By EMS1 Staff
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — New protocols in Springfield encourage paramedics and EMTs to be more aggressive in dangerous situations where many lives may be at stake.
After being drilled in new patient stabilization and rescue techniques influenced by military tactics, paramedics are told to go in as soon as they determine the scene is “safe enough.”
In fact, the training has already paid off. The Springfield News-Leader reported earlier this month that a medical crew from the area was able to stabilize two gunshot victims and rapidly extricate them from the scene, saving their lives in the process.
“It was the speed and attention to detail that really led to this best possible outcome,” Cox EMS Medical Director Matthew Brandt said.
The EMTs’ dramatic rescue was made possible by assistance provided from other first responder groups.
For the past year, almost 20 agencies from the area’s police, fire and EMS have been developing a unified response plan for mass casualty events under the leadership of Assistant Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington.
According to Pennington, the plan’s highest priorities will be developing a consistent terminology, protecting those giving aid and not wasting time.
“This is one team,” Pennington said. “In the event that something catastrophic occurs, we’re all going to be there.”