By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing:
• A Georgia fire department added advanced life support (ALS) capabilities to a frontline engine company for the first time to enhance pre-hospital care.
• The initiative equips personnel with ALS training and supplies, including cardiac monitors and advanced airway tools.
• Officials said the upgrade aims to improve response outcomes for critically ill and injured patients in the community.
• The department plans to continue expanding ALS resources across its units.
DALLAS, GA — A fire department in Georgia has equipped one of its frontline engine companies with advanced life support capabilities for the first time, officials announced this week.
The upgrade includes new training for firefighters, deployment of ALS-level medical equipment such as cardiac monitors and advanced airway management tools, and integration of paramedic-level care on initial response units.
Department leaders said the move is intended to provide higher levels of pre-hospital medical care to patients experiencing critical emergencies, including cardiac and respiratory distress.
Fire officials noted that adding ALS to the engine company will improve patient care before ambulance arrival and support overall emergency medical service delivery in the region.
Additional plans are underway to evaluate expanding similar ALS resources to other units and shifts within the department.