Ill. Fire Departments Begin ALS Pilot Program

Journal Star, Peoria, Ill.

Jan. 31—A pilot program has been launched that allows two Peoria Fire Department engines to provide advanced life support services.

Peoria Area Emergency Medical Services, in collaboration with the fire department and Firefighters Union Local 50, has launched a first-response pilot program within the city of Peoria.

The pilot, which began Jan. 1, enables the fire department's Rescue 1 and Engine 3 to provide advanced life support care when necessary. These engine companies will be staffed with at least one system-certified paramedic at all times.

The city of Peoria already has advanced life support coverage through Advanced Medical Transport while the Peoria Fire Department has three ALS certified engine companies, with more than 50 certified paramedics serving on predominantly basic life support engine companies.

Advanced life support is provided when a patient is in a condition requiring a paramedic to assist in treatment before or during transport to a hospital.

"It is the goal of Peoria Area Emergency Medical Services to provide care for everyone throughout Peoria. It is our hope that this collaborative program will help us meet their needs as quickly as possible," said Dr. Matthew Jackson, medical director for PAEMS.

"While we haven't seen any treatment gaps, this will provide the Fire Department the opportunity to provide advanced life support in special cases. This is a test to see if it's really needed," he said.

In situations where the Peoria Fire Department may be the initial—or only—unit dispatched, or in situations involving multiple patients, concern has been raised of the possible need for advanced life support intervention. The ALS First Response model allows the Fire Department to intervene in critical situations until an ALS transporting unit arrives on the scene.

The program is being operated for a one-year trial. If deemed useful, the ALS First Response model could be expanded to additional engine companies.