Why are paramedic engines becoming the standard of care in communities across the United States?
Providing a paramedic on an engine company dramatically shortens the time that advanced life support measures can be brought to the patients side. If the brain cells do not receive a supply of oxygen enriched blood for a period of 4 to 6 minutes, irreversible damage will occur. Lincoln’s paramedic engines have an average response time of 3.2 minutes. The sooner the paramedic gets to the patient’s side with his/her advanced skills and equipment, the better the chances are for a favorable outcome for the patient. In addition to rapid defibrillation, the paramedic can provide advanced airway control (intubation) and the administration of cardiac drugs and/or external cardiac pacing to restore the heart’s pumping to profuse the brain and other vital organs.
