HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 11-08 Paramedic vans now await signal in fire stations THE REVIEW Paramedic vans_now await
signal in fire stations
By KATHY HOLMES Now they will bring the life support units
to an emergency with them.
The nine police-paramedics for the city But the vital equipment needed for
Qb of Maplewood are now patroling in blue emergencies is contained in the carry-
and white carry-all vans instead of the ails, things such as defibrillators, car-
o advanced life support units,according to dioscopes and medications. Back-up
Lt.Dennis Cusick. equipment in the life support units is not
The four life support units await normally carried in the smaller units.
emergencies in the Parkside,Gladstone, "The success of the paramedic
q0 Hazelwood and East County Line fire parogram in Maplewood is due tothe
stations, where they can be easily cooperation of the police and firemen, "
manned to meet the paramedics. said Cusick.
The reasons for this are twofold,Cusick The firemen who respond to
explained. "The carry-all vehicles are emergencies aremergency Medical
better designed for the dual role of the Technicians (EMTs) or advanced first
police-paramedic,"he said.Also,the cost aid trained personnel.
to the taxpayer is lessened by the change. The paramedic personnel in the police
The expense of patroling the life sup- department are divided into three daily
port units was higher.Maintenance and shifts so that they are always patroling
mileage costs have been reduced. Maplewood streets.
There won't be any change in meeting The emergency telephone number for
emergencies.Firemen have been joining police,fire and medical emergencies in
the paramedics at the scene in the past. Maplewood is still 777-M91.