Addison Fire Protection District Home Page

New Medical Equipment

In 2009, we purchased two new ambulance stretchers.   These Stryker Power Stretchers are a battery-powered hydraulic lift, which can lower or raise a patient with a touch of a button. The new power stretchers should help in reducing lifting and lowering injuries. Our goal in the near future is to purchase these stretchers as ambulances are replaced.

What is an EZ-IO? It is a medical drill that the paramedics use to drill into the patient’s bone to access the bone marrow. This access to the bone marrow allows the paramedics to deliver medication and fluid quickly and effectively. The drill is used in life saving situations to save time or when an IV cannot be started. Each ambulance has an EZ-IO.

In 2009, we updated the paramedics reporting computers. Each ambulance is in the process of having a new Panasonic Toughbook CF-19 installed. These light weight, fully-rugged, convertible notebooks/tablets will update our current Toughbooks.

H1N1

During the last year, we were faced with the possibility of a flu epidemic. Steps were taken to update our supply of protective mask and making sure the paramedics were trained and fit tested for proper fit. The H1N1 vaccine was offered to all fire district members.

Education and Testing

We still receive live medical training from the emergency medical coordinator from Elmhurst hospital. She facilitates the medical training produced by the region. After the training is done, the paramedics take an on-line quiz at the station. The fire districts training division also prepares and facilitates addition training during the month.

Emergency Medical Operations

The Addison Fire Protection District division of Emergency Medicine is comprised of three advanced life support (ALS) ambulances and two advanced life support fire engines. These units are staffed 24 hours a day with state licensed paramedics. In 2009, the ALS units responded to 3076 emergency medical incidents.