The What, When, Where, How, and Why
A life threatening emergency is a person who is unconscious, not breathing, has uncontrolled bleeding, or is experiencing chest pain lasting two (2) minutes or more.
A non-life threatening emergency is a person who is hurt or ill, but in stable condition, mentally alert, and out of immediate danger.
If the victim's condition is not life threatening, drive to the nearest hospital emergency room.
If the victim's condition is life threatening, call 911 immediately to reach a MEMS dispatcher. When the dispatcher answers the phone, remember these helpful tips:
1. Stay calm as you speak slowly and clearly to the dispatcher.
2. Give the dispatcher your name, address, phone number, and exact location of the victim.
3. Be prepared to describe the nature of the emergency.
4. Answer all the dispatcher's questions as best you can.
5. STAY ON THE PHONE until the dispatcher tells you to hang up
MEMS will send a team of Paramedics and medical technicians who have been trained and certified to provide medical and personal assistance to the patient.
MEMS Paramedics are qualified to perform lifesaving procedures such as: Initiating Intravenous Lines (IV's), Administer Medications, Perform Cardiac Monitoring, Insert Breathing Tubes, and Deliver Babies.
Within four (4) minutes, a fire department rescue team will arrive at the scene of the emergency to administer basic life support. They will then radio a report to the MEMS communications center, and the EMT/Paramedic crew that was already in route when the call to 911 was initially placed.
Within eight (8) minutes, a MEMS team must respond in at least 90% of all emergencies. MEMS consistently surpasses this goal.
They will secure the area around the victim to allow access for treatment.
They will perform a physical assessment, which could include one or more of the following:
- Clear throat and airways
- Apply oxygen
- Stop bleeding
- Replace fluids
- Support broken limbs or spine
- Administer medications as necessary
They will then prepare to transport the victim. This involves comforting the victim as best as possible under the circumstances. securing the victim to the stretcher, and then transport the victim to the destination intended.
A MEMS emergency medical technician (EMT) has been certified as a Basic Life Support Technician. This requires 120 hours of training.
A MEMS paramedic is required to have at least one (1) year of "real world" patient care experience followed by up to 1,000 hours of additional training and hospital experience.
All positions must meet, and stay current with National and State certifications and standards.
The final destination is the hospital emergency room. However, a MEMS ambulance operates as an "Emergency Room on Wheels," complete with advanced life support equipment and supplies required by state law and the AEPF.
Paramedics and EMT's communicate by radio with physicians in the emergency room, and can begin medical consultation while in route, and medical treatment on scene.
A cardiac monitor is used to keep track of the patient's heart rhythm. A defibrillator is used to revive a patient if the heart stops beating.
Splints are used for fractured limbs as well as an extrication device to head, neck, and back stable to prevent further injury.
Special stair chairs and stretchers enable the MEMS team to move patients with extreme care.
Medical supplies and equipment required to address every type of emergency. Our ambulances are fully equipped, and fully stocked at all times.