Collaborative Care: Paramedics and Firefighters Working Together on Ambulance Calls

Many emergency medical situations require a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters to provide the best possible care. This article explores how paramedics and firefighters collaborate when responding to emergency medical calls, and the unique scenarios that demand their combined efforts.

When Paramedics Drive, Firefighters Assist

Despite popular belief, it's not uncommon for paramedics to get on an ambulance called for by EMTs. They often join the EMTs on the scene or during their journey to the hospital. In many cases, the initial call is dispatched at a basic life support (BLS) level, but the patient's condition deteriorates, necessitating more advanced interventions. Paramedics play a crucial role in administering these interventions and providing advanced medical care during transit.

Firefighters on Ambulances: A Reality in Many Regions

Firefighters, while typically not trained as paramedics, often find themselves on ambulances due to the nature of their work and the demands of the emergency response system. In my experience, I have met with EMTs on the scene or en route to the hospital multiple times. These scenarios typically start at a BLS level but escalate to require invasive treatments or drug administration. In these instances, firefighters step in to help, providing essential support to the EMTs and paramedics.

Volunteer EMS and Urban Challenges

In rural regions with volunteer emergency medical services (EMS), the resourcefulness of dispatch strategies becomes apparent. When there is a single EMT on duty, a firefighter may take on the role of the driver, enabling the EMT to continue providing care. In situations where the call involves injuries and there are no available firefighters, a police officer may take over driving duties. However, in urban settings, this scenario is less common due to the availability of more resources.

The Role of Structural Firefighters

The roles of structural firefighters vary across different regional EMS systems, but they are often involved in providing assistance at the scene of an emergency. Paramedics and EMTs often work as a 2-person crew, with one EMT and one paramedic. When a 911 call comes in, firefighters from fire departments respond quickly to the scene, often in a variety of vehicles like ladder trucks, fire pumps, or engines. If the call is minor, the firefighters may be "canceled" and ordered back to the station. However, for more severe cases, such as cardiac arrests or injuries requiring patient movement, firefighters offer crucial support.

ALS vs. BLS Crews

Some ambulance services operate with only a BLS crew, comprising EMTs or advanced EMTs (AEMTs). In these settings, paramedics typically work within the fire department. Both the ambulance and the fire department get dispatched to calls, and if the situation requires advanced life support (ALS) care, the paramedic from the fire department will jump into the ambulance to provide the necessary treatments.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts between paramedics and firefighters are integral to the efficient and effective delivery of emergency medical care. Whether it's driving an ambulance, providing patient care, or offering additional support, these combined teams ensure that patients receive the best possible care in critical situations. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of each team member is crucial for optimizing the response to emergencies and saving lives.