EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

In an effort to keep up with the increasing changes within the fire service, the Orange Township Fire Department has been increasing their involvement in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Although changes have been occurring for several years, the fire department has seen the most dramatic increase in the past five years, continuously adding EMS personnel, equipment and supplies during that time.

There are different levels of training for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) ranging from EMT-Basic up to the highest level, EMT-Paramedic. The majority of the personnel are certified as paramedics. All personnel are required to maintain a certain amount of training in order to keep their certification. A detailed protocol set forth by the medical director details procedures, policy and techniques that each EMT must follow. It addresses each level of certification. The medical director for the Orange Township Fire Department is Dr. Curtis W. Ramey, MD; an emergency room physician at Grady Memorial Hospital.

The procedures and equipment required to perform patient care has become extensive over the years. Each year the State of Ohio, Division of EMS hands down the newest procedures that EMT’s can perform at each level of certification. As a result, the training has increased from 65 hours to approximately 1000 hours in the past 20 years. The changes have substantially increased the costs to maintain training, purchase equipment and stock supplies. In the past five years, approximately $50,000.00 has been spent at Orange Township Fire Department in order to keep up with those demands. Obtaining nearly $ 20,000.00 in grant money provided by the state has offset these expenses. Although Delaware County provides patient transport the majority of the time, Orange Township Fire Department supplements the county by also having a transport vehicle. That vehicle was purchased from the county in 2001. This became necessary due to the growth of the township and the increased demands for EMS in the area. With regard to EMS, the department’s next major purchase will be a newer transport vehicle. In addition, the first responding fire engine is stocked with advanced life support equipment. Not only are we here to provide fire protection, it is also the goal of Orange Township to be prepared during any medical or traumatic emergency.