In 1997 the Newton Ambulance Department combined with the Newton Fire Department to form Newton Fire/EMS. Before the merger, Newton Ambulance Department had been at the forefront of modern EMS, enjoying the distinction of being the first department in the state -- and among the first departments in the entire nation -- to provide paramedic-level care. Today the department consists of 45 line personnel, of which about half are Firefighter/Paramedics and the other half are Firefighter/EMTs.

Paramedics are highly trained in advanced life support services and are capable of providing many critical prehospital interventions, including EKG monitoring and interpretation, intravenous access, endotracheal intubation, and pain management. They also administer a broad range of medications. EMTs are trained in basic life support functions and enhance paramedic care by assisting the paramedic with various support tasks. They serve as the ambulance driver on most medical calls.

Staffing and Response

Newton Fire/EMS ambulances are typically staffed with one paramedic and one EMT. Depending on information received from dispatch, an engine company may respond with the ambulance. This configuration provides the manpower necessary for some incidents while keeping the engine company available for other incidents as needed. In addition to the ambulance and engine company, a chief officer may respond in a staff vehicle to fulfill a supervisory role or provide additional manpower on medical incidents.

Protocols

Newton Fire/EMS paramedics employ liberal protocols that allow them to offer the most effective and up-to-date lifesaving techniques to their patients. The department strives to maintain high standards in advanced life-support services, placing emphasis on ensuring that all protocols are current with the latest evidence-based research and follow best practices. 

Department paramedics utilize the latest in diagnostic tools to help them identify cardiac problems and provide patients with proper treatment and appropriate transport destinations. Twelve-lead EKGs are commonly performed in the field and can accurately identify acute cardiac injuries; this allows paramedics to alert receiving facilities, resulting in more timely hospital-based treatments.

Our department strives to get patients to the most appropriate facility for the care they require. Being so close to large Wichita hospitals with specialized departments allows us to have bypass protocol for patients who have critical traumatic injuries, heart attacks, and strokes. Newton is fortunate that Wichita has several major hospitals located less than 30 minutes away, where patient will receive definitive care without delay.

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Medical Director

Dr. Paul Bogner serves as medical director for Newton Fire/EMS. This fundamental position is necessary to authorize paramedics to employ department protocols. Dr. Bogner is active in protocol development, implementation and review. A monthly meeting is held with Dr. Bogner, during which department members review and discuss EMS calls with the director. This meeting is a well-attended round-table discussion, which allows members to analyze elements of calls involving critical patients and receive feedback from the medical director.

NMC Health

Newton Fire/EMS has a close working relationship with its primary transport destination, NMC Health. This relationship provides excellent communication that leads to more positive patient outcomes. Newton Fire/EMS paramedics have the ability to consult with NMC emergency department physicians when confronted with atypical situations in the field. When delivering patients to NMC, paramedics also work closely with emergency department nurses and physicians to ensure a timely and uninterrupted continuum of care. Department paramedics also maintain staff affiliate privileges at NMC, allowing for enhanced clinical experiences and educational opportunities.

Response Area

Newton Fire/EMS's primary response district includes the cities of Newton and North Newton, as well as the eastern half of Harvey County. The department also provides primary ambulance services for the volunteer fire districts of Walton and Whitewater and fulfills mutual aid requests form surrounding volunteer EMS departments in Harvey County when paramedic care or additional manpower is needed.

Call Volume

Of the more than 4,100 calls Newton Fire/EMS responds to each year, more than 85 percent are calls for emergency medical services. This equates to more than 11 calls per day.