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Training Division
Division Chief of Training
John Spicuzza
EMS News
We currently have 16 credentialed paramedics. We have 5 paramedics at various levels and several employees that plan on joining the paramedic program in the future.
All current paramedics recently participated in the University of Miami 12-lead ECG course that assists in diagnosing cardiac events prior to transport to the hospital. This shortens the time of getting lifesaving fibrinolytics to qualified candidates by notifying the hospital prior to arrival that a patient meets the strict criteria for this specialized medication.
All paramedics participated in the University of Miami Stroke Assessment course. This course emphasizes the latest techniques in recognizing and diagnosing a stroke in the field and determining if they qualify for lifesaving medications prior to arrival at the hospital.
All current paramedics have participated in an Advanced Airway Management class that emphasized dealing with the difficult airway management patient and the latest procedures and medications required to accomplish this task.
USAR: Urban Search and Rescue
We have 13 members of the Southwest Florida Search and Rescue Team, also known as Florida Task Force 6. Training is constant and very hands on. Each month the team trains on different types of rescues.
All crews recently took part in RIT, Rapid Intervention Team and fire attack training. This was done with the help of three acquired structures that were scheduled to be demolished. It is rare that we get the opportunity to get realistic training in a real structure so it was a valuable experience.
Health and Fitness
Every day that the fire fighters work, they are required to have an hour of physical activity. Many of them run around the stations. Some other favorite activities are handball, hockey, and weight training. Each station has a fully equipped weight/exercise room.
Many firefighters compete in the Florida Firefighter Olympics during the month of June. We have had several medal winners. Competitions range from bowling to deep sea fishing and last for weeks.
For six weeks, several employees will join in a Fitness Challenge. They will each be part of a 3-5 person team and will get measured in the beginning and the end of the challenge to see the percentage of fat loss and muscle gain.