Wexford VFC to Add Quick Response Medical Service

Chief Ausefski has been working hard to add Quick Response Service (QRS) to our list of capabilities to serve the community. A big part of the process was recently completed when we received our (QRS) vehicle certification from the PA Department of Health (PA DOH) on July 9.

You may wonder, what is QRS and what does this mean for the community? QRS involves sending firefighters with emergency medical training to medical emergencies. In many instances, QRS crews can arrive before an EMS ambulance to initiate basic life-saving care.  A QRS response to a medical emergency within the Township of Pine will be staffed by live-in members at our stations or other members standing by at the station. The response will typically include at least one or two firefighters in one fire company vehicle.

Members responding on a QRS unit must have at least the PA DOH- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification level. A group of firefighters is currently in the process of completing the EMR certification class. We also have members who are already certified as Emergency Medical Technicians that will be a part of the program.

QRS will help keep our stations better staffed for both fire and QRS calls. Adding QRS also provides another opportunity for potential members to get involved with our organization.

Chief Ausefski expects to start responding to QRS calls sometime this August as member training and medical equipment needs are finalized. We are very excited to offer this new level of service to help protect the community.