Medical Co-Response

In 1997 firefighters were trained to Emergency Medical Responder level and began responding with Paramedics (GPREMS) to increase the level of service of patient care.  Based on information gathered by 911 dispatchers, a card-set is used and protocol determines the response level.  The card-set  used is Advanced Medical Priority Dispatch System™.  Incidents of a more serious nature automatically have a Paramedic unit dispatched  with a crew of 2 firefighters (usually in a Rescue) to assist.  Motor vehicle collisions that are outside of the City of Grande Prairie and in our response area automatically receive a full platoon response with a Pump.  EMS personnel can request a co-response at any time.   If there are no ambulances available, a co-response unit can be sent out to begin patient care, until an ambulance and crew are ready.