Question: I live in Hawaii Kai and constantly see full-size ladder firetrucks going along on ambulance calls. These large trucks are expensive to maintain and operate. They are exempt from weight restrictions and cause considerable additional wear on our roads. I have been a volunteer fireman in Hawaii and understand the need to keep skills honed for emergency calls, but feel these errands are a waste of equipment. I understand that Honolulu Fire Department personnel are not allowed to perform medical procedures beyond first aid, so assume they are there to just help lift the injured. Why not use a smaller, more economical vehicle, such as a minivan? How simple is that?
Answer: It’s not that simple.
And you are incorrect in your understanding of what HFD personnel are allowed to do when responding to a medical emergency, said HFD spokesman Capt. David Jenkins.
They are trained to provide basic emergency care skills, but more on that later.
Regarding HFD’s use of large trucks: The dimensions and gross vehicle weights of HFD apparatus meet the state Department of Transportation’s requirements, Jenkins said.
However, the department is considering various kinds of apparatus, including smaller vehicles, as it continuously looks at ways to improve its service, he said.
But in determining what type of apparatus to use in any situation, several factors have to be considered, he said, such as the size of the vehicle, staffing of the crew, the equipment needed and the range of possible emergencies.
"Smaller response vehicles are being considered for future use," Jenkins said, but noted the vehicle is just one part of the equation. "Deployment locations, equipment, scope of response, staffing and union contract agreement are all very relevant and need to be addressed."
EMS Calls
HFD uniformed personnel are considered "medical first responders," and a majority are certified at the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic level, Jenkins said.
As such, they are trained in basic emergency care skills, such as defibrillation, airway maintenance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, spinal immobilization, bleeding control and fracture management.
Jenkins also pointed out that the department’s mission is to respond to a broad range of incidents, including fires, hazardous-material releases, rescue calls and medical emergencies.
HFD responds with Emergency Medical Services personnel to life-threatening emergencies to assure the quickest possible delivery of basic life support measures, he said.
We previously answered a question about why both ambulances and firetrucks respond to an emergency — see bit.ly/1MRrnUq.
At that time it was explained that 911 calls for medical assistance are sent to the EMS dispatch center, where dispatchers will share the call with HFD or request HFD assistance, depending on the emergency.
In some circumstances HFD, with more than 72 vehicles, may be able to respond more quickly to an emergency. Ambulances may be stationed farther away or unavailable because of another emergency.
Mahalo
To Celso C. Dela Rosa, an Emergency Department business service clerk at Kaiser Moanalua. I recently was taken to the emergency room, accompanied by my 83-year-old partner, who was walking with a cane while recovering from a broken hip. Carole, overcome with hunger, went in pursuit of a snack machine. Celso saw her struggling down the hallway, got her a wheelchair and took her to the cafeteria, which she had deemed too far to get to until her knight in shining armor came to her rescue. She was soon at my bedside with a sandwich in each hand and a big smile. In today’s world, where we see so many employees acting like they’re doing us a big favor, it was so pleasant and reassuring that employees such as Celso of Kaiser Permanente exist. — Henry
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