Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services recently received four Automatic External Defibrillators donated by National EMS Incorporated in celebration of national Emergency Medical Services Week in May. National EMS is giving back to the communities it serves by providing this life-saving equipment to the fire departments and first responders who cover their areas.

"This is our time to show our appreciation to our dedicated first responders who serve with our staff each day on the medical front lines," said National EMS Chief Operating Officer Benny Atkins.

Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services was issued a Medical First Responder Service License by the Georgia Department of Public Health in June 2017. The license allows trained firefighters to provide care on the scenes of life-threatening medical emergencies while waiting for the contracted ambulance service to arrive. In the past, ACC Fire and Emergency Services included medical first responder training in its basic firefighter class. As of 2017, training increased to include certification for each firefighter as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). 

The department currently has approximately 74 of the 171 field personnel certified as EMTs. By late fall 2018, there will be another 30 EMTs who are in the training and testing phase of certification. The addition of these EMTs will allow the Fire Department to provide better services for medical emergencies in partnership with National EMS, local hospitals, and other partners.

“We changed our service delivery model to include more medical emergencies where we believe we can help make a difference in the outcome for our residents,” said Athens-Clarke County Fire Chief Jeff Scarbrough

As a result of the higher level of training and new license requirements, all Fire Department apparatus now features updated bags and AEDs for use in sudden cardiac arrest situations. A Medical First Responder License allows certain fire department apparatus to be equipped with specific basic lifesaving equipment as well as trauma and extrication equipment. Each apparatus is then inspected and state-certified as Medical First Response Vehicles. Currently, two ACC Fire and Emergency Services Rescue Units have received this new license with one housed on each side of Athens-Clarke County. 

ACC Fire and Emergency Services began expanding its services in 2013 to respond to more serious life threatening medical emergencies. Prior to the department receiving a Medical First Responder Service License, firefighters were assigned basic first aid kits to respond to emergency calls when requested. Fire and Emergency Services now has a Medical Director, Dr. Kurt Horst, who oversees the medical training and responses. 

Fire and Emergency Services responded to over 2,600 medical emergencies in 2017, up from approximately 650 in 2013. Firefighters who are certified at the level of EMT and above respond to 911 calls for life-threatening emergencies and perform basic lifesaving skills following protocols approved by Dr. Horst. Eventually, the Fire Department plans to have all apparatus licensed as a medical first responder when there are sufficient EMTs and funds for equipment and supplies

The American Heart Association encourages early recognition of cardiac arrest, early CPR, and early use of an AED, which is the only effective treatment for restoring heart rhythm following a cardiac arrest. AEDs, which cost approximately $1,400 each, are a standard for first responders. They provide lifesaving time, as the first three to five minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest are critical to the survival of a patient who is having a heart attack.

The theme for this year’s EMS Week during May 20-26 was "Stronger Together," which recognizes the strong collaboration that EMS has with all of their first responders. Atkins said that National EMS recognizes the important contributions of the first responder partners and was proud to provide them with these life-saving devices during EMS Week. "EMS is a small part of a big team," said Atkins, "and we are really stronger when we all work as a team."