Emergency Medical Services
For information on the Enhanced Life-Saving Program refer to the documentation - UCD AED Policy
For the past 25-30 years the primary focus of the fire service has shifted away from fire suppression and towards emergency medical service (EMS) while marinating a readiness for fire suppression. Through increased prevention and materials technology, fires, though they still pose a life, property, and environmental threat, are no longer the dominant form of emergency service provided by fire departments. That role has been partially assumed by EMS. Because of this, fire departments around the country constantly train to keep abreast of the latest in EMS technology and equipment. The UC Davis Fire Department is no exception, maintaining Emergency Medical Technician - Basic qualifications for every operations firefighter and most of the Student Resident Firefighters.
As with every type of emergency situation, emergency medical calls have certain priorities that must be immediately addressed and dictate the manner of response.
Brain Death
Brain death can be identified as the critical point in time around which to deploy EMS resources. When breathing and/or circulation stops, irreversible brain damage starts to occur within four to six minutes if oxygen is not administered. After ten minutes without oxygen, chances of survival are minimal. The UC Davis Fire Division strives to:
Initiate patient contact with first responder units (Emergency Medical Technicians) within six minutes 85% of the time.
Monitor to ensure paramedic units are on-scene within contract time.
Develop a program that encourages immediate initiation of CPR through trained citizens in the campus community.
The Tactical Objectives of EMS
Just as with fire suppression, there are tactical objectives that must be addressed by emergency personnel when dealing with an emergency medical service call.
Scene Safety
Securing an emergency scene in order to limit the danger posed to both the patient and emergency responders. This would include stabilizing vehicles, isolating downed power lines, detouring traffic, eliminating hazardous materials, etc.
Patient Contact
Rescue – Immediately commencing Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation or spinal immobilization if necessary.
Assessment – Administering a patient exam and determining a medical history.
Treatment – Starting basic or advanced life support.
Transportation
Moving the patient from the emergency scene to the appropriate hospital utilizing ground or air ambulance.
Restoral
Returning to operational readiness by decontaminating both the scene and emergency response personnel. Restocking equipment and supplies. Debriefing emergency response personnel.