(A) Purpose. To establish uniform policies and procedures for an adequate response by both the local Fire Department and County EMS to the scene of a medical/rescue emergency.
(B) Policy.
(1) The communications center will automatically dispatch the assigned EMS unit for all calls requesting medical/rescue assistance.
(2) If the request is of a life-threatening nature, a first responder and an EMS unit both will be dispatched.
(3) Upon arrival at the scene, the first responder personnel will render life support care to stabilize the patient.
(4) Upon arrival at the scene, County EMS personnel will render treatment and transport with total patient care responsibility.
(5) Upon request, a member of the first responder will assist with patient care and provide assistance to EMS en route to the hospital.
(6) Nearest crash truck will be dispatched to a 10-50 with a possible pinned patient, construction site calls, or upon request of EMS for rescue assistance.
(7) Rescue Squad will also be dispatched on medical emergency calls when EMS units are not available. Rescue will treat the patient and transport to an emergency facility.
(8) EMS should (if available) respond 10-40 to any structure fire that sounds serious and standby near the scene, but not in the way, to assist with possible patient care. However, this unit will remain 10-6 for possible emergency calls when other units are dispatched.
(9) Either Fire, Rescue, or EMS will be available to respond to each other’s calls when specifically requested. This is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the attached response situations.
(10) Due to the jointly negotiated work plan included within this policy, EMS will not bill fire department personnel for emergency services while a joint effort is in effect.
(Res. passed 1-3-1989)