Bridgeport Fire Department Chief Phil Hart and Lt. Ben Tacy have been around long enough in their profession to know that minutes matter on fire calls and medical calls. Because of that, Bridgeport is about to become the first department in the state with trained staff making up the most valuable of minutes in certain situations.

 

Recently, training and certification began to have the staff’s 17 paramedics be able to perform Rapid Sequence Intubation, or RSI. Hart said this is definitely a big deal.

 

“You’re talking about being able to maintain and adequate airway in a patient,” said Hart. “This is the same procedure used by an anesthesiologist in an operating room.

 

“It requires serious training because, in effect, when you do this, a person is paralyzed to allow for a breathing tube to be put in a person’s throat,” Hart continued. “It’s necessary to do this so they won’t become combative. Once it’s done, we’re able to breathe for them and get oxygen to vital organs to keep them alive and to also improve their chances upon recover of maintaining their quality of life or having a better chance to make sure that’s the case.”

 

The good news, according to Tacy, is that the department won’t be doing this several times a day. Instead, it’s needed on fewer occasions than one may think.

 

“It is low frequency, but it’s high severity situations,” said Tacy. “It won’t be utilize a whole lot, but could and should have very positive outcomes for patients, which is always our goal and this process helps us increase those odds.”

 

What type of patient may need the RSI procedure? Tacy and Hart said stroke patients, severe trauma or other major medical issues – even drug related situations – are times where this could be and will be utilized.

 

“We can maintain their airway, which is critical, as we intubate them,” said Tacy. “They are sedated and paralyzed and we begin the process.”

 

Hart said the key piece of equipment is a small plastic breathing tube inserted through something known as a laryngoscope. Equipment was also purchased that allows the process to not only be safe for the patient, but to allow the paramedics to do their job as safely as possible.

 

“They work with a screen that allows them to safely place the tube,” said Hart. “This allows them to successfully complete what they need without damaging the vocal cords.”

 

The benefit, as mentioned above is time. Tacy said the standard now is if the situation for the patient has them need Level 1 treatment for trauma or stroke that the protocol is to get the patient to West Virginia University and Ruby Memorial Hospital.

 

“If you have that situation and the patient can’t maintain the airway, they have to be taken to (United Hospital Center) and do the thing we’re going to be doing,” said Tacy. “We’re eliminating one step in the process and it can save a patient a serious amount of time by eliminating paperwork, seeing a medical professional and scheduling a transport to Morgantown. This could be an hour or more of time being saved for the patient.”

 

For those wondering just how big of a deal this is, understand it requires extensive training. For starters, individuals can only do this if having three years of experience as a paramedic. On top of that, it requires not just annual training but early monthly training as well. The time invested could be a reason Bridgeport is the first fire department doing this; joining a handful of Critical Care Transport (CCT) units that perform during ambulance transports. All training and certifications have to be approved the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services.

 

“This is a vital resource,” said Tacy.

 

Hart said due to the high volume of paramedics among the entire 27 person staff, all calls will be able to utilize this training. Hart said someone on every shift will have the proper training.

 

“This is another tool in the tool box to adequately and best treat the patient and it will make a difference in the outcome,” said Hart. “The best thing is that my field personnel wanted to do this.  They have taken it upon themselves.”

 

Hart also praised the city administration for working with them to purchase the equipment needed. He also said cooperation from the State Office of Emergency Medical Services and other medical directors I the region and state were critical.

 

“It’s a team effort to assure the best chance of survival and highest possible quality of life,” said Hart. “We’re very thankful for the cooperation.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Lt. Jacob Thompson, far left, working with firefighter/paramedic Brandon Chaney on RSI training as others observe. Below is a closeup of what the paramedic will be utilizing as part of the training.