Hill Fire and Emergency Services adopts advanced-EMT training

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Hill Fire and Emergency Services hosted a National Registry Advanced-Emergency Medical Technician course for Air Force personnel here this past summer, a first for the service according to F&ES officials.

Working with the Air Force Surgeon General, Hill F&ES advocated for the addition of the course, which includes a curriculum for a higher level of emergency medical service protocols.

EMS protocols are the recognized operating procedures that all EMS professionals such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians must follow for patient assessment, treatment, transportation and delivery of care.

After more than a year, their efforts paid off with NRAEMT being added in March 2021.

Dan Gallegos, assistance chief for training and EMS supervisor for Hill F&ES, said with the new course and rollout of a new on-base ambulance service this past September, Hill Air Force Base became the first 100% F&ES emergency medical service transport and advanced-EMT agency in the Air Force.

Gallegos said there’s currently a “mix of services” at bases across the Air Force, with EMS transport being handled by both F&ES and medical personnel, while some bases have contracts, and others memorandums of understanding with municipal transport service agencies.

The NRAEMT course at Hill was held July 12 through Aug. 13 and attended by a Total Force class of eight students including military and civilian firefighters, as well as explosive ordnance disposal personnel.

Instruction was provided by F&ES civilians, and mutual aid agency and hospital instructors.

“During the course, trainees completed 160 training hours and practical application experience that included 24 hours in ambulances with mutual aid agencies, and 24 hours working trauma assessment in emergency rooms triaging well over 50 patients each,” Gallegos said. "Students also complete a psychomotor evaluation and a weeklong Air Force EMS protocol exam, and written test and practical evaluation, prior to completing the course."

Upon successfully completion, they receive their National Registry Advanced-EMTs certification and licensed by the Air Force Medical Director.

Gallegos said the overall intent of the course is to provide a higher level of emergency medical care for the warfighter in forward operating locations, as well as at state-side installations. The next step is to standardize the training across the Air Force.

“This additional service will reinforce Hill AFB F&ES’s commitment to providing the highest level of pre-hospital emergency care in the minimal amount of time possible, ensuring a more positive outcome for all involved in emergency situations,” he said.