Why are local emergency responders remaining on scene longer at cardiac arrest calls?
Many residents have expressed concern and have been asking why ambulances are staying on the scene longer while treating victims of cardiac arrest. As always, your local firefighters and emergency medical technicians care about your safety and want to make sure that you and your family are aware of the positive benefits of the recent change in the protocols for treating cardiac arrest victims. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. In order to improve your chances for survival, CPR must be started immediately, an automated external defibrillator must be used, and further treatment by emergency medical technicians must begin.
In our area, most cardiac arrest calls result in a joint response by the nearest fire department and the nearest ambulance service.