The Peoria Fire Department has an expanded advanced life support presence in the city. A new pilot program was authorized by Peoria Area Emergency Services.
Since January 1, two additional fire response vehicles have been administering advanced life support when they are first on the critical care call.
Three engines were already operating with the so-called red ALS bag. Engine 4, 12 and 20 are located in the south-west, north-east and far north parts of the city. The trial adds Rescue 1 located at Central House and Engine 3 on Armstrong.
It will allow better use of the fire department’s more than 50 paramedics and also offers the potential for more people in need of critical care to get it sooner. The Peoria Fire Department first responders work in concert with Advanced Medical Transport paramedics, that’s the city’s ambulance service.
Dr. Matt Jackson is the Medical Director of the governing agency: Peoria Area Emergency Services. He says the year-long trial will provide data and if it’s deemed useful, could be expanded to additional engine companies.
Firefighter Union President Ryan Brady says they are hopeful the data shows the value of expanding the pilot city-wide next year.