Paramedic Program

Programs

The Paramedics at PDX respond on a variety of calls and fill different roles depending on the nature of the emergency. During an aircraft emergency for example, the paramedics will consider how many passengers are on-board the aircraft in order to determine the course of action in the event of an accident. They are prepared to establish a "medical branch" for the triage, treatment and transport of multiple victims of an aircraft disaster.

During structural fires, vehicle accidents, and similar emergencies, the paramedics focus on getting hose and equipment to the scene and performing extinguishment, search & rescue, salvage and treatment of injured personnel. The paramedics respond with the water rescue boat-crew in the event of a medical emergency on the Columbia River.

Medical emergencies make up over 65% of all calls at PDX. Many of the ill or injured patients are travelers, some far away from home, so the paramedics play a vital role in customer service at PDX.

The paramedics work under regional protocols, a physician advisor, and standing orders. The scope of practice for paramedics in Multnomah County is one of the most progressive in the nation, allowing them to offer "cutting edge" treatment and procedures to their patients.