PEI Firefighters Association

Service To Our Communities

Medical First Responder Program

Over the past number of years Island Fire Departments have been providing Medical First Response abilities in co-operation with Island EMS. There are 37 fire stations and 1000+ Volunteer Firefighters spread across PEI. Firefighters have a time advantage in a lot of situations, and that is what we capitalize on with this program. Volunteer Firefighters have been assisting people in their local communities for many years, and the Medical First Responder system is an extension of that service.

With the partnership, the Province of PEI will provide funding, Island EMS will provide the instructors, and the Association and Fire Departments will be providing facilities for training as well as the response abilities.

Island Firefighters are now be trained to the Medical First Responder Level of care by Island EMS Paramedics. The training is designed specifically for those who respond to medical emergencies on a regular basis. The Paramedics from Island EMS are clearly still the ones to be the primary care professionals in all medical emergencies. Firefighters can enhance this care in situations like cardiac arrest where well trained first responders can make a significant difference if they arrive quickly and have appropriate training and equipment. This partnership improves the emergency response, and will save lives.” says Tim Jenkins.

Medical First Responder programs have been gaining popularity across Canada as a method of improving overall emergency medical services. The first responder program is just one link in the chain. The partnership between Island EMS, the Province, and the Firefighters Association promotes a more effective level of care on a community level.