-Who we are-
Sandusky County Emergency Medical Service (SCEMS) began delivering emergency paramedic services in 1975 and continues to be the primary Emergency Medical Service provider for the more than 60,000 residents and all visitors to Sandusky County Ohio. SCEMS is operated by the Sandusky County Board of Commissioners as a single countywide 911 emergency service. SCEMS has a primary response district of over 400 square miles including a portion of the Ohio Turnpike. The county is a mix of rural, suburban, and industrial areas located in and between several cities, the largest of which is Fremont (population 17k). SCEMS responds to approximately seven thousand five hundred (7,500) emergency calls per year and provides standby coverage for a variety of events and incidents.
-How we work-
Our command structure follows the traditional format of most modern public safety agencies. The EMS Chief oversees operations, planning, logistics, and finances of the department. The EMS Assistant Chief oversees, daily operations, supplies/equipment, and our community outreach programs. The EMS Captain is responsible for payroll, scheduling, quality assurance, and all aspects of training (initial and ongoing). The EMS Captain also is the site coordinator for the Sandusky County car seat program. EMS Lieutenants (EMS Supervisor) are responsible for day-to-day operations. The on-duty Lieutenant responds in a fully stocked ALS non-transport vehicle for calls which meet critical criteria and/or have the potential need for additional resources. Field operations are structured into three 24 hour shifts. In addition to the Lieutenant, each shift staffs five ALS ambulances (Life Squads) strategically housed throughout Sandusky County; either in local fire departments or in standalone stations. In addition to 911 ambulance response/transport, SCEMS operates a transport capable ATV, dedicated bariatric transport unit, and mass casualty/rehab trailer SCEMS provides medical coverage for the County Sheriff’s SRT (SWAT/Tactical) team. SCEMS crews also participate in the county drone team and Project Lifesaver program (tracking program for at-risk populations). SCEMS also provides a variety of community outreach and education programs to schools, government agencies and businesses. SCEMS is a clinical learning site for numerous EMS education programs. SCEMS responds with and works closely with local first responders (both full time and volunteer) offering resources, training, and supplies. SCEMS works closely with the local and regional hospitals as well as surrounding EMS, fire and law enforcement communities maintaining mutual aid relationships with surrounding departments.
-How we excel-
The MetroHealth System, provides medical direction to our organization utilizing the Northeast Ohio Regional EMS Protocols. Dr. Jeremiah Escajeda, MD is a American Board of Emergency Medicine – Emergency Medical Services physician assigned to SCEMS by MetroHealth. Dr. Escajeda is active within our organization completing clinical reviews and ride alongs with our providers. The Northeast Ohio Regional EMS Protocols are a collaborative effort of multiple Emergency Room Physicians from numerous regional ERs. SCEMS is one of only a handful of Nationally CAAS accredited EMS services in Ohio. SCEMS is a charter member of the Ohio EMS Chiefs Association, this organization represents government based EMS only organizations. SCEMS has been awarded the American Heart Association Mission Lifeline award for meeting and exceeding cardiac care benchmarks. SCEMS providers receive monthly training in the latest industry advancements and equipment. Currently SCEMS is equipped with Zoll X Advanced Series Monitors, Zoll Autopulse Mechanical CPR devices, Zoll Z-Vent Ventilators, EZ IO Drills, Video Laryngoscopes, EKG telemetry, Electronic Charting and many other modern devices and tools. SCEMS stresses safe lifting and moving and provides crews with the resources and equipment to do their job safely. SCEMS uses Stryker Power Cots with Power Load systems, Hover-Mats, Hover-Jacks, Binderlifts, and the latest bariatric movement devices. SCEMS transports to over ten Regional Hospitals based on patient condition and preference and works with area aeromedical services.
