The City of Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department operates a full-time, advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical transport service. It has provided this progressive, state-of-the-art service to its residents since 1975.
With more than 70 emergency medical technician-paramedics (EMT-P), CFFD EMS responded to nearly 8,000 calls in 2015, with 80% being requests for emergency medical service. From five stations, CFFD currently operates 10 ALS transport squads, two ALS fire engines, and three ALS ladder trucks. With this system, CFFD units are able to maintain three-minute average response times to locations within its five districts.
Under the medical direction of Dr. Michael Beeson, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.E.P., of Akron General Medical Center, CFFD operates from an aggressive standing-order-driven protocol, which is based heavily on the discretion and judgment of paramedics on the scene.
CFFD paramedics are provided monthly continuing medical education including CME, a review of EMS calls (a.k.a., run review) and a lecture series provided by the Medical Director and his staff. In addition, CFFD members receive specialty training including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS or CPR), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS).
In 2009, all CFFD Paramedics began participating in an innovative online CME training developed by Dr. Michael Beeson. Topics provide medics with curriculum tied to run review lectures and include a written test for each topic.
Cuyahoga Falls Fire implemented digital 12-lead EKG transmisson in 2010, which rapidly sends field heart rhythms to our local heart centers. This ensures cath labs and reperfusion teams are mobilized and at the ready prior to our patient's arrival. CFFD medics received several commendations for the large number of heart patients who were rapidly identified, treated and transported to local heart centers.
In 2010, all CFFD Paramedics participated in a training exercise provided by Akron General Medical Center and Summa Hospitals. The training involved the use of new, state-of-the-art computerized mannequins, which show signs, symptoms, talk, and respond to various treatment modalities. The training involved a major trauma motorcycle crash and various medical/heart emergencies. It was a great training venture by our medics and hospital community.
CFFD members pride themselves on their professional standards and customer service. With continued training, medical equipment upgrades, and innovations, our medics will continue to provide the finest in Advanced Life Support service to our community.
For more information on CFFD EMS Program, contact CFFD headquarters at (330) 971-8400.