News Release
For Release: May 21, 2009
Contact: Linda Cofer 201-259-5072

City of Orange and East Orange General Hospital partner to reduce emergency EMS response time

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. announced today that Orange will work to reduce response time in emergencies by sending trained Fire Department personnel to medical emergencies. At the same time, he reminded citizens to continue to call 911 in emergencies and not to call the Fire Department directly.

The Orange Fire Department will be responding to medical calls as first responders to help the residents of Orange and those passing through the City on streets and highways. All Fire Department personnel will be participating in regularly scheduled training sessions to prepare them to respond in medical emergencies.

Rescue services will include triage, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and utilization of a defibrillator.
  
East Orange General Hospital will be assisting in teaching the members of OFD in life saving techniques including administration of oxygen and first aid. The program will begin on June 1, 2009

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“I would like to thank the members of the first responder policy committee composed of key fire personnel and chaired by executive officer Frank Scura for their hard work and partnership in generating the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this new initiative.

By sending trained Fire Department personnel to respond to medical emergencies, we expect to shorten response times and save lives. This partnership with East Orange General Hospital will make the residents of Orange and all those who pass through our City safer and more secure.”

Statement by Kevin Slavin, President and CEO for East Orange General Hospital
“We are excited to partner with the City of Orange and their Fire Department in bringing this life-saving program to the Orange community.  The hospital’s EVMTS team will provide the Fire Department, who will be responding to medical calls as first responders, with additional medical tools and options. We believe that we can dramatically improve patient outcomes.”

Statement by Marty DeMarzo, Orange Fire Chief
“As a Department whose objective is public safety, we are adding another function to our daily job. The Orange Fire Department will now respond to certain Emergency Medical Calls as First Responders. We will augment the current ambulance service, Essex Valley Medical Transportation, with a fire engine response to certain types of EMS calls.

The main focus of the Fire Department is the protection of life and property through Fire Prevention, Code Enforcement and Public Education in fire safety. With the added role as First Responders we will broaden our ability to protect the citizens, shop owners and visitors of Orange.”