Emergency Preparedness for Residents of Ottawa

Emergency Medical Services (Ambulances)

Tiered Response to Medical Calls

Most calls to which firefighters respond involve medical emergencies.

The key link in the chain of survival for both medical and accident victims is early intervention and emergency treatment. All firefighters can perform:

• cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR),
• semi-automatic external heart defibrillation,
• airway management, and
• advanced-level first aid.

Firefighters may be the first to arrive at the scene. They will attempt to stabilize and monitor patients until paramedics arrive.