Paramedic Level Service

If Paramedic level service is needed to care for a patient, Wayland's Paramedics or Paramedic teams from outside agencies are requested to meet the ambulance and work in conjunction with the Wayland Fire Department ambulance crew.  When the Paramedics arrive at the patient, a detailed evaluation is conducted, and treatment previously available only in the hospital emergency room can be started in the field.  Patients, family, and friends should realize that this evaluation and treatment make take several minutes and should not be viewed as a cause for extra concern and does not represent a delay in patient treatment.

Paramedics are licensed individuals who can perform tasks beyond that of an EMT.  These tasks include: cardiac monitoring, intubation, and administering IV medications.  Paramedics are subject to 18-24 months of difficult theoretical training and practice.  After the formal training, they are also required to render hours of practice and undergo certification.  If Paramedics want to specialize in a specific field, they can further their studies and earn more certification as required.

Wayland currently staffs its ambulance with a combination of Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians.  When our ambulance is not staffed with Paramedics, outside ALS (paramedics) services are called upon from neighboring agencies for assistance.

Advanced Life Support services prior to transport are essentially equal to the care a patient would receive in the Emergency Department.  Beginning treatment in order to stabilize the patient prior to transport to the hospital is essential to the patient’s quality of recovery.