Local Heroes - The Fire and Rescue Squad
Saint Michael's Rescue
Currently, primary ambulance care is provided with a 2004 Ford F-350 Road Rescue ambulance equipped with oxygen; intravenous supplies; medications to handle acute diabetic emergencies, poisonings, and allergic reactions; bandages and splinting supplies for trauma; and a semi-automatic defibrillator for patients in cardiac arrest. A second ambulance, a 2001 Ford F-350 Road Rescue, is similarly equipped for backup use or large-scale emergencies. Our NICU ambulance, a 2004 International Road Rescue, is specially outfitted with a hydraulic lift to handle the heavy and specialized equipment needed for neonatal transports.
Rescue Training
Maintaining the Rescue Squad’s ability to provide top-quality care requires training in all areas of emergency medicine. Further, the skills of each rescuer need to be constantly reviewed and updated through weekly squad training and courses sponsored by Vermont Emergency Medical Services District 3 and Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
When a student is interested in joining Saint Michael’s Rescue, they first enroll in the Rescue Rookie Course, which is coordinated by the 1st Lieutenant of Saint Michael’s Rescue every fall and spring semester. This semester long course begins with certification in CPR. It is designed to teach students basic first aid skills and prepare them for the Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B) class. The class also orients them to the department's ambulances, rules and regulations, and the student's role as a Rescue member. At the end of the class each student must pass written and practical exams.
Once a person has successfully completed the Rookie Course, they are eligible to try out for Saint Michael’s Rescue. Tryouts consist of a written exam, practical demonstration of skills, a test of familiarity with the organization and the set-up of the ambulance, and an interview by the student officers.
When a person is accepted as a member of Saint Michael’s Rescue, they begin in the Fourth position on the crew. Here a person observes calls and learns how to deal with emergency situations. At the same time all new members must enroll in the EMT-B class sponsored by Vermont Emergency Medical Services District 3. This 100-hour class teaches patient assessment and practical skills including semi-automatic defibrillation, a potentially life-saving treatment for a patient in cardiac arrest. Students also learn how to assist in the administration of specific prescribed medications, such as injecting epinephrine for a person with a severe allergic reaction. At the conclusion of the EMT-B class, each student must pass the State of Vermont written and practical exam to be certified as an EMT-B in Vermont, and to qualify as a nationally registered EMT.
Once certified a person can become more involved in patient care as they grow more familiar and confident in the skills required for each call. At this time, they can begin to train for the next position, third. The Third position is responsible for radio communication, patient care and movement, as well as directing the Fourth.
Next, a Rescue Squad member may enroll in the Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate (EMT-I) Class. This 60-hour class teaches more advanced assessment skills as well as intravenous (IV) therapy. The treatment administered by the EMT-I in the field may include establishing an IV, administering specific drugs, and advanced airway techniques, including intubation.
Rescue members can aspire to become a Crew Chief, with responsibility for complete patient assessment, direct patient care, crew directions, hospital communication, and documentation of medical care. The Crew Chief is also responsible for coordinating other agencies during motor vehicle accidents and multi-casualty incidents.
Other members train to be a Rescue ambulance driver. These volunteers require high proficiency in vehicle operation, mastery of routes within the response area, and working knowledge of all EMS equipment carried on the ambulance.
