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ORANGE COUNTY FIRE RESCUE STUDY ORANGE COUNTY EMS 1 The next tier is the Fire Department First Responders. They are ciispatched with 2 other EMS units in urgent situations. These First Responders have medical 3 trainuig, equipment and frequently arrive on scene before other EMS responders. 4 They can communicate with EMS responders about patient condition and status. 5 The next tier of service is the Initial Response Vehicle Paramedic. IRV Paramedics 6 respond to all EMS Calls. Under this approach; it is the County's philosophy that 7 every ci.tizen be provided equal access to high-quality outcome-based medical 8 assessment and treatment. It also prevents many unnecessary transports allowing 9 the Division to operate with fewer resources at a lower cost to the taxpayer. 10 The theory behind using IRV Medics is to treat the patient's medical condition, 11 rather than simply providing a ride to the hospital. IRV Pazamedics provide 12 advanced assessment and treatment as needed. The Orange County model is "out- 13 of-hospital" medicine rather than "pre-hospital" medicine. Orange Count~s 14 program is unique among North Carolina EMS systems. 15 Following the IRV Medic assessment, transportation may be provided by a County- 16 operated emergency ambulance staffed by Emergency Medical Technicians, or the 17 patient may be referred to another more appropriate form of transportation. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 EMS demand has increased countywide. Graphs are provided in the Appendix of the report demonstrating the increase in call volume. Staf~'tng Under the 2007 budget, the Division is authorized for 24 paramedics (including supervisors) and 24 EMTs. The management team consists of an Emergency Medical Director who is on staff at UNC Hospitals and under whose medical license the system operates, a Division Director, and an Operations Officer. 88