Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) is proud to announce that May 16, through May 22, 2021, is the 46th annual National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. President Gerald Ford started this tradition as a way to recognize the selfless work that our first responders provide. The 2021 EMS Week theme is “Caring for Our Communities.”
This year, ACFR would like to recognize the Paramedics and EMTs who deliver compassionate service to the community. In FY 2020, ACFR ran a total of 40,595 medical incidents for service. Of those medical calls, 31,431 were transported to the hospital.
ACFR is comprised of 14 rescue units, five critical care rescue units, 9 fire engines, one ladder truck, and one heavy-duty squad. These units are Advanced Life Support (ALS), which means they are staffed with at least one Paramedic and all others at least Emergency Medical Technicians. Through their hard work and dedication, ACFR continues to provide superior service to the citizens and visitors of Alachua County.
In this last year, ACFR staff have worked side by side with local hospitals to deliver quality care while also providing additional precautions and protection to treat those infected by COVID-19 and prevent the spread of the virus. Each crew member utilizes the CDC guidelines for levels of protection for themselves and the patients. The trucks and equipment are thoroughly cleaned after every call and are safe.
Most recently, ACFR launched a Community Health Team (CHT) that provides services to folks in their home to increase their quality of life and prevent future medical emergencies. This team has also provided COVID-19 vaccinations to residents who have mobility issues in their homes. So far, over 300 residents have received this service.
For more information, contact Alachua County Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Michael Cowart at 352-562-6550.