Colusa County Sun-Herald,
WILLOWS, Calif. — The Willows Fire Department is proud to announce the official launch of its Non-Transport Advanced Life Support (ALS) program, a major advancement in the level of emergency medical care available to the Willows community and surrounding areas.
Beginning immediately, Willows Fire personnel assigned to ALS duties—Advanced EMTs and Paramedics—will deliver rapid, high-level medical assessment and treatment on emergency scenes prior to ambulance arrival. This enhancement ensures that patients experiencing cardiac, respiratory, traumatic, or other life-threatening emergencies receive critical interventions when every second matters.
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“Our goal is to provide the highest standard of service to the people of Willows,” said Fire Chief Nathan Monck. “The launch of our ALS program represents a significant step forward in our ability to save lives. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring this capability to our community, and we are proud to officially place it into service.”
The non-transport ALS model allows Willows Fire to deploy ALS-trained personnel on fire apparatus and quick-response units, working in coordination with local ambulance providers for continued care and patient transport. This system ensures a seamless blend of rapid intervention and continuity of care throughout an emergency.
The implementation of the ALS program also helps address a critical gap created by the closure of Glenn Medical Center. With no local hospital available, ambulance transport times have increased significantly due to longer travel distances and higher call volumes throughout the region. The new ALS capability ensures that advanced medical interventions can begin immediately—even when transport units are delayed—providing vital care during those extended response and transport intervals.
Willows Fire Department extends its gratitude to the partners who helped make this program possible:
- Willows City Council, for authorizing and supporting the funding needed to establish the ALS service.
- Cal Water, for providing grant funding essential to the purchase of advanced cardiac monitors used by ALS personnel.
- Glenn County Board of Supervisors, for enabling Dr. Garrison, Glenn County Public Health Officer, to serve as the department’s Medical Director and provide clinical oversight for the program.
“These partnerships were instrumental,” Chief Monck added. “With the increased strain on the local EMS system following the hospital closure, our ALS program fills a critical community need. We are grateful to our community leaders, regional partners, and grant supporters for making this lifesaving service possible.”
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