The Westfield Fire Department on Thursday launched its new Field Resource Paramedicine program. Field Resource Paramedics (FRPs) will respond 24/7 to high-level cardiac, trauma and mass casualty incidents, as well as low acuity fire and medical incidents. The specially trained FRPs will use SUVs equipped with advanced life support equipment.
“This program is critical now more than ever,” said Mayor Andy Cook. “Our team has been working for months to design this program, hire and train our FRPs. I am proud and the community should be proud of the innovation and commitment of care of the Westfield Fire Department.”
“With the COVID-19 pandemic, putting these specially-trained paramedics in the field couldn’t come at a better time,” said Westfield Fire Chief Marcus Reed. “The expanded role of these experienced clinicians will be the connection between the patients and physicians. Our goal is and has always been to send the right resource with the right staffing to the right incident.”
The FRP program is an extension of the mobile integrated health program that began last year. The program is meant to prevent and manage chronic illnesses.
Westfield Fire EMS Division Chief Patrick Hutchison explained that this new program will allow patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms to be treated at home, thus easing some pressure on local hospitals. (Photo provided)
“In most cases 911 dispatchers, after talking to callers, send an FRP for select incidents,” said program leader Westfield Fire EMS Division Chief Patrick Hutchison. “In the case of patients with mild symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, the crew will dispense medications to relieve symptoms and leave instructions for self-care. The team will follow-up by phone or house calls during the quarantine period. This allows the patient to be monitored at home. This helps support the state’s stay-at-home order and relieves some pressure on local hospitals.”
Westfield FRPs are also specially trained to respond to behavioral health emergencies. This new service will provide alternative transportation options and link patients with appropriate care. The addition of the mental health service is organized clinically and administratively within the Westfield Fire Department and will support goals of the Wellbeing Coalition of Westfield. FRPs will also serve as the internal EMS resource, providing technical expertise in operational situations and on-station educational programming developed by the Westfield EMS Division.