CAFS On An Ambulance?

[x635 4,066]

Interesting concept. I can't say that I completly disagree with the idea in some cases.

Check it out and tell me what you think.

http://www.schertz.com/documents/01-24-200...ication_000.pdf

[mfc2257 464]

This isn't uncommon here down south where the blending of EMS and Fire response has occurred much faster than in the Northeast.

For example, the unit designation Ambulance doesn't really exist in Florida. An ambulance is typically called a Rescue and it would often be a commercial chassis with a small generator, combi-tool, SCBA's, and more and more frequently a small pump and tank that would be capable of extinguishing a vehicle fire if life safety depended on it. The newer rigs that have a mini CAFS setup can put a knock on a room & content if the Wagon is out of position and responding from it's last call.

These guys are all FF/Medics so typically the run in tandem with a 3-4 man Engine. On a structure fire or vehicle fire where the crew of the "Rescue" isn't providing medical care, those two FF's typically will hit the hydrant, pack up and fall in line with the rest of the Engine crew and pull the back-up line etc.

[Guest]

Let's say the ambulance is first due on an MVA with entrapment. The patient is seriously injured and needs to be transported as soon as possible. The FD is several minutes out, so the ambulance crew sets up for extrication and removes the patient.

My question is, if there is only the one ambulance on scene, isn't the time saved by the ambulance crew extricating immediately cancelled out by the time it takes them to pick up and repack their Holmatro tool and equipment?

This is defineately an interesting concept that is worth implimenting with the proper procedures set in place, especially in areas that emergency services are spread out and or thin.

[NJMedic 96]

My question is, if there is only the one ambulance on scene, isn't the time saved by the ambulance crew extricating immediately cancelled out by the time it takes them to pick up and repack their Holmatro tool and equipment?

This is defineately an interesting concept that is worth implimenting with the proper procedures set in place, especially in areas that emergency services are spread out and or thin.

I've seen that happen and its a clustf***. Serious MVA with a patient with airway issues. Pt pinned in the car. FD responds with an engine and a rescue company that responds in a large Freightliner ambulance. Pt is extricated and sits in the ambulance on the side of the road while all the tools are picked up and basically thrown into and onto the ambulance. This is in town that has 3 volunteer EMS units, a three service EMS agency that responded during the day, and a regional paramedic unit that responds in an ambulance which also happened to be on this job. The FD wanted to transport because it was "their patient".

What happens with the FD rescue ambulance arrives and finds patients? Do they treat the patients or fight the fire. You might think the obvious answer is to treat the patients but I have seen it happen the other way. Who does rehab?

[mfc2257 464]

Let's say the ambulance is first due on an MVA with entrapment. The patient is seriously injured and needs to be transported as soon as possible. The FD is several minutes out, so the ambulance crew sets up for extrication and removes the patient.

My question is, if there is only the one ambulance on scene, isn't the time saved by the ambulance crew extricating immediately cancelled out by the time it takes them to pick up and repack their Holmatro tool and equipment?

This is defineately an interesting concept that is worth implimenting with the proper procedures set in place, especially in areas that emergency services are spread out and or thin.

All depends on department SOP/SOG. The primary responsibility is for the Rescue (Ambulance) to provide medical care to the patient. The Rescue (Ambulance) isn't there to provide primary extrication or suppression services. However, based on the structure of many Southeastern departments, they are at times equipped with limited capabilities in both areas so that if a rapid implementation of that role is required, as FF/Medics they can assume that role. If they arrive first, they must decide which role to take in order to give the patient the best possible chance of survival. If they do assume a non medical role, striking the box for the next due transport unit is essential.

Make no mistake, there are no departments that I know of where the Rescue (Ambulance) is the primary unit to provide those other services. Trucks, Engines, and Squads fill that role as a first due.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

It all depends... If the car is on fire and the victims are trapped inside, and the Rescue is the first on scene... wouldn't they HAVE to begin suppression in order to be able to treat the patient? There are a few towns in New Haven County in Connecticut where the Rescue (which can transport) is the primary extrication unit, but they never roll without at least an engine and an AMR rig as backup.

[ny10570 745]

If you're responding in with an engine, it works. Maybe you should be leaving the tool with the engine while you transport. If you are going to spend the money and space on CAFS then I'm assuming you're not responding with FD. Who's going to treat the patient while you're fighting the fire and cutting the car? In depts where the ambulance is the second piece the engine runs with, is the engine company able to operate if there are victims on the lawn that need EMS?

[Guest paramedico987]

That's just going to lead to a foam fight...