The Portsmouth Fire Department Medic units are among the busiest in the state, responding to more than 13,500 calls annually. Each Medic unit is Advanced Life Support equipped and staffed, (Paramedic and a Shock-Trauma Technician). On every call our Medics provide cutting-edge treatment modalities utilizing state-of-the-art equipment.

Currently, Portsmouth Fire Department employs 26 sworn, civil service Firefighter Paramedics as well as 3 full-time and 16 part-time, non-sworn, civilian Paramedics (not cross-trained as firefighters). By augmenting the system with full-time and part-time Paramedics we are able to provide the citizens of Portsmouth with an experienced, well-trained staff of Paramedics, many of which are also employed by other departments throughout Hampton Roads area.

The Portsmouth Fire Department EMS system is often first in the region to utilize advanced treatment procedures such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and innovative equipment such as the Oxylator Em100 resuscitator. The department also participates in research projects, conducted by area physicians, in order to determine ways EMS providers can improve patient outcome.

Electronic patient care reporting provides accurate and up-to-date data collection that allows for comprehensive statistical reporting. This data collection allows the department to track the care given, the patient’s outcome as well as response times. This information is very important when studying the outcome of critical patients that have had a heart attack, collapsed due to a sudden cardiac arrest or are the victims of a major traumatic event. The data collected is analyzed and can be used to develop training classes, or to make changes to the system that will enhance our response and improve patient care. Ongoing data collection allows us to evaluate the success of the training or effectiveness of the changes made to the system by comparing the resulting data to the data collected prior to the changes.

With core values of Caring, Tradition, and Family, the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services members are prepared to answer any call for assistance at any time with pride, dedication and commitment.