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In 1999, with the assistance of Iredell County EMS and other departments and agencies, the West Iredell Fire Department organized a first responder program to assist our community during medical emergencies. The department equipped the current apparatus with vital medical equipment that is designed to provide basic medical care in the field while awaiting the arrival of EMS. A large group of personnel from our department became apart of this program, which required them to receive extensive medical training, including how to perform proper CPR, use an AED, check vital signs, administer oxygen, bandage wounds, splint broken bones, treat a shock patient, treat burn victims, and many other life-saving skills. After we completed the training and purchased the proper equipment we began responding with EMS to medical emergencies.
Today we have all apparatus equipped with medical response equipment. We currently have 24 first responders, most of which are State-certified EMT level. Each first responder is required to have 36 hours of refresher medical training each year. Our equipment today includes AED's capable of treating pediatric patients, and advanced airway management equipment .
Keep in mind that our first responders do not replace the high-quality, professional service that Iredell County EMS provides. We simply supplement their response. And this service is arguably the most valuable service we offer. Emergency medical professionals are taught that time means everything in a serious medical emergency. If your loved one is suffering from a heart attack or stroke, our medical responders can be there in a matter of minutes, starting emergency care much earlier. If someone begins to choke or even needs CPR, our medical responders are right around the corner. No one can predict the outcome of a medical emergency. But statistics show that a patient has a much better survival rate if prompt medical attention is received. This service is just another example of our dedication to serving you.
If you have any comments or questions about this program, please contact us at (704) 872-3947
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