| The
history of providing Emergency Medical Service (EMS) to the Borough
of Lansdowne by its fire company is long and proud. This proud service
began in 1913 when the Fire Company purchased a used horse-drawn hearse
and began to provide hospital transports. In 1925 the first motorized
ambulance was purchased and placed in service. In 1941 the threat
of war gave first-aid training a new priority in the fire company.
Also in 1941 a Buick ambulance was placed in service. |
 |
| In
1956 a GMC/Christopher rescue truck was placed in service. This
truck carried some rescue tools and also provided patient transport.
In 1966 an International rescue truck was purchased to replace
the GMC/Christopher and was very similar to that truck. In the
early 1970's the television show "Emergency" brought
the EMS system to the forefront. This show spurred many to join
the fire and EMS services. Lansdowne and surrounding fire companies
saw this and began one of the first training programs in the area
for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). |
| In
1974 a Chevrolet/Providence modular rescue was placed in service.
This unit carried the Hurst "Jaws of Life" and also provided
transport to area hospitals. In 1984 this unit was replaced with
a basic life support (BLS) ambulance built by Collins on a Ford
chassis. In 1991 a Ford/Horton ambulance was placed in service
replacing the 1984 unit. |
 |
Presently
the Lansdowne Fire Company provides BLS service to Lansdowne Borough
and to surrounding communities on a mutual aid basis using a 2001
Ford/Life Line custom ambulance. There are presently 18 EMTs, (10
are also drivers). 14 drivers who also have training in first aid
and cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). There are also five members
who are emergency responders with first aid and CPR training. All
these members are VOLUNTEER and |
| receive
no pay for the service they provide. Many of these members are also
cross-trained as firefighters. |
| Advanced life support (ALS) service is provided by paramedics from
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital. Mercy also provides a quick response service
(QRS), which provides an EMT to respond to calls. This service allows
our ambulance to respond quickly and if necessary with a driver only.
State law requires BLS ambulances to respond with a minimum crew of
a driver and EMT. Our ambulance when possible responds with at least
three members to provide care. The long history of the Lansdowne Fire
Company Emergency Medical Services is proud and distinguished. It
is the wish of the members to provide this service to the citizens
of Lansdowne long into the future. |
