OCFD celebrates EMS Week 2023 as they gear up for busy summer season

OCEAN CITY, Md. – When you’re experiencing a medical emergency, life-saving care begins with emergency medical services (EMS) providers.

“In EMS, you’re the first person when someone is sometimes having the worst day of their lives,” said Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) firefighter/paramedic, Aaron Driscoll. “You have to form your own opinion and treatment on the way to the hospital, so that they can get definitive care.”

Preparing For Summer

As OCFD prepares for its busy summer season, expecting thousands to flock to the resort town, they’re also celebrating EMS Week 2023.

“Our call load does increase substantially. But, what we also can’t forget is we just went through a pandemic for the last couple of years. These same firefighter paramedics and EMTs provided unwavering service through the pandemic,” said OCFD Chief Richard Bowers.

Ready to Answer Any Call

OCFD is uniquely equipped to answer any call; from every firefighter being cross trained as a paramedic, to mobile ultrasound technology.

“We can actually use ultrasound to look [inside]. If somebody has a specific pain, and there are other indicators, we can really hone in on an area,” said Chief Bowers. “Where that helps tremendously is getting that patient, number one the right care and treatment immediately, and then second to definitive care of a special hospital that can fully treat whatever it is that the paramedic sees.”

“It takes a lot of knowledge, it takes a lot of skill, it takes a lot of training,” said Chief Bowers. “To become a paramedic, it takes over 1,000 hours of training, And then, you do clinical time, and then you have to be trained by a field training officer to make sure everything’s in sync.”

And, that training never stops; firefighter/paramedics are required to undergo recertification every year.

“We’re dealing with people’s lives and property, whether it’s a fire, whether it’s a medical emergency. We have to be trained, we have to be skilled, and we have to be certified correctly,” said Chief Bowers.

“You treat everybody the same; with respect.”

But, some of the most important tools OCFD has to offer its patients are kindness, and compassion.

Staying Safe This Summer

Chief Bowers says if you’re experiencing a fire or medical emergency in Ocean City, don’t hesitate to call 911. It’s also important to know the address of the location you’re at when making that call. Additionally, beachgoers should only get in the water with a lifeguard on hand; and those enjoying the water on a boat should always be wearing a floatation device.

By taking these steps, Chief Bowers says everybody can be much closer to ensuring a safe, and fun summer season.