According to a report from The Sun Chronicle, Seekonk (MA) Fire Department (SFD) Chief Dave Rave said that the department’s engine companies are now equipped with paramedics and medical equipment to bolster its two ambulances.
Because of an increase medical emergency calls such as those for COVID-19, the SFD decided to upgrade its services. Since the closure of Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, ambulances must now travel to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro and other Rhode Island hospitals. Combining this with the increase in calls and mutual aid to other towns, ambulances could be out of area for nearly an hour or more.
For the past several years, paramedics have staffed the town’s two ambulances. Today, the SFD’s two engine trucks will also offer the highest level of prehospital care by featuring cardiac monitors, paramedic drugs, and other advanced equipment. Because ambulances are called outside city limits for mutual aid more often than a SFD engine, this could prove to be a vital move.
Currently, the SFD has 28 paramedics and four emergency medical technicians now completing the licensing process.
When the SFD is at full strength, 36 of its 40 members will be licensed at the paramedic level.
