By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-798186.mp3
Dallas, TX – Dallas Fire-Rescue wants to "get there" faster when there is a medical emergency. KERA's BJ Austin reports a city council committee will hear about the new response plan.
The new program includes use of neighborhood fire trucks, each with a certified paramedic aboard who is able to begin life-saving treatment even before the ambulance arrives. These are called Advanced Live Support Engines, and the proposed pilot program calls for five of them.
Another new program would be Rapid Response Units, SUVs with two paramedics aboard who would work overnight on weekends, treating patients when transport to a hospital is not necessary.
The new response systems are part of a plan to overhaul the policy for assessing patients in the field.
Dallas Fire Rescue wants to start the pilot program January 1, 2009, and evaluate it in 90 days.