July 3, 2008 MR 08-18 [Georgetown-DE] - In preparation for the upcoming holiday, Sussex County EMS will deploy additional staff and Special Events Team paramedics to handle increases in calls for service during this year’s July 4th celebrations which include fireworks displays in the communities of Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Laurel, and Slaughter Beach, Delaware. The Sussex County EMS Special Events Team paramedics are equipped with paramedic vehicles, mountain bikes, and an all terrain gator vehicle to gain access to patients in emergency situations more rapidly than conventional response units.

SCEMS Bike Medic Teams are equipped with advanced life support equipment to provide immediate treatment and relief to victims of trauma and/or medical problems. Each bike team is outfitted with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), medications, oxygen, and other supplies. Special Events Team and bike medics provide treatment to patients until a conventional ambulance and/ or paramedics arrive on scene.

The Sussex County EMS Special Events Team provides standby Advanced Life Support coverage for hundreds of community events each year. The Fourth of July celebrations represent some of the largest special events in Sussex County, and this year alone four teams totaling fifteen paramedics will be on standby. Sussex County EMS works in partnership with local fire companies, state and local police to provide coverage to residents during this annual event.

###