PARAMEDIC PROGRAM

The City of Hermosa Beach has provided paramedic services within the fire department since 1977. Back then, there were only two paramedics per shift, with only one rescue ambulance. Today, 16 of the 18 positions available in the department hold paramedic status. Currently, there is a minimum of four paramedics per shift, and days with as many as six. The fire service of today differs greatly from the fire service of the past. In the past, the fire service was solely about fighting fire. Today, firefighters wear many hats, and in doing so, are trained to handle a wide variety of special tasks. The largest hat worn today involves providing emergency medicine to sick and/or injured patients. In fact, approximately 80% of the calls received by the Hermosa Beach Fire Department involve emergency medical services.

PARAMEDIC vs. EMT

The firefighters that are not paramedics are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-1). The EMT certification indicates that the individual can provide Basic Life Support (BLS) which allows them to perform such skills as giving a patient oxygen, taking vital signs (such as a blood pressure), bandaging wounds, performing CPR, and helping Paramedics with advanced skills. Paramedics perform all the same skills as an EMT but are also trained to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS). Paramedics have had more extensive education and training, which requires them to know the anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as the ability to identify the signs and symptoms of all medical emergency possibilities. In addition, the paramedic can also perform endotracheal intubation, provide defibrillation, read an EKG, gain intravenous access, and administer appropriate medications via an IV or below skin injection.

HOW THE PARAMEDIC PROGRAM FUNCTIONS

There are two paramedic units, Rescue 11 and Engine 11. Rescue 11 is considered the ALS rescue ambulance, and is staffed with two Paramedic Firefighters. Engine 11 is staffed with three firefighters, two of which are paramedics. Rescue 11 is the primary paramedic unit and if they are tied up on one call, and another medical call is dispatched, Engine 11 will be able to respond as the second paramedic unit. In most medical call responses, both Rescue 11 and Engine 11 respond together along with a third unit, A12. Ambulance 12 is the BLS rescue ambulance that is staffed with two EMT's.

EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION TO THE HOSPITAL

The Hermosa Beach Fire Department has the ability to transport patients to the hospital via the rescue ambulances. If the medical call is an ALS patient, Rescue 11 paramedics will transport the patient to the hospital. If the call is a BLS patient and requires transportation to the hospital, Ambulance 12 will transport the patient. Ambulance 12 not only provides an additional set of hands, but also keeps the paramedics available for an ALS call. There are a few hospitals in the area that the Hermosa Beach Fire Department transports to, and patient destination relies on certain criteria. Most of the ALS or critical patients are taken to the closest hospital due to the urgency of the medical problem. Calls that involve traumatic injuries, are taken to the designated trauma Center, which specializes in tramatic injuries. BLS patients, who's medical problem is deemed non-life threatening , have more freedom to choose the hospital destination of their choice. As a whole, The Fire Department does it's best to acknowledge all the needs of the patient

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a fee to be transported in the rescue ambulance?

Yes, the fees are the life support of the program, and what helps give the community the best possible care. There are two different flat rate fees; fees for Hermosa Beach residents and fees for non- residents. The fee for residents is lower than the fee for non-residents. This fee is only charged if you are transported in the ambulance. There is no fee for the paramedics to respond to a medical call or to evaluate the condition of a patient.

When should I call 911?

Anytime you feel you have an emergency. If in doubt, call and let us help you decide if you or someone else will need to go to the hospital in an ambulance. However keep in mind that 911 should only be used for emergencies.

Who will respond when I call 911?
Why does the fire engine show up when I call 911 for a medical problem?

Depending on the type and severity of a call, a decision will be made as to which apparatus will respond to the call. A medical call will most likely receive a fire engine and the two rescues (ALS and BLS). Why all this? As firefighters and paramedics who receive a call, we never know exactly what the situation will be until we arrive on scene. If the call turns out to be a severe emergency, it is very possible that every firefighter and paramedic will be utilized to perform a vital function. At times, the call may be minor and not everyone is needed. However, in order to provide the best care to the patients, we must be prepared for any type of situation. Once on scene, it is the job of the paramedics, under Los Angeles County treatment guidelines, to determine the needs of the patient(s).