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EMS Services
The Snoqualmie Fire Department operates two aid cars - one primary (A155) and one reserve (A255). All members of the fire department are trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Initial EMT training consists of 110 hours of instruction, as well as yearly continuing education to maintain certification. EMTs are considered basic life support (BLS).
Advance life support (ALS) is performed by Paramedics. In the Snoqualmie area, ALS is provided by the Bellevue Fire Department. Bellevue medic units respond out of fire stations in North Bend and the Issaquah Highlands. Paramedics are initially certified through a 3,000-hour program, in addition to yearly continuing education requirements.
The fire department participates in the King County Emergency Medical Services System (KCEMS), a world-renowned healthcare system that provides outstanding care to those who access the 9-1-1 system. KCEMS is primarily funded by a countywide, voter approved EMS levy.
SFD Aid 155 - 202 Braun F450
SFD Aid 255 - 2013 Braun F350
When you call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency, you get a tiered response.
EMS Access: A patient or bystander accesses the KCEMSS by calling 9-1-1.
Dispatcher Triage: 9-1-1 calls are received by trained dispatchers who quickly identify the appropriate level of care and dispatch the closest and most appropriate unit to respond to the emergency. Calls are triaged and dispatched using the King County Criteria Based Dispatch (KC-CBD). Additionally, dispatchers are trained to provide life-saving treatment instructions to the caller.
Tier 1 - Basic Life Support (BLS) Services: BLS personnel are the “first emergency medical responder” to an incident to provide immediate and lifesaving care until an advance provider can arrive on scene. They are also trained to measure, draw, an inject epinephrine for patients suffering from an allergic / anaphylactic reaction as well as being trained in the use of Naloxone. For lower acuity incidents, some 9-1-1 incidents are transferred to a nurse line where a certified registered nurse can provide medical direction.
Tier 2 - Advanced Life Support (ALS) Services: ALS Personnel responders are highly skilled and trained personnel that provide advanced levels of care. These personnel are certified at the paramedic level and, to work in King County, must attend the KCEMS Medic One Training Program.
Definitive Medical Care: After the patients are evaluated by the EMTs or Paramedics, and further medical care is needed, the patient will be transported to the appropriate definitive care facility.