Division Chief Russell Rafferty

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

Our Port Orange Fire-Rescue Emergency Medical Service delivery system remains one of the technological leaders. Led by Division Chief Russell T. Rafferty, the Department is always looking toward the future and at innovative ways to provide the highest quality service to the residents and visitors of Port Orange. Patients and other agencies alike are impressed by the quality of patient care and services they receive. Chief Rafferty’s leadership was highly praised when in October of 2005 he led a Florida Advanced Life Support Competition Team to the International Trauma Life Support Competition in Phoenix, Arizona. They defeated teams such as Japan, Canada, and Germany, bringing the championship home to America.

The EMS Division responds to 85% of the call volume using five Advanced Life Support (ALS) Fire Engines staffed with licensed Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Chief Rafferty ensures that these personnel are highly trained by delivering Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Invasive Procedures Courses. The EMS Division delivers training for the American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center. Our Training Center also delivers Basic Life Support (BLS) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) courses on a regular basis to the public.

Port Orange has boasted this training by assembling an ALS Competition Team that has competed in numerous State Competitions, bringing home award after award. Our ALS teams use the latest advanced technology equipment, such as 12 Lead Heart Monitors with rapid transmission, Advanced ETCO2 Detection, Autopulse Compression Delivery and Automatic Ventilators. Chief Rafferty also ensures that all EMS Medications and Fluids are stored at the correct temperature at all times using Temperature Control Units. He consistently acquires this advanced equipment using County and State Grant funds. To date, he has acquired over 2 million dollars in EMS grant funds.

Second to the delivery of EMS on a 24-hour basis, the EMS Division provides EMS stand-by care at many City and High School functions using its Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). This unit is designed to deliver Advanced EMS care in a densely populated event by providing fast access and rapid transport for patients. We also employ a SWAT medic team with four members working in cooperation with the Port Orange Police Special Operations Unit. All SWAT medics are certified paramedics who have completed tactical combat training, and are prepared to protect and serve the community.

Chief Rafferty also ensures that the communities are protected by making the Flu and Pneumonia Shots available during October-December of every year. This program also reaches out and delivers these vaccinations to the Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, Local Businesses, and Homebound Patients. This program also assists patients with payment by filing Medicare Part B on their behalf. This program delivers over 10,000 Flu and 600 Pneumonia Shots per year.

Charged with the safety and well being of our community, Chief Rafferty vows to personally assure you that our service will continue to be as exceptional as it has been in the past.