The first component of the system is the "first responder". This is usually a police officer or firefighter, who is available within minutes to respond to a medical emergency and render first aid, such as CPR.
The second component of the system is the Emergency Medical Service provided by local Fire and EMS departments. The individuals on these departments are specially trained medical technicians educated to varying levels to provide a wide range of services (such as extrication's from automobiles or cardiac monitoring of heart attack victims). Each community may provide a different level of services; therefore, it would be a good idea to contact them (before an emergency arises) to determine their capabilities. In addition to patient care, EMS also provide safe transportation to an appropriate medical facility best suited for the patient's medical condition.
The third component of Coffee County's EMS is the Medical Center Enterprise
Hospital and the Elba General Hospital. The Emergency Department physicians are trained to
deal with medical and trauma situations. In addition to the emergency physicians, the
nurses in the department have attended special training programs to be able to deliver the
best possible medical and trauma care during emergency situations. These system components work together to assure that Coffee County citizens receive the best possible care in the event of a medical or trauma emergency.
To access the Emergency Medical Services system in Coffee County, you should use the Emergency 9-1-1 phone number and be prepared to give an accurate location of the incident, as well as a description of the type of incident that has occurred. Always remember to stay on the line until the 9-1-1 operator tells you to hang up.
It is always advisable to obtain CPR and first aid training through the local Red Cross or the American Heart Association. You should never move anyone, unless there is a danger, and there should never be any question as to whether to call EMS when a medical or injury situation exists.
The Enterprise Rescue website is located at: Enterprise Rescue, Inc.
REMEMBER: "DON'T GUESS - CALL E.M.S."
