By Staff
Dowagiac Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Service Wednesday announced that two of its fulltime paramedics successfully completed the critical care emergency transport program through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Through this accreditation the Dowagiac VFD Ambulance Service can provide critical care transports out of area hospitals.
The curriculum of this course teaches paramedics more in-depth understanding on maintaining the stability of critical patients during inter-facility transports.
Paramedic Kathy McFadden stated that in paramedic class one is taught how to deal with the problem after it happens; the critical care course develops skills in understanding and managing the special needs of critical patients during transport.
Paramedic Christy VanDeraa stated that this is a very in-depth course which required many hours of devoted study.
The Dowagiac VFD Ambulance Service now has two fulltime and three part-time paramedics with this accreditation.
Dowagiac VFD Ambulance Service will be the first in Cass County to offer critical care transports out of area hospitals.