|
The primary function of PFARS is to provide rapid, high-quality emergency care to those in need. In addition to BLS ambulance care, PFARS also provides technical rescue services and a variety of special operations services. A detailed description each category is provided below.
EMS Operations: EMS Operations, our primary activity, encompasses all emergency calls for ambulance service. PFARS members are Emergency Medical Technicians, trained to provide emergency care to a wide range of life threatening situations. In addition to EMT certification, PFARS organizes continuing education classes, monthly training sessions and a quality assurance program to ensure the community is treated with the highest quality care possible. These skills, coupled with the proper equipment, all PFARS members to effectively manage emergency situations, including:
| • Childbirth |
| • Allergic reactions |
| • Respiratory emergencies |
| • Medical emergencies |
| • Traumatic injuries |
| • Cardiac arrest |
|
Rescue Operations: PFARS specializes in a wide array of rescue services. Due to the complexity and risk associated with these types of incidents, rescue members undergo extensive certification programs and frequent drills to maximize proficiency and patient and crew safety. Working side-by-side with the EMS Operations, PFARS rescue technicians use the specialized equipment on the rescue truck to mitigate hazards, rescue patients, and provide life-saving medical care at technical rescue incidents, such as:
| • Automobile extrication |
| • Fireground support |
| • Confined space |
| • Mass casualty incidents |
| • Search and rescue evolutions |
| • Operational scene lighting |
|
Special Operations: Special Operations covers events with large groups of people where the potential for many patients exists. In these situations, extensive preplanning may take place to ensure appropriate EMS coverage and patient accessibility. For example, at large incidents, PFARS may erect portable first aid and cooling stations and disperse EMTs on foot and bicylces throughout the crowd to ensure patients can be reached quickly and treated effectively. A listing of events involving Special Operations includes:
| • Sporting events |
| • Concerts |
| • Community parades |
| • Social events |
| • Fireworks displays |
| • Princeton University reunions |
|
|