LA MARQUE, TX– Effective July 1, 2021, La Marque Fire Department will enhance its level of service by providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) care on Engine 1, allowing firefighters to administer medications and provide advanced care as soon as they arrive on a scene.
LMFD is the first fire department in Galveston County to commit to this level of care on a fire engine on a continual basis. Upgrading from the minimum level of Basic Life Support to ALS requires equipment enhancements, training, and additional certifications. Fire Chief Todd Weidman said this initiative was spearheaded by EMS Administrator Barbara Gonzales and supported by La Marque City Council and City Administration.
“Barbara saw an opportunity to extend our level of care and took on the project more than a year ago,” said Weidman. “This is a proud moment for our City and those we have the privilege of serving.”
ALS fire trucks are stocked with portable oxygen, cardiac monitors, medications, fluids and airway management supplies. Along with additional equipment, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) position must be staffed, at a minimum, to respond to calls where the fire engine is dispatched.
“Our fire department responds to several thousand calls annually in serving our residents and those visiting our City,” said Weidman. “The addition of ALS services will tremendously enhance the service level provided. Studies have shown the clear advantage of early intervention with ALS with respect to better survival rates. This is accomplished through the commitment of our firefighters and support received from City Council and Administration. It is our privilege to serve (others)…”
Engine 1 was outfitted with ALS first. The goal is to extend full-time ALS capabilities to the Station 2 Cougar Pride engines by October 1, 2021.
“Due to the nature of calls to the east side of 45, a higher level of care has already been committed on a unit assigned 24/7 at Station 2,” said Gonzales. “The decision to outfit Engine 1 first was based on the needs of the community.”
ALS designation requires Council support and funding, as well as commitment from the firefighters. EMS Administrator Gonzales organized advanced training, took care of computer programming on the Engines, managed the procurement of medications, and maintains emergency protocols.
“As of July 1, if a La Marque firefighter responds to a call for help, they will be able to administer higher levels of medical care until the EMS personnel arrive on the scene,” said Gonzales. “These moments matter when seconds count.”
