strippel

Our FDs do all the rescue work. We have one specialized rescue company in the county, but they have a small area. All fire companies do rescue/extrication, or invite their next due. Fire does fire and rescue/extrication. EMS does EMS, although Fire does first response...sometimes.

Last revision, state took them off the equipment list. Our medical director and boss said to take them off. I guess that is a good thing, because I haven't used them (except for testing) in about 10 years.

I don't know where you ride, but I gave up the country for the city. City people are usually quite different, with their own set of problems. Many 911 calls are not of an urgent nature. If the patient is walking, keep them walking to the bench seat. If they are not in distress, and have good vitals, start transport. Many patients meet you at the sidewalk. No lifting, moving, or litter required. Most times, the patients have minor complaints, so there is limited treatment to do. Listen to their lungs, palpate the abdomen, and look at them. Most importantly, listen to them. Many times, people just need someone to talk with.

I'm spoiled now. I have recently had calls that last 12 minutes from dispatch to being available at the hospital. I like being in the city 8) . When I started (almost 20 years ago), It could take 15-25 minutes just to get to the scene, then another 45-60 minutes transporting.

Well, if you consider a city of 50,000 to be urban... Lancaster, PA 22,000 911 calls last year.