HUDSON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Rescue 7 Medical Team
For the past few years the Hudson Fire Department has operated a First Responder unit with Rescue 7, our Heavy Rescue vehicle. Equipped with up to date emergency medical equipment this very important section of the Hudson Fire Department serves as an initial response vehicle providing Emergency First Aid on scene prior to the arrival of an ambulance for transport to a local hospital.
A crew of three highly trained firefighters are on call each day working a 12 hour shift. Each firefighter carries a pager and a portable radio for communication. They will respond to the firehall upon receiving an emergency call, pick up Rescue 7 and drive to the scene of the emergency. Average response time in 1996 from the time of call to the truck leaving the fire hall is about 4 minutes (day or night).
Each firefighter is trained in CPR and has a minimum of 45 hours of advanced first aid. However, most have hundreds of hours more than that due to on-going training. An in-house CPR program is given each year and is also provided free of charge to local citizens. For more info on that call us at 458- 4011 and leave a message.
We have numerous EMTs and they are continually being trained and updated on the latest first aid techniques. Two members are now qualified SCUBA divers as well.
As a back-up to Rescue 7, Engine 6 carries a large supply of first aid gear and can respond to a second call if two emergencies occur at the same time. Engine 6 also carries the Department's recently acquired Hurst "Jaws of Life".
This specialized cutting and spreading tool has already been utilized twice in the past two years to help extricate three victims from two very serious car accidents on Cameron Avenue. Engine 8 also has a limited supply of first aid equipment on board.
No matter what time of day it is, the crew of Rescue 7 is ready to respond to your medical emergency.