EMS applies to upgrade to advanced service

The township can use a grant to provide additional training for EMTs.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NORTH LIMA -- Beaver Township Emergency Medical Services will soon be joining the ranks of area emergency departments equipped to provide on-site Advanced Life Support Service.
Frank Dispenza, township EMS coordinator, said the township has applied to upgrade from a Basis Life Support Service to an Advanced Life Support Service. He said the township is now waiting for the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to respond to those applications.
He said once the applications are approved and the township receives an updated drug license, officials may proceed with buying ALS equipment and pharmaceuticals, updating all EMT personnel protocol and procedures, and undergoing the required inspections by the state pharmacy board and Ohio Medical Transportation Board. Then, the township can begin to provide on-site ALS service to township residents.
"Basically, our squads will be equipped with the paramedics and equipment needed to provide ALS so we won't have to wait for other departments to arrive before advanced care can be administered," Dispenza said. "We'll have our own paramedics on-site to start ALS procedures rather than having to wait for medics, say from Columbiana, or other departments, to arrive."
Training needed
He said emergency personnel will need additional training to upgrade. Recently, the township received a $7,000 state grant, which can be used toward that training.
Four township EMTs are enrolled in paramedic school through Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital Institute for Pre-hospital Care. Tuition costs nearly $2,400 a student. Dispenza said additional money is available through current township funds. "We'll be able to give our residents more advanced care and services immediately, on-site, saving valuable time," he said. Officials said the upgrade likely will not require the township to obtain additional liability insurance.