The Warren County Emergency Medical Services are made up of 13 separate and distinct organizations. Our coverage area is approximately 965 square miles of the Southern Adirondacks and includes a mix of light and heavy industry. We are transversed by an interstate highway system and are host to many outdoor activities such as cross country and downhill skiing, boating and equestrian sports. We have a large hiking and snowmobile trail system along with numerous waterways which are enjoyed by all. Our average population is 60,000 people but can rise above 150,000 people during the summer months and special events.
We are dispatched by the Warren County Sheriff's Office Communications center which utilizes the most up to date enhanced 911 and Computer Aided Dispatch systems. Our Communications Officers are specially trained in Emergency Medical Priority Dispatch, CPR and Emergency Defibrillation.
All Ambulances and Emergency Response Vehicles are certified by the New York State Department of Health and meet the requirements set forth under Public Health Law, Article 30, Part 800, otherwise known as the State Emergency Medical Services Code.
Patient Care is guided by State and Regional Medical Protocols along with direct Physician contact provided by the Physicians of the Glens Falls Hospital Emergency Care Center.
In response to an emergency we utilize a tiered response system. When a call for help is received, our communications officer will question the caller utilizing a standardized format of questions pertaining to the particular type of emergency. The call is then prioritized into a BLS (Basic Life Support) or ALS (Advanced Life Support) type of call. The appropriate resources are then dispatched.
A BLS ambulance consists of a minimum crew of a Driver and Emergency Medical Technician. An ALS ambulance consists of a minimum crew of a Driver and an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic. Some response types my also include a first response agency such as the Warren County Sheriffs Department or local Fire Department. During this time the Communications officer may give pre-arrival instructions which are standardized for each emergency. In some cases this may include life saving procedures such as opening an airway or performing CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation).
Our goal is to provide the best possible patient care to the sick and injured within our communities.
The quality of service provided is under constant review both locally within each agency and as a group thru participation in the Glens Falls Hospital Quality Improvement Committee. This committee meets bi–monthly during which time Advanced EMT's are credentialed, cases are reviewed and new treatments and equipment are discussed. This group is Physician directed and meets all requirements set forth by the New York State Department of Health.
All pre hospital providers are required to maintain their certification thru a 3 year recertification process. Advanced providers must also maintain on-line status yearly thru a process of documented skill maintenance and continuing Education Credits. All providers must maintain certification in CPR and Defibrillation, while advanced providers must maintain certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Anyone who drives an ambulance receives special training in Emergency Vehicle Operation. This is just a short list of the basic requirements to be met by each and every EMS provider and does not include the numerous other courses, classes and activities required.
We thank you for taking the time to visit our web site, should you have any questions or would like to take a tour of you local Emergency Squad, please do not hesitate to contact us.