STATION 75

First Responders Have Responded to 146 calls Already this Year

2009 has been a very busy year for the Brendletown First Responders, they have already responded to 146 calls.  During the same period in 2004, Brendletown First Responders answered 47 calls. A sharp increase in call volume has been seen in the entire county, but the Brendletown area has seen calls increase dramatically. Brendletown is lucky to have 10 First Responders, 5 of which are trained at the Paramedic level. Due to County and State regulations, all First Responders operate at the EMT-Basic level.  The role of the first responder has changed also in the past ten years. The first responder program was started back in the 1980's in an effort to get very basic medically trained responders on the scene in 5 to 8 minutes. The main purpose was to provide basic life support and basic first aid to keep the patient alive before the ambulance arrived. In the past 10 years the role of the first responder has changed greatly. First Responders now are highly trained professionals. In addition to basic life support and first aid; they administer O2, carry glucometers to check blood sugar levels, administer oral glucose, carry and administer epinephrine during allergic reactions, insert advanced airway devices, and use a defibrillator during cardiac arrest. In the near future, first responders will be administering Nitroglycerin and Aspirin to patients with Chest pain and nebulizer treatments to patients with breathing problems.  

75% of the total Responses made by Brendletown Fire and Rescue are first responder calls only 25% fire calls. This has molded the fire department also over the years.

Brendletown Fire and Rescue strives to provide the highest level of care possible. Moving the first responder program to the paramedic level due to the long response times by EMS to the area has been discussed. Brendletown has the required number of Paramedics, but funding is most prohibitive. It is estimated $50,000 to $60,000 is needed to start this program and at this time it just remains a future plan.

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