back to news releases

January 6, 2005
Holly Smith
Asst. Community Information Director

NEW SMYRNA BEACH AREA FIRE STATION UPGRADES TO ALS

Residents of the unincorporated areas near New Smyrna Beach may rest easier now that their neighborhood fire station offers advanced life support (ALS). Volusia County Fire Station 23 was upgraded from basic life support (BLS) January 5.

Over the last five years, the County has more than tripled its number of ALS stations. Twelve of the agency’s 22 stations are authorized to provide advanced life support.

Station 23 is at1850 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach. The station serves the adjacent unincorporated areas within Volusia County.

“Many severe accidents occur on I-95 and Highway 44 which are served by the station,” said County Fire Captain and Emergency Medical Services Coordinator Susan Whitlock. “As soon as crews arrive, they can begin administering advanced lifesaving care.”

The upgrade to ALS means the station will be staffed 24 hours a day with a paramedic and an emergency medical technician (EMT), Whitlock said. The service provides advanced cardiac and respiratory care, involving diagnostic equipment and drug therapy. It also means more invasive medical procedures for patients, including those suffering traumatic injuries, may be performed.

“A high percentage of the medical calls in the area require advanced care,” Whitlock said. “Now that fire crews have the capability to initiate intravenous solutions, they will be able to stabilize patients more quickly.”

Before moving to ALS, Station 23 crews were not allowed to administer aerosolized or IV-type medications or perform more invasive airway procedures.

The station is armed with one of the most advanced cardiac monitors/defibrillators available. The Zoll M Series offers 12-lead diagnosis and capnography – a capability also found in hospitals.

“Within minutes, crews will be able to determine the severity of heart attacks and the area of the heart that has been injured,” Whitlock said. “The equipment provides a snapshot of the injury to the heart.”

Capnography continuously measures the respiratory rate. It also measures the level of carbon dioxide in respiratory gases. This helps responders determine if the patient’s airway is clear or if an endotracheal tube is placed correctly.

Whitlock said the total cost of equipment and medical supplies needed for the upgrade was more than $40,000, which was obtained through an EMS Trust Fund Grant.

For more information, please contact Whitlock at (386) 254-4657.

back to news releases

 

Volusia County, Florida.