CONTINUED GROWTH

To meet continuing demands on the services of the Ebbetts Pass Fire District, and with the ever growing numbers of people, both residents and visitors alike, to the area, EPFD was approached with the proposition of beginning Paramedic service through the Fire District.  The EPFD Board of Directors and Chief Wilkes thought long and hard, and entertained several budget scenarios during the late 1990's.  Approaching the area voters with a Special Ballot Measure, Paramedic service could become a reality in the Ebbetts Pass Fire District.

The voters within the District approved the ballot measure, and plans were made to begin a testing process for firefighter-paramedics and to purchase the required advanced life support equipment they would need to provide service.  EPFD completed a testing process that lead to the District hiring three firefighter-paramedics, one for each shift.  These firefighter-paramedics, responding on Engine 435 or Squad 431, would provided advanced life support care to ill and injured patients until an ambulance would arrive on scene and transport to area hospitals.  This enhancement in care to District citizens ensurred that care was adaquate while waiting for ambulance service, sometimes up to 45 minutes.   EPFD firefighter-paramedics soon began to realize that there was a need for immediate transport of patients and full paramedic transport service in light of ambulance service response times and delays, especially over very busy holiday weekends. The EMS Coordinator, Chief Officer and the Board of Directors took these concerns of the EPFD firefighter-paramedics very seriously, and the issue of full paramedic service was explored.  The District applied to Regional EMS to begin full paramedic service, and the process was begun.  EPFD, through the Ebbetts Pass Firefighters Association, also purchased a used ambulance and converted it to meet EPFD needs.

This would lead, on July 2, 2002, to the latest enhancement to the services provided by the EPFD Paramedic program.   The final approval from Regional EMS for EPFD to begin patient transport to local hospitals using Paramedic Rescue Unit, Medic Unit 431.

Medic Unit 431 would be transporting patients with one firefighter-EMT and one paramedic onboard, while the paid fire engine, E-435, would remain in the District staffed with an additional paramedic to ensure continued paramedic service to our District residents and visitors.  The additional paramedic will also keep EPFD in compliance with the firefighter safety issue of 2 in-2 out.

In March of 2003, the newest enhancement to the services provided by the Ebbetts Pass Fire District Paramedic Program, was the purchase of a new Paramedic Rescue Unit, Medic unit 435.  It is now the first run paramedic ambulance for the paid staff out of station # 1 in Arnold.   Medic unit 431 is now a second out and back-up unit, that has been utilized for second response and special detail coverage.

Since December 2002, Medic unit 431 has been utilized for special coverage at Bear Valley Ski area on busy ski event days and holiday weekends.  Medic unit 431 has also provided coverage at other local special events in 2003.
 

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