Learning to Save a Life – Marion Fire Academy Week 4

Week number 4 of the Marion Citizen's Fire Academy was different for a number of reasons.  First, it was the first week that we didn't have to wear our bunker gear.  And it featured duties that many people may not associate with firefighters.  But in reality, the majority of calls the come into the department are medical calls.  Last night we got a crash course in EMT/Paramedic training. We learned how and where you can start an IV.  We also learned how to start an IO, which is used when a vein can't be found for an IV.  The IO dills down to the bone and can be done on both children and adults.  None of us in our group could imagine having to do one on a live person.  The dummies last night we worked cooperated nicely.

We also learned how to repair a punctured lung, and how to do a straight Tracheotomy .  Then, it was time to hop in the ambulance.  Our team of 4, plus our instructor, got in the back of an ambulance and drove around to simulate how hard it is to give treatment and be moving at the same time.  One of us gave chest compressions, one started an IV, another took blood pressure.  All while going around corners and making sudden stops.  Standing wasn't easy, and I felt a little sorry for our "patient".

As a stark reminder on the number of medical calls that come into the station, there were FOUR during our time there last night.  Chest pains, back pain, and shortness of breath were just some of the medical calls answered last night alone.  Be thankful that these men and women are there when you need them.  They just might save your life.