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EMERGENCY |
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First Response, within our service area, is provided by area Fire Departments and Emergency Response Agencies. First Response is provided under the oversight of the Tennessee Department of E.M.S. Each responder must complete a course and pass a State test before they receive their certification. They must be affiliated with an emergency agency and be part of an organized response procedure.
Each municipal fire department, and most County volunteer fire departments, provide first responder coverage within their own response district. Most of the responses are at a basic life support level, although several of the agencies provide full advanced life support coverage. Each of these agencies participate in active Quality Improvement, meeting regularly with the E.M.S. Deputy Chief, Training Staff, and coordinating questions with the Medical Director.
Medical equipment and supplies is provided by the individual agencies and replaced, after use, through the E.M.S. Supply Division. Inspections of each individual response vehicle is provided on an annual basis through E.M.S. Records of patient contacts are maintained at both the response agency and the E.M.S. Training Division. Response criteria is based on the type of emergency need, the severity of injury, and the response time of the E.M.S. unit assigned the call. Radio coordination of all assigned units on each response is through several talk groups on the County 800 mhz. radio system. Units responding on each call are tasked with changing to the assigned talk group for coordination of response and pertinent patient information. Emergency First Responder Agencies:
Chattanooga Fire Department
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