Advanced Life Support Program Expands In Paulding County

PAULDING COUNTY, GA — The Paulding County Fire Department increased its level of emergency medical care after it was upgraded from Basic Life Support the to Advanced Life Support program in late November. Now, two weeks later, the program has expanded.

The department commissioned a second rapid-response unit and, as of Dec. 11, it's now in service. In the initial announcement, the department announced plans for two rapid-response trucks, but initially started out with just one with a second to come in January, but the success of the program brought the second truck out early.

Headquartered in Station 11 in the Seven Hills/Bentwater community, ALS Rescue 11 joins ALS Rescue 4, which is stationed in the Union community in western Paulding County. Both trucks are dispatched countywide and are equipped to provide medical treatment to the most sick and seriously-injured patients.

Both units are staffed with licensed paramedics and carry advanced medical tools, drugs and protocols. Advanced Life Support emergencies include those such as cardiac arrest, chest pain, difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, stroke, seizures, unconscious patients, significant trauma and childbirth.

“We have been so pleased with the launch, ALS Rescue 11 is now in service well in advance of the planned 2022 commissioning. Our ALS teams give high-acuity patients the very best chance of survival by responding with the right personnel and equipment, quickly," Chief Joey Pelfrey said in a news release. "I am proud and excited to see how fast the ALS program has already helped save lives. This is a major milestone for our department which will positively impact Paulding County citizens as long as PCFD has the privilege to serve."

Related: Advanced Life Support Service Launched By Paulding Fire