Behind the Scenes in an LAFD Rescue Ambulance
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- Опубліковано 24 чер 2009
- Discover the value of every LAFD Rescue Ambulance. Every Fire Station (currently) has at least one ambulance. In most single engine stations, the ambulance is for "Basic Life Support" or BLS responses. It is staffed by EMT/Firefighters. Single engine stations often utilize an "assessment" Engine, meaning a Paramedic is on the engine. Larger stations have "Advanced Life Support" or ALS ambulances, staffed by two paramedics. When you see an LAFD ambulance on the road, you can tell which is which by their numbers. An ALS ambulance from FS9 will have RA9 on the side. A BLS ambulance from FS9 will have 809 on the side. If the ambulance is from a station in the higher numbers, such as fire station 104, the BLS ambulance will be numbered RA904.
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Paramedics are the best guards who help vulnerable people who can’t stand up for themselves
Im 16, just got my NJ EMT cert 2 days ago, and I can't wait until I am 18 and can become a firefighter/paramedic!
Very interesting the upgrades they have done for LAFD Paramedic Ambulance. Back in 1977, I fell 95 feet, down an old Incinerator smoke stack, that was being used to throw discarded card board boxes, at the Sears Store, in North Hollywood, CA., I don't recall the Station that answered the call, but they labored to get me out a small area, through a metal fence barrier, and up to the ambulance, they took me to the then North Hollywood Hospital, ER .I always wanted to thank them for saving me!
The LAFD is not hiring at the moment. When they do, having an EMT-D (Paramedic) is a BIG advantage. There is no requirement to be a Paramedic, as only several hundred LAFD members are. All LAFD members are EMT-B, and you must also pass stringent background investigations, as well as physical, oral, and written tests - plus a long drill tower assignment.
Good question. An ALS tour should be available in August. It makes sense to provide an updated example. Good call!
Please stay safe out there. Your lives matter to those who are waiting for your return Home 🏘️
SO THANK YOU LAFD!
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. As noted, this video clip is several years old. LAFD RAs have all been replaced (except for reserve rigs) by this time.
Hello, I am italian. I admire paramedics and their job... Seeing american paramedics in action is very fascinating and interesting. Thanks for your videos and congratulations for your work. Greetings from Italy (excuse me for my bad english...)
@Messier83 This is a 800 series BLS unit. The ALS equipment is located on an RA paramedic unit. The firefighter does not have to a paramedic on an 800 series. In this case they were using a paramedic firefighter for the interview
Those are some nice units. I like the red color.
You are spot on. Also, since people are generally squeamish to give breaths without a barrier and may (in a state of panic) forget to open the airway properly, stopping compressions to give breaths which may not even be effective is a waste of time. The compressions are what really buy the patient time. They have residual oxygen in their blood which you can circulate, and their lungs will get some passive oxygenation without breaths.
Love the tackle box! And I'm sure you could use a pillow as a splint at a fraction of the cost of an air splint.
@LAFD027 Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I was very kind of you to explain..I now understand the principle behind the numbering :)
Great work as always!
the fasplint! i broke my arm in November playing high school football and the ambulance drove onto the football field and put that fasplint on me, and at first i thought it was a beanbag lol
As noted in the video, the walkaround was of an LAFD Rescue Ambulance. While the RAs are staffed for BLS and ALS use, they are the same apparatus, and carry primarily the same inventory. The same is true for assessment fire engines.
Haha! Thanks for explaining the all caps thing to him.
That was very well presented thank you
Very interesting video and like the Ambulance vehicle. The only thing that I disagree on is the stretcher that is used as they can over balance and you could loose the patient off it if used as a chair stretcher.
anyone else notice they werent holding c-spine on the standing takedown?
@annacfd28 Thanks for your comments. Every LA Firefighter is also an EMT. EMT rescues transport more than 400 people per day to hospital care and in a manner not consistent with private operators. ALS rescues transport an additional 150 or more people per day (500 + per day). This process provides badly needed revenue to the city, and the immediate (avg response time to scene is < 4 minutes) response of all rescues saves lives every day.
CFD rocks!
@ShaddyDaddy77 in Los Angeles, all sworn firefighters are EMT-B certified. Within the ranks of firefighters, a number are Paramedics (EMT-D) certified.
@sharkowner95 The dispatch of BLS vs. ALS resources has many variables. There are a series of parameters where ALS resources are automatic. If the patient is altered, has suffered a specific mechanism (MOI), etc., then an ASL ambulance or an ALS engine will be dispatched. If you go to school and become an EMT, you'll learn the difference and understand more about this issue overall.
Good question. These certifications are not agility or ability oriented. Becoming an EMT-B is typically a six week course (not daily). Once the test is passed locally, you must pass the National Registry for EMTs. ALL LAFD members are EMTs. There are no non-medical firefighters in LA. If you want to become a Paramedic, that requires 18 months of full-time school. Firefighters who want to become Paramedics must leave the field and attend school full time.
It depends on the department, but with LAFD: Orange:-Captain, Yellow: Firefighters and Firefighter/Paramedics, White: Chief Officers (Battalion Chiefs, Division Chiefs, etc.). Blue: Single function (non FF) paramedics. Red: Arson Investigation, Black: Explorers.
FireBuff51 That's not the set up where I am.
All I can say here is wow, in MN and Iowa you have to obtain your EMT B then train and take callses for EMT Paramedic certification which is a longer course than the EMT B. In Iowa it used to be EMT A then EMT D or I then Paramedic but now that has all changed to B then Paramedic
Good Video Guys i love Paramedics
@thedivinemrsjones Los Angeles covers 470 square miles at the moment. Within the city, the LAFD breaks up that territory into regions. There are (currently) 3 divisions. Within those divisions, there are 16 Battalions, each one commanded by a Battalion Chief. Within each battalion, there are on average six fire stations (it varies), making up a total of 106 fire stations within the city. Each station is numbered, but the history of numbering is a different story altogether... 76s is part of B5.
These videos are designed to provide insight and a glimpse at real-world experiences. They are not designed to inspire competition, or adversarial dialog. There is a place for all forms of first responder agencies, volunteer or paid. And, having experienced both environments, I would note that each is unique, and members of both communities deserve respect and at least reasonable (and properly spelled) comments.
@i5adam8 Great question regarding EMS Captains. The individuals are paramedic trained, and provide supervisory support for both BLS and ALS rescue ambulance crews. As you may know, the LAFD is going thru some evolutionary changes, so the role of EMS Captains is likely to also evolve in the coming months.
@LAFD027 Please don't misunderstand me. I appreciate the great work that firefighters do. Given the budget crisis in L.A. right now and the fact that you guys have been forced to reduce the number of ambulances on the street (unless that has changed since the last news report that I saw) I would love to see you guys switch to a system that could be more efficient and more effective than the one currently in place.
@sharkowner95 If you're asking about Los Angeles, all LAFD members are EMTs. You cannot be a member of the LAFD and only have EMT status. There are plenty of private ambulance companies that will hire individuals who are EMT trained. The LAFD operates its own training facility. If you are already an EMT, that's useful to getting hired, but is not even 10% of the requirement.
@Mariklin123 I can explain things to you. First of all, when you type in ALL CAPS using the Internet, it means you are shouting. In Los Angeles, all firefighters are EMT-B certified (in LA). As such, they rotate through a variety of apparatus, including engines, trucks (hook and ladder), and Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances. There is a group of firefighters who are also Paramedics (EMT-D) and those individuals work either in Advanced Life Support (ALS) rescue ambulances, or on fire engines.
Note that this video is four years old - and many of the tools and tactics have been significantly updated since then. No need to be disappointed. Also, note that only a fraction of what is carried on a BLS ambulance (separate from ALS equipment) is being referenced.
Very good report! Greetings from Germany :)
@annacfd28 Thanks for your note. Actually, most large and medium sized cities REQUIRE all of their firefighters to have medical training. In Los Angeles, all firefighters are EMTs, and about 20% are Paramedics as well. The dispatch of BLS resources is not a nightmare and in fact is very straight-forward. The mix and management of ALS and BLS resources is pretty cool, and LA bills nearly $1.3 million per month for use of its EMS services.
In the LAFD, the current mandate is that all paramedics also be firefighters. There was a time when there were "single function" paramedics, and there are still a few dozen of those members on the job. The majority of LAFD paramedics are also firefighters and actively participate in fire suppression activities.
Smoke Eaters sk
@firebird960 Thanks for your comment. The LAFD has a number of Paramedic resources on both Engines and Truck Companies. These resources may be dispatched with or without an ambulance. Because a paramedic is on board, these engines and trucks are ALL considered ALS resources.
@aweird1 Thanks for your post, but note that every community has differing needs. In Los Angeles, with 4 million + people, the LAFD responds to more than 1,000 EMS runs per day. The ability to send appropriate resources (equip. and manpower) means faster and better care for patients. All firefighters are EMTs, and there is a core group of Paramedics and EMS Captains. And key point: all fire stations in LA are designed to ensure an RA can reach you within five minutes - citywide.
@soumya5200 There are private ambulances in all communities, as one might expect. The LAFD considers its apparatus to be used for "rescue" - and as such calls them rescue ambulances. There are two types, including Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS).
because sometimes the fastes resource to arrive at the scene is an engine company to stabalize while the ems unit is enroute...
I used to watch this
@knpdyeballarice As of this date, the LAFD has a rescue ambulance staged in all 106 fire stations around the City of Los Angeles. Some fire stations have multiple ambulances. There are two types: Basic Life Support, staffed by firefighters (who are all EMT-B rated), and Advanced Life Support, with two paramedics on board. The LAFD responds to as many as 1,000 medical calls per day, and often transports more than 500 people per day to area hospitals for treatment.
this video is old air splints are not common anymore and are not required. the cot is old. the stair-chair is outdated very. also the tackle-box method is very obsolete anymore.
@mikiedeath That must have been some time ago. The LAFD has not hired any employees in more than two years. There will be no additional hires until 2014. The cause is the current budget crisis. Competition is intense and everyone must have a very clean background, not to mention the ability to pass physical, written, and oral exams.
@kotetsu131 Not just that, but you have to wonder how effective those chest compressions were. Perfect compressions are only about 20% as effective as the heart itself, so lousy compressions do very little. It's better than nothing, but not by much. That's why good CPR training and recertification is so important!
I'm surprised they're not using Strykers.
You need some new stretchers here in Belmont New Hampshire they have the new stretchers
@scttmosh1 if you're referring to EMD, it's emergency medical dispatcher.. many are EMTs so maybe that's the designation they use in MN
@sharkowner95 LAFD members do not work in hospitals. BLS ambulances have two firefighter/EMT members on board. ALS ambulances have two paramedics on board.
@aweird1 I disagree. Here in Shreveport, the fire department does EMS. All of them on the ambulances are paramedics. A "private EMS" division like in N.O. (Shreveport is in Louisiana, and I'm a N.O. native) will hire anyone- even EMT basics. And what you have to comprehend is that whether a paramedic is a fireman or works for an EMS agency, all paramedic training is universal in the U.S.- it's all national. Fire-Medics are just as trained as regular EMS medics.
anyone else notice how antiquated their gear is?
@LAFD027 I think a public EMS Department (third city services), or at very least, single role paramedic ambulances would help you greatly. If you were to put the EMS crews on 12 hour shifts in a system that posts ambulances and moves them in response to system status management needs it would help reduce the number of ambulances needed and cut cost. I know that it's hard to break from tradition and L.A. has a great traditional fire based EMS system, but the time for change is here.
@Messier83 We really should replace this video - it's outdated and you're right, it can be confusing. The video is showing a BLS (Basic Life Support) Rescue, but the demonstration includes a Paramedic, who would ride on an ALS (Advanced Life Support) Rescue. In this case, the Paramedic rode on an assessment engine. Expect an updated ALS-based video within a few weeks.
No, we do not have to get the national registration. We are only required to get the NJ cert
Regarding choosing careers, b/w a cop and a firefighter, will firefighters/EMT's get any action on their job? I think it is the action which makes the job of cops exciting.
Wow thats one outdated Cot
SharperAdam yes it is are fire department gots one that they keep for back up
We have a few of those here in Lansing Michigan
Im kinda shocked how outdated the entire equipment of the ambulance is. Even for 2009!
How can anyone get leverage on that thing?
Might be outdated but it gets the job done
What a fascinating insight into your work and the equipment that you use. I have just one question though. How does the identifying numbering work..Maybe because I am British I don't understand LOL..You said something about Battalion 5 and then you went on to say that you were at Fire Station 76. I don't understand the combination! How does the numbering work?
I hope you do answer this question for me.
Thank you for posting.
you said you were running duel paramedics on the trucks, but going over equipment only showed BLS supplies >.>
How do you like those stretchers?
@aweird1 so whether a fire/medic or regular EMS medic, if they see the same thing, one is no more experienced than the other.
Very good. I didn't know LAFD had any BLS ambos until recently. Tell me; if there is a code and a BLS truck rolls on it do they call in an ALS rig? Finally, do any of the BLS rigs or paramedic-staffed engines have ALS gear in case a paramedic is onboard? Truth be known tons of calls require BLS only.
The historical society has good pictures of the old RA's including the first ALS rig (RA53). They show an International and an Econoline van as RA53.
LAFD Ambulance
@LAFD027 Ok thanks, so when you apply to become an EMT, is firefighter training required(im trying to say do you have to go through firefighter training as well) ? Or is EMT training apart of the firefighter training ?
@silenceisaweapon101 New Orleans is NOT private, as much as Acadian would love. 911 in New Orleans is run by the New Orleans EMS Department. Yes the training is similar across the board for most states (not all. Not every state is a National Registry state. I have no idea why not). The issue is experience and expertise gained by doing the job. If you are dividing your time between the HUGE spectrum of emergency healthcare and firefighting in a system whose very name and nature are gear...
If you want to get hired by the LAFD as a firefighter do you have to have your EMT-Paramedic certification or do they hire EMT-Basic/ firefighters? If the do hire EMT-Basic as firefighters are you required to get your Paramedic in so many months after being hired in order to stay on the LAFD?
lafd rocks! and is one of the best but at0:02 it looks like fdnys logo
@LAFD027 Ok i see so since its a fire department and ambulance stay there you have to have EMT training plus fire fighter training. So when is BSL ambulance called to the scene ? And when is a ALS ambulance called to the scene ? Does it depend on the urgency of the call ?
how many emt or paramedics ride in an ambulance ? and whats the difference between working at a hospital and working at the station ?
Ben it looked to me like just a BLS unit and what I want to know is are EMS units even carrying the short KED boards anymore?
OK CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN THIS TO ME ARE THE FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMBULANCE ALSO FIREFIGHTERS WHO ACTUALLY FIGHT FIRES LIKE DO THEY SWICH ONE DAY THEIR IN THE AMBULANCE AND THE NEXT DAY THEIR IN A FIRETRUCK IM CONFUSED
What's the music which was used, in this video?
@LAFD027 When is this video coming you have promised here? I would be quite interestet in it.
apply cold water in the burned area!!!
Do you seriously only have that "starter kid" or however you call it in your ambulance? No backpack or something? We in germany got atleast one huge backpack in a ambulance.
LAFD027 I hate to tell you this but here in MN and Iowa an EMT D is not a paramedic, and EMT D is a BLS responder trained how to use the defib. California may be different but that individual is technically not a paramedic
my card just came in the mail today!!! Did you also get a patch with yours?
Anyone remember the name of show/movie this is from
No, did you! Did you get your NJ cert?
Your're wrong "pumperman26", then again, your're also right. Us small town volunteer EMT's do sit in our tiny little chairs at home, until we have to drop what were doing and respond. Unlike you guys in the "big" city, we don't get paid while jacking around at the station. More than once I've had to leave my family on a cold and snowy January night to respond to an MVA. So don't question us "wannabees" until you've experienced what we have.
I am from WI, I still have not got my WI cert, I applied for it. By my card I was talking about my National Registry. Does NJ require you guys to take the National Registry to get a NJ cert even if you plan to just work in NJ? In Wis you have to pass a National Registry before you can get a Wis cert even if you took the class in WI and don't plan to leave. A lot of states are going to that.
What show is this from I know they have it
@LAFD027 Yea i understand, i plan on volunteering at my local fire department in october, i was trying to get some much needed information. So i have another question. When a call is made and EMS is needed, how come sometimes like you said an engine will come instead of an ambulance ? And would if the patient needs to be transported to the hospital, will an ambulance come and pick the patient up ? Or do they travel together or is it different from state to state ?
Why aren't they holding C-spine (1:56)?!?!?
What is the Firefighter/EMT scope of practice? I'm a Primary Care Paramedic in Ontario Canada. We carry limited drugs such as: Epi, Nitro spray, ASA, Glucagon, Gravol and ventolin (Advanced Care Paramedics Get the other drugs). I didn't notice any symptom relief drugs in the rescue ambulance, can they administer them?
When is LAFD hiring?
can someone please clarify what is a Rescue ambulance? Is it the same as a regular ambulance?
So why isnt fire holding c spine ?
Joey's Therapist
@aweird1 but how will it be lower? a paramedic is a paramedic, firefighter or not. and nothing is bad about them, but if you send an ambulance with only basics on it to a call that deteriorates rapidly and they are limited in what they can do, that's where problems arise. and with do respect to Acadian, an independent EMS, they are far behind the Fire/Medics with SFD... the LifePak heart monitors are newer, and the fire/medics with SFD see crazy stuff all the time.
La city uses ambulances but la county uses rescue squads
And for one reason. County doesn't run their own ambulances unlike LA city
@LAFD027 I would really hate to see the great city of L.A. fall into the hands of private, for-profit ambulance services where quality always gives way to profitability.
@LAFD027 I've seen you guys wear bunker pants on medical calls, what's the reason?
I HAVE THE BEST LOOKING BOARD BUTTERNUT HE'S BETTER TO LOOK AT THE BACKBOARDS THEY HAVE ARE UUUUUUGLY
what are color codes for helmets please
You can tell this video is old just by the stretcher itself...
BLS ambulance
That is an old ass gurney. lol or maybe im getting to used to the Striker power gurneys.
i have one i carry one me a small one an one of those bigger ones i keep in my pickup