EMS

The Lawrence Fire Department provides the community with basic life support, which is provided by an emergency medical technician, and advanced life support, which requires a paramedic. All Lawrence firefighters are trained to the level of an EMT and 24 members of the department are certified as paramedics.

During some emergencies, such as when someone experiences chest pains or shortness of breath, a paramedic will respond to the call so paramedics can bring the emergency room to the patient and begin care more quickly. Enroute to an ER, the paramedic or EMT can begin assessment and treatment to save time in an emergency. Acquiring patient background info and stabilizing the patient is time-critical.

The frontline fire apparatus are staffed with paramedics so LFD can provide the highest level of care. The department provides three ambulances equipped with basic and advanced life support equipment for transport to local hospitals. All treatment protocols are under the direction of Community Health Network.