By Schuyler Kropf
The Post and Courier
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The North Charleston Fire Department plans to train all its personnel as emergency medical technicians, a move that should help with a growing number of medical-related calls.
City officials Monday announced receiving an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the federal Fire Administration that will help train all personnel to the level of Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B).
The department’s medical responses have increased by more than 300 percent since 2004, officials said, and now make up more than two-thirds of total call volume.
Some of the factors contributing to the increased volume include growth of the city in both size and population, an increase in seniors placing more of a demand on emergency medical services, and the economic downturn that has caused many more people to be uninsured or underinsured.
“This grant will allow us to significantly improve our capability in providing initial medical response in coordination with Charleston County EMS,” North Charleston Fire Chief Greg Bulanow said in a press release.
The North Charleston Fire Department has 229 personnel. They will take 144 hours of training to obtain the basic EMT level.
EMT-Bs provide basic life support. Some of the procedures they deliver include CPR, automated external defibrillation, mechanical ventilation, splinting and suctioning.
Additionally, EMT-Bs can assist patients with administering pre-prescribed nitroglycerin, metered-dose inhalers and epinephrine auto injectors.
The total grant allocation is $160,000, which includes $32,000 in matching city funds. Approval of the matching money is expected at Thursday’s City Council meeting.
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