UConn Fire Department Expands On-Campus Paramedic Services In Storrs

STORRS, CT — The UConn Fire Department has expanded its emergency medical capabilities in Storrs through a new program that allows qualified firefighter-paramedics on duty to provide advanced life support services on campus.

The Supplemental First Responder Mobile Intensive Care-Paramedic Program took effect July 1. Under the program, firefighters who are licensed as paramedics and have current medical control authorization can perform advanced life support duties while assigned to the Storrs campus.

Previously, those firefighters could provide paramedic-level care only while working at the department's location at UConn Health in Farmington.

The change enables the department to use its firefighter-paramedics to their full scope of practice in Storrs.

Currently, firefighter Francesco Marotta is the only Storrs-based firefighter licensed as a paramedic. However, other Farmington-based firefighter-paramedics who regularly work shifts in Storrs also are eligible to provide advanced life support under the new program. Depending on staffing and assignments, as many as three paramedics may be available to respond in Storrs at a given time.

Paramedics provide the highest level of prehospital emergency medical care in the emergency medical services system. Every member of the UConn Fire Department is certified as an emergency medical technician at a minimum.

The department said the expanded service allows paramedics to perform advanced treatments on scene or in an ambulance that otherwise would have been delayed until a patient arrived at a hospital. For example, patients with injuries such as a dislocated shoulder may now receive advanced care on campus if a firefighter-paramedic is available.

Windham Hospital will remain the primary provider of paramedic services for the Storrs campus. The hospital continues to serve as the closest hospital to UConn and remains the department's primary partner for advanced emergency medical care.

UConn officials said the program is expected to improve emergency response for students, faculty, staff and visitors by providing faster access to advanced medical treatment while also offering greater reassurance to families during medical emergencies.