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Ambulance

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1. Why does a fire engine sometimes accompany an ambulance on medical emergencies?

Additional personnel or emergency resources are occasionally needed to provide life-saving treatment to a patient. Examples of such medical emergencies are cardiac arrest, severe trauma, or bariatric care. For example, in the instance of cardiac arrest, while two emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are dedicated to performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (which must not be interrupted), additional medical personnel are needed to administer life-saving drugs, to perform advanced life support procedures, and to lift and maneuver the patient during transport.

2. What is a File of Life packet?

The File of Life is a medical information packet designed to provide emergency personnel with necessary medical data to begin immediate treatment. This packet enables emergency personnel to obtain a quick medical history when a patient is unable to offer one. This very simple concept is encouraged to be used by any person, but is especially helpful in cases where patients live alone. The card, which is kept in a red plastic pocket labeled “File of Life,” lists the patient’s name, emergency medical contact, insurance policy, social security number, health problems, medications (and dosages), allergies, recent surgeries, religion, and a health care proxy. The sticker inside should be placed on the front door of the residence to alert responding medical personnel to locate the entire pocket, which is held with a magnet to the outside of the refrigerator. A packet can be obtained at any local fire station.

3. What personnel respond to ambulance calls?

Fire department personnel, who respond to ambulance calls, are cross-trained in the Emergency Medical Services to varying degrees of licensure, including emergency medical technicians (EMTs) – of Basic, Intermediate, and Paramedic levels.