Delaware Emergency Medical Services System: cardiac resuscitation

The Delaware EMS system has been in existence for 20 years. Initially begun as one paramedic unit serving New Castle County, it now comprises 15 units in a statewide system. The goal of this report is to detail the EMS system's impact on prehospital cardiac resuscitation and airway management. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) encompass all aspects of managing a sick or injured patient prior to arrival to the hospital. From the time a patient dials 911 until they arrive in the care of a doctor in an emergency room, the EMS system provides initial medical evaluation and care as well as transportation to the hospital. The components of Delaware's EMS system include: 1. Bystanders--the public is often called upon to perform CPR until trained rescuers arrive. 2. Medical Dispatchers--they receive incoming 911 calls and determine the personnel needed. 3. First responders--ambulance crews trained in basic life support (BLS). 4. Second responders--ambulance crews trained in advanced life support (ALS), paramedics. 5. Medical Control--doctors who are in radio contact with paramedics to provide medical advice.