Peebles District VFC announces service upgrade in pre-hospital care

After nine months of preparation and success in getting a state licensure upgrade to the Intermediate Advanced Life Support level, the Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company is able to carry additional equipment in its emergency vehicles and provide higher quality pre-hospital care to patients, officials said.

“Our Advanced EMT and paramedic personnel will be able to administer IV fluids, breathing treatments, perform 12-lead EKGs, and give a broader range of medications in the most high acuity calls, so that we expedite the start of advanced care even before an ambulance arrives,” said Dr. Tyler McCardell, medical officer for the fire company’s Quick Response Service program.

Since 2019, the Peebles District VFC has provided QRS emergency medical care to residents in its fire district in McCandless. The company was inspected in early June, after which the state gave formal verification to begin Intermediate Advanced Life Support services.

An EMT providing normal QRS would carry basic items such as oxygen, aspirin, and oral glucose, McCardell said.

Fire Department Chief Matt Williams said the goal is not to replace the ambulance, but begin care even before the ambulance arrives to benefit the patient.

“McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance has been a great partner for us,” he said.

Peebles District VFC expressed gratitude to organizations that helped them, including the McCandless-Frankin Park Ambulance Authority, the Passavant Foundation, and the UPMC Prehospital Care Program.

Peebles District VFC has provided fire protection, rescue services, and community education for 75 years. The station is 100% volunteer run, and equipped to handle emergencies every day, all year round.

In addition to an upgrade in equipment, Peebles District VFC updated its application policy to accept members who wish to exclusively join EMS.

“With declining volunteerism hitting fire departments across the state, we are trying to be proactive and create opportunities that cater to individuals’ unique needs,” Williams said.