When emergency care is needed, the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association (SVAA) works quickly to provide the best possible service. Paramedic Christopher Johnston notes that transport to a hospital can take between 20 to 40 minutes, making it crucial for the crew to have effective life-preserving tools on board.
Johnston, who has extensive emergency medical experience, is part of the SVAA’s Clinical Care Task Force. This group is responsible for evaluating current treatments and medications and staying updated on new research in the medical field. The task force aims to improve care for Suffield residents by exploring better treatment options.
Made up of representatives from various levels of the service, the task force meets monthly to review medical advancements in the U.S. and recommendations from Saint Francis Hospital, SVAA’s sponsor. In 2024, the task force has successfully introduced several new medications and treatments, enhancing patient outcomes.
One significant addition is Cefazolen (ANCEF), an intravenous antibiotic that can prevent severe infections, which may sometimes lead to limb loss. Studies indicate that timely administration of Cefazolen improves outcomes in severe trauma cases.
Additionally, the task force has implemented BIPAP units, which assist patients with asthma and COPD by providing variable air pressure, improving their breathing capabilities.
For neonatal care, the task force is developing training programs and creating neonatal care kits for emergency births. These kits include heating pads and equipment tailored for infants, particularly those born prematurely at 26 or 27 weeks.
The task force is also overseeing a substantial upgrade to cardiac monitors. Each unit will soon carry a Life Pak 35, which not only monitors vital signs and performs EKGs but also displays real-time EKG results. This advancement enhances diagnostic capabilities, enabling quicker detection of certain heart attacks that older models might miss. The Life Pak 35 is designed for future updates, ensuring ongoing access to the latest technology.
Furthermore, the SVAA is implementing stretcher scales to accurately weigh patients, which is vital for determining correct medication dosages, especially in children. These scales feature an app that calculates weight-based dosages down to the milliliter to aid in the clinician’s ability to rapidly provide an accurate weight-based dose of medication.
Johnston emphasizes that SVAA is among the most progressive services in Connecticut, equipped with the latest medical technology driven by evidence-based research. In addition to life-saving tools, the task force is exploring options to enhance patient comfort, particularly during long ER wait times. Providing effective pain management options is a priority to ensure patients feel more comfortable while waiting to see a doctor.
The team is also focused on ongoing training for providers, utilizing quality assurance reporting and post-service evaluations to identify further training opportunities. This commitment ensures that both new and existing technologies are effectively integrated into patient care.
The Suffield Volunteer Ambulance is a non-profit organization contracted by the Town of Suffield to deliver emergency medical services. Governed by a nine-member board of directors—comprising both provider members (EMTs and paramedics) and community experts in finance, law, and project management—the SVAA primarily funds its operations through service billing, which is typically covered by insurance. While the organization receives some support from the town budget, public donations are essential for funding the initiatives described above, ensuring the SVAA can continue to provide exceptional emergency care.