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D.C. Unites Fire/EMS Officers

SUSAN NICOL KYLE

EMSResponder.com News

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Responders never know what they may encounter when

they show up on a scene.

That's why it's essential that they know how to handle everything --

EMS, fire or HAZMAT.

For that reason, D.C. Fire and EMS is making some major changes to the

way they handle emergencies in the nation's capital. All personnel in

the department will receive training in all hazards.

Earlier this month, EMS supervisors raised their hands to take the same

oath their fire service counterparts did many years ago.

The EMS officers -- many with decades of experience -- are now truly

part of the team in every sense of the word, explained Chief Dennis

Rubin.

They are on the same playing field as far as equal pay, benefits and

retirement as fire officers. Heretofore, they were civilians.

" We are one agency, one force, one standard, " Rubin said, adding that

over the past 30 years, plans to consolidate always seemed to get

sidelined.

For all agency personnel to have training in all aspects from EMS to

suppression and rescue was the top recommendation from an EMS task force

established by Mayor Fenty.

The group to examine the EMS operations and response was formed

following the 2006 beating death of Rosenbaum, 63, a veteran New

York Times reporter. Rosenbaum's family agreed to drop its $20M lawsuit

against the city if changes were made to the EMS system.

Rubin said the recommendations of the task force as well as action plans

to implement them are available on the department's website.

" We have outstanding EMS supervisors who are now full-fledged partners.

We are one force in this agency, " he said, adding that the transition

will be smooth.

Eventually, the 167 civilian EMS providers also may become sworn members

of the department.

Deputy Chief Greg Blalock said he never believed he'd ever get the

chance to not only raise his hand, but be on equal footing with others.

" It's good to be standing side by side. This will bring uniformity and

unification. "

The 31-year veteran said for far too long, EMS had been considered a

stepchild of the department, just as it has been in many agencies across

the country.

He credits Rubin for stepping out, and making the longtime promises a

reality. " It's about everyone being trained to handle all hazards.

That's very important. "

The medical director believes patients are the real winners.

" I see better patient care, better trained personnel, a better system, "

said Dr. Augustine. Cross-training is vital as responders never

know what challenges they may run across, he said.

The city is requiring its EMTs now to obtain certification through the

National Registry.

Augustine said the city's providers have to meet the needs of the

community, many of whom go to the emergency departments for their health

care needs.

In Washington on a given day, there are about 350-400 EMS calls, and 85

for fires, wrecks and other incidents. " EMS is saving people from

premature death, " Augustine said. " They are keeping people alive. "

However, he added that the excellent work of the people on the street is

often overshadowed.

Augustine, a former firefighter, said he believes the transition will

enhance the city's emergency care system. Getting more people trained in

EMS will result in more successes in the field.

Assistant Chief of EMS Sa'adah said the transition is a small

piece in improving the quality of care.

Getting EMS officers on the same shift as people they are supervising is

essential. " We will show up on a wide range of calls both BLS and ALS.

Not only will we be evaluating, we are able to provide ALS if needed. "

A provider observed to offer good patient care, may be selected to be a

preceptor for a firefighter who is just learning their EMS skills.

On the fire ground or other major incident, the EMS supervisors will

help establish and coordinate the EMS branch that may include triage,

treatment, transport and rehab.

Sa'adah said he's proud that the department is progressive, especially

in using Incident Command. He added that it's important for crews to

follow it often so they become proficient.

Information about EMS performance, hospital diversions or closures or

other information is available on the department's website. There's also

a survey for people to take about the service they have received.

Sa'adah also said it's essential that residents and tourists receive the

best care quickly regardless of the neighborhood where the incident

occurs.

Rubin said the department is committed to enhancing the services in the

nation's capital.