CHILDERSBURG, Ala. – Childersburg Fire and Rescue officials say the department has made significant progress in expanding advanced emergency medical services, including new capabilities typically limited to hospital settings or helicopter crews.
The department has been selected to participate in a trial study involving Rapid Sequence Intubation, or RSI, an advanced airway procedure used for critically ill or injured patients who cannot breathe adequately or protect their airway. The technique allows paramedics, under strict medical oversight, to quickly secure a patient’s airway using carefully administered medications.
Officials said RSI can be lifesaving in cases such as severe trauma, respiratory failure, head injury, and cardiac arrest, particularly when time and oxygen are critical factors. Historically, the procedure has largely been performed by helicopter emergency medical services.
In addition, the department has carried prehospital blood products on its units since November. According to EMS.gov, only about two percent to three percent of EMS agencies nationwide provide blood transfusions before a patient reaches a hospital.
Early blood administration has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for patients suffering from severe hemorrhage and traumatic shock.
Together, the initiatives represent a major advancement in the level of emergency care available in Childersburg. The department said it is the only agency in the county currently providing both advanced procedures.
