Agenda - 08-30-2012 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Comprehensive Assessment of Emergency Medical Services 13 DRAFT REPORT and 911/Communications Center Operations Study In addition to these identified Fire Departments, the South Orange Rescue Squad (SORS) is also available for dispatch to medical emergencies and is certified at the EMT level. The Squad shares a unique relationship with Orange County EMS both in that 36 of its 57 certified members are also listed on the Orange County EMS roster on file with the NCOEMS and, that members share duties with EMS employees on Medic Unit 8 on an alternating 3-4-3 day schedule which also includes the use of SORS' 2 BLS ambulances. Two significant factors necessitate the need for agencies, in addition to EMS, to provide medical first response; • First,the obvious;time is critical in medical emergencies; and, • Second, during peak daytime hours there may be seven (7) staffed ambulances with transport capabilities based at but five (5) designated staging locations throughout the County's 398 square mile area. Compare this with the combined (potential) capabilities of the 12 Fire departments and one Rescue Squad that are (or could be) available to respond from 19 additional station locations within the same 398 square miles as EMS. It becomes an issue of proximity if nothing else. Subsequently, in as much as time is critical, first responders with basic skills, once on the scene can offer significantly to the stabilization of the victim until paramedic level responders arrive; i.e. . . ., "get there fast and stabilize the victim until advanced life support assistance arrives". 2 Dispatchers as First Responders In significant medical emergencies, the Telecommunicator (Dispatcher) handling the call will simultaneously answer the call, solicit vital information, alert and dispatch the appropriate EMS unit, maintain communications with the caller and initiate medical instructions, all while also maintaining ongoing communications with the EMS unit responding. Typically, in a serious emergency situation, this communication with the caller/victim will continue until the responding EMT's (paramedics) have communicated that they are on the scene and have assumed patient care. "Emergency Medical Dispatch" (EMD) certification is required before a Telecommunicator can issue treatment instructions of any kind to a victim or caller. This is a significant designation which requires that a specific set of protocols be followed when receiving and handling emergency medical calls. In calls involving medical emergencies, a significant responsibility of the Telecommunicator relates specifically to these EMD protocols. In this instance the Telecommunicator will remain on the line with the caller to obtain as much additional patient/victim information as possible since they must simultaneously and continuously communicate with the responding Paramedics as to the patient's condition, physical characteristics, scene circumstances, etc.; and to provide actual medical/first aid instructions to the caller in an effort to help the victim; i.e., emergency medical dispatch (EMD). In most people's eyes, once the Telecommunicator alerts the appropriate law enforcement agency, EMS unit, or fire station of an emergency and provides dispatch information and general instructions their job is over. Not so in the case of medical emergencies. In many instances,Telecommunicators continue to monitor and support the call and the responding service unit by maintaining on-going 2 A.Fleming Bell,and Warren Jake Wicker;County Government in North Carolina;Institute of Government,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill;1998. Solutions for Local Government,Inc. 11