FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2nd, 2010
Contact: OCWFD, Public Information Officer
Contact Person: Capt. Ryan Christen
Company Name: Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District
Telephone Number: 850-862-1185
Email Address:
rgchristen@ocwfcd.org
Shalimar Receives Advanced Life Support From The Ocean City-Wright Fire District
On February 3, 2010 the Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District will begin providing Advanced Life Support to the city of Shalimar, Poquito Bayou, Shalimar Pointe, and the surrounding area. The service will be provided by Truck Company Two from Station Two at 1250 Eglin Pkwy. The launch of Advanced Life Support services, ALS, in Shalimar is an expansion of the ALS program provided by the Ocean City-Wright Fire District.
By expanding the ALS program, the OCWFCD is able to deliver a higher level of care to the citizens in Shalimar. The delivery of ALS includes Paramedics, advanced equipment, and advanced skills. Simply stated, ALS provides patients with more life saving options in pre-hospital care.
Paramedics are authorized to perform life saving actions that EMTs cannot. Some of these include the delivery of life saving drug therapy, advanced airway management (intubations), and electro cardio therapy. Many people do not realize that when they dial 911 for medical emergencies the fire department is also dispatched. By working together with EMS, through a partnership program with Okaloosa County Department of Public Safety, the OCWFCD can provide ALS service in the early minutes of an emergency. This can significantly improve a patient's chances of survival. Firefighter Paramedics arriving on scene can establish an IV, secure an open airway, and provide critical drugs prior to the arrival of EMS. When these life saving interventions are performed prior to the arrival of an EMS ambulance, the patient can be transported to the hospital sooner, saving critical minutes.
Through an unwavering commitment to provide the highest levels of care the OCWFCD is proud to offer this service to our community and the City of Shalimar. The hard work of our Chief, our members, and our elected Fire Commissioners has made this promise a reality. We are extremely proud of all of our members who have worked very hard to support this program. On February 3rd, 2010, we will be providing ALS care in Shalimar.
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(Press Release is finished)
For additional information, Contact:
Capt. Ryan G. Christen
OCW Public Information Officer
Cell: 850-240-9652
www.OCWFCD.org