills and equipment available to the members of the department.  Placed into service have been:  a new cardiac monitor with increased diagnostic capabilities, nerve agent exposure kits known as “Mark I Kits”, and the EZ-IO a new method for administration of fluids and medications for critically ill patients. 

 As the EMS service continues to grow we are looking forward to new opportunities.  The electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) is becoming a standard in EMS and will hopefully aid the ambulance personnel in their care and documentation of patients.  In 2008 the department will also host an Advanced Life Support Paramedic refresher.  This is a 48 hour class required of all paramedics on a bi-annual basis.