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Original Contribution

CFSI Names Top Fire-Based EMS Services

June 2011

   Services in Delaware, Texas and Arizona won top honors at the first annual Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Awards, presented by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and MedicAlert Foundation.

   In winning, the departments "championed unique practices to enhance the quality of emergency medical care to their local communities," award officials said. They were recognized at the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.

   Delaware's Odessa Fire Company, the winning volunteer department, has gone from having no ambulance service less than 15 years ago to now fielding ambulances with state-of-the-art safety equipment. It has required first responder training for all new members and helped outfit all state EMS and fire agencies with Rad-57 oximeters.

   Tucson's Northwest Fire/Rescue District, the winning career department, teamed with the University of Arizona's medical simulation center and the state telemedicine network to bring uniform training to urban, suburban and rural providers, and conducted a mass-casualty trauma exercise last December that helped contribute to its successful response to the January mass shooting that killed six and injured 19, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

   The winning combined service, the Friendswood (TX) Volunteer Fire Department, developed a comprehensive hypothermia protocol for resuscitated cardiac arrest patients, and has sponsored and participated in emergency planning and disaster drills. It also offers free immunization clinics, community CPR training and other programs.

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