Timeline Related to Response for a Cardiac Arrest

If you are even in a situation where someone is in dire need of medical attention, you can be relieved to know you live in Los Angeles. There are 106 fire stations in the City of Los Angeles, and each one (currently) has at least one Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance available to respond to emergencies. Larger stations (and some single engine "triples") have Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, staffed by two paramedics. Many engine companies also have a Paramedic on board. Those companies are called "assessment engines." 

If you find someone unresponsive or in the midst of an apparent significant medical emergency, dial 9-1-1.

You'll be connected to the Los Angeles Fire Department's Operations Control Dispactch Center (OCD). Once connected, remain calm, and share your information with the operator. All OCD operators are sworn firefighters and EMTs. As a result, they'll know how to help you. Learn more about contacting 9-1-1. 

Once they have the information, here is a timeline on response. In this case, we'll use a CARDIAC ARREST as the example:

Clock: 0:00

OCD received the call regarding a cardiac arrest at 123 main street. The patient is unresponsive. The operator will typically stay on the phone with the "person reporting" to ensure they get life-saving instruction, and so they can interact with the operator as emergency resources are en route to the location.

Clock: 0:45

OCD, via computer and radio will dispatch resources to the incident.

In the case of a cardiac arrest, there are variations on the assignment, but manpower is always important. Here is one possible example:

1 ALS Ambulance: includes two Paramedics

1 Engine Company: includes a Captain, one Paramedic, and two firefighters

1 EMS Captain: includes one Paramedic Captain

That means there will be a total of four (4) paramedics on scene, plus three additional firefighters. Additional resources may be added, as needed.

Clock: 1:45

Resources are leaving their stations, in full emergency (lights and siren). On occasion, some resources will be dispatched while "on the radio" - meaning they're driving from one spot to another within their fire district. 

Clock: <5:00

Each Fire Station in Los Angeles protects a fire district. These districts have been adjusted during the history of the department. Today, the goal is to ensure that for any given call, firefighters can be on-scene within five minutes. And the key reason for that is not fire: It's your heart. Oxygen to the brain is essential during a significant medical emergency, and to survive, it's best to ensure oxygen is flowing or feeding the brain. If your brain goes without oxygen for more than seven minutes, your chances of survival decline rapidly.

Clock: <5:30

Paramedics are sizing up the situation and assessing the patient. They will take whatever time is required to stabilize the patient and/or prepare the patient for transport to the most appropriate hospital. Often, a patient can be in the emergency room in less than 15 minutes. 

This is just another example of why it's important to learn CPR, and to consider becoming a member of a local CERT team.