By Jacqueline Koch
Chattanooga Times Free Press
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — When Chattanooga firefighters previously responded to a heart attack patient, they merely could monitor vital signs.
Beginning Sunday, those firefighters will be able to start intravenous treatments and administer nitroglycerin and aspirin to that same patient, potentially keeping him alive.
After being trained in emergency medical technician IV level care, 117 Chattanooga Fire Department firefighters can provide more patient assessment, as well as life-saving medication.
“We are very happy to announce a significant improvement in the level of emergency medical care provided by Chattanooga firefighters,” Chief Wendell Rowe said at a news conference Tuesday. “Many people are surprised to learn that roughly 50 percent of our calls are related to medical emergencies” such as car accidents, diabetes complications and heart attacks.
While some firefighters already had IV level training, the fire department decided to offer the care citywide only after enough firefighters obtained it, spokesman Bruce Garner said. Firefighters who previously had IV level training didn’t utilize it in the field, he said.
The IV level training also now includes all academy graduates, he said.
Training used to be at the first-responder care level, meaning firefighters only could monitor vital signs or bandage fractures and lacerations.
Firefighters sometimes respond to calls more quickly than ambulances because ambulances are spread throughout Hamilton County, while firetrucks are concentrated in the city, Chief Rowe said.
The change in service was aided by Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield’s office, which provided funding, as well as Hamilton County Emergency Services, which provided medicine and supplies.
The training furthers the idea that every second counts in emergency response, said EMS Chief Ken Wilkerson.
“If it benefits one patient or that one patient’s family, then it was well worth (it),” he said.
CARE PROVIDED
Emergency medical technician IV level care:
- start IVs
- administer medication
- check blood glucose levels
- administer fluids to keep patient alive