As part of a continuing effort to provide excellent service to our community, the Fivepointville Ambulance Service has already been participating in the CPAP program, and recently received approval to participate in the epinephrine auto injector program under the Department of Health and Emergency Health Service Federation protocols.

Our members began training in 2007 for the Pilot Program for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment protocol, and placed units into service. CPAP is a way of respiratory ventilation used for critically ill patients with respiratory distress. A mask is placed over the patient's mouth and nose, after connected to a high flow oxygen source. Straps hold the mask into place, allowing the crew and patient to concentrate on everything else going on. The continuous flow of pressure helps the patient in respiratory failure. This treatment can delivered by our EMT-Bs before Advanced Life Support arrives, and help to improve a patient's respiratory status as soon as possible.

In July 2009, the Fivepointville Ambulance Service began seeking approval to participate in the epinephrine auto injector program. Members took part in review training in the assessment of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, and the criteria of when to use an epinephrine auto injector. An epinephrine auto injector is used to treat severe allergic reactions with symptoms of: difficulty breathing and wheezing, swollen tongue and lips or difficulty swallowing, and low blood pressure. A moderate allergic reaction resulting in mild shortness of breath with wheezing, extensive hives & itching, and mild tongue/lip swelling can also be treated with a epinephrine auto injector. Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic drug indicated in the emergency treatment of allergic reactions from insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, other allergens and idiopathic anaphylaxis. 

After assessing the patient, the auto injector is administered in the thigh immediately or after a medical command physician order is given. The epinephrine auto injector comes in child and adult doses, and is premeasured. A spring loaded needle is activated by pressing the auto injector against the thigh. The medication is automatically delivered to the patient, and results usually begin to appear in less than 5 minutes.

Our EMT members have been trained in the use of the epinephrine auto injectors. Also, our ambulances have been authorized to carry these life saving tools. If you are having an allergic reaction, we can administer this life saving medication before Advanced Life Support arrives.