What kind of equipment is used in the ambulance?

• Oxygen, to help someone with shortness of breath.
• A cardiac monitor is used to analyze the patient's heart and defibrillate ("shock") or serve as a pacemaker, if necessary.
• Advanced airway equipment, such as Endotracheal Intubation tubes.
• Medications for cardiac and breathing emergencies.
• Splints, for fractured limbs as well as extrication devices to move those with head, neck, and back injuries.
• Special equipment designed to move patients with extreme care.
• Other medical supplies and equipment required to address any type of emergency.

What are the qualifications of the MEMS emergency team?

MEMS Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD) are certified with the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch and are able to provide life-saving instructions and other directions to callers while paramedic crews are on the way.

MEMS Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) are state and nationally licensed at the level of Emergency Medical Technician and are able to provide basic life support.

MEMS Paramedics are state and nationally licensed and require at least one (1) year of patient care experience at the EMT level prior to 1,000 hours of additional training and hospital experience.  Paramedics are qualified to perform numerous advanced lifesaving skills and procedures such as: Advanced Cardiac Life Support, initiate Intravenous therapies (IVs), administer medications, insert breathing tubes, and deliver babies.  All positions meet and must stay current with National and State licensure standards.  

Where will the ambulance take me?

The destination is the hospital emergency room of the patient's choice or, in some cases, the closest appropriate Emergency Room (for a situation where one's condition is potentially life-threatening and it is necessary to get to an Emergency Room quicker).  In either case, Paramedics and EMT's can communicate with physicians in the Emergency Room and begin medical consultation while en route to the hospital.