System overview
The Volusia County EMS System is a two-tiered system responding to more than 70,000 requests annually. The first tier is comprised of “First Responders” such as fire department agencies and the County’s Beach Patrol and Lifeguards.
The firefighters and lifeguards provide emergency medical care until the second tier arrives. The second tier is the patient transport component and consists of EVAC Ambulance and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter program. EVAC Ambulance has been the exclusive provider of ambulance services to Volusia County residents and visitors since 1981 and was named the 2002 EMS Provider of the Year by the Florida Department of Health.
Through a partnership with Halifax Medical Center, the Sheriff’s Office operates three Bell Jet Ranger L4 helicopters for law enforcement and aeromedical transport purposes.
County Lifeguards rescue more than 3,000 swimmers each year. Lifeguard responsibilities include water rescue of swimmers and surfers, boater rescue up to three miles offshore, missing persons and related emergencies. Volusia County Lifeguards also handle enforcement of beach laws and regulations related to beach and water use.
The fire departments are a mixture of Basic Life Support (BLS) stations and Advanced Life Support (ALS) response units. The difference between the BLS and ALS units is that the ALS units provide a higher level of life support. The ALS units have a minimum of one paramedic and one EMT, can administer certain medications, and have advanced airway equipment, cardiac monitors, advanced cardiac life support equipment and blood glucose testing equipment.
As required by Florida Statute, any agency that wishes to provide ALS or emergency medical transportation services must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) from the Volusia County Council. The County Council will consider an application for the certificate, and the extent to which the proposed services are needed to improve the overall capability of medical transportation or rescue services within the County, as well as their cost, and other considerations. The County Council determines if services may upgrade from BLS to ALS status. The certificates are renewable every two years.
Volusia County’s Emergency Management Division operates the Department of Public Protection, Emergency Communications Center (ECC) providing fire and EMS emergency communications for Volusia County Fire Services, EVAC Ambulance, DeLand Fire Department, South Daytona Fire-Rescue, and Holly Hill Fire Rescue. Their dispatch personnel are state-certified EMTs or Paramedics and certified as Emergency Medical Dispatchers and Emergency Fire Dispatchers. Dispatching for the balance of the EMS agencies is provided through their police departments or fire departments.
Always remember to dial 911 for an emergency. To reach an EMS Provider in Volusia County in a non-emergency situation, please call the telephone number listed for that agency in the EMS Provider List.
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Volusia County, Florida.
