Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), firefighters and base hospital medical staff in El Dorado County are being recognized this week as part of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 15 – 21.  “EMS Week is a great time to say thank you to the men and women in El Dorado County who save lives everyday,” said Rich Todd, Administrator for the El Dorado County EMS Agency.

Over 14,000 calls for emergency medical assistance are received through the 911 system in El Dorado County each year.  The EMS System is highly collaborative and includes: The 911 system, dispatch centers, first responders, paramedic ambulances, air ambulances, acute care hospitals, trauma centers and medical oversight by the local EMS Agency. Every 911 medical call is coordinated by paramedics and EMTs through the base station hospitals.

“This system works together everyday so that residents and visitors receive quality care from the moment they call 911 until they arrive safely at the hospital,” said Todd.  “We have many dedicated people in this system who perform extraordinary acts of service and kindness, including those who work and volunteer as paramedics, fire fighters and EMTs.”

The El Dorado County EMS Agency works in partnership with the base station hospitals, certifies and trains local paramedics and emergency medical technicians in El Dorado County, and develops policies and procedures for emergency medical response in the field.  The EMS Agency’s staff includes Dr. David Brazzel, a practicing emergency department physician who is board-certified in emergency medicine.  As medical director, Dr. Brazzel participates in continuous quality improvement efforts with paramedics and other first responders, and authorizes all treatment protocols and procedures.

Additional information about the EMS Agency and the EMS System in El Dorado County is available at www.edcgov.us/ems