Daniel Stramp presented the knights with general information about LifeNet Ambulance service provided to the residents of the Village. There are four ambulances assigned to the Village with three of them being fully staffed at all times with an emergency medical technician (EMT) and a paramedic. They typically work a 24-hour shift with 48 hours off.
The EMT has taken a five-month course in basic life saving skills for certification, while paramedic certification requires a two-year course of study. The EMT is the driver and assists the paramedic who is responsible for determining and providing the medical treatment.
The goal of LifeNet is to be at the site of the call within 8 minutes at least 90% of the time. LifeNet's goal is currently being met 94.5% of the time. The Village is fortunate, because the paramedics here average over 15 years of experience, which is not the norm for many other areas.
The ambulances will take a patient to any one of four hospitals requested by the patient, three in Hot Springs and one in Benton. By policy the ambulance must go to the closest hospital; however, it can transport further if the patient is seen by a physician who stabilizes the patient and then refers to another hospital. The ambulances have radio contact with the four hospitals, so there can be communication regarding the patient and potential action to be taken by the host hospital.
Dan encouraged the use of Vials for Life which are designed to be kept in refrigerators with the latest medical information about the occupants of the house. It is important for the paramedic to have the best information possible to prevent using a medication that may interact. Dan brought extra vials with him, and they can also be obtained at the Calella Station.
The most common response in the Village is to those who have fallen, followed by those with strokes or diabetic issues.
Dan also provided information about methods of CPR and the proper handling of choking and snake bite victims. Current teaching on CPR is the use of chest compressions only at the rate of 30 compressions per minute. There are usually CPR courses offered by the American Heart Association andr the Red Cross at three levels of instruction: 1) friends and family; 2) heart saver; and, 3) health care provider.
A person trying to assist another in distress cannot be held legally liable if making an honest attempt to assist the victim.