IAFF Local 1604

The Bellevue Firefighters operating as an integral part of the world renowned Seattle/King County Medic One system, have long been known for providing among the highest cardiac arrest survival rates in the nation. The Seattle/King County Medic One system is operating with cardiac arrest survival rates of 49% (using the Utstein model) while many other systems in urban areas have save rates in the single digits. The Bellevue Fire Department itself posted cardiac arrest survival rates of an outstanding 55% within the city of Bellevue. But is "highest" high enough? Not according to the Bellevue Fire Department and the King County Medic One system. All Bellevue Fire Department emergency apparatus currently carry defibrillators. The next step involves placing Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) on Bellevue Police patrol units who will also be added to cardiac arrest responses in an effort to further increase the number of cardiac arrest survivors within the city.

The Bellevue Fire Department (as all of the Seattle/King County Medic One system) operates under a "tiered response system". This system involves a response by a aid unit or engine company from the nearest fire station, and in addition, the nearest fire paramedic unit. The firefighters assigned to the aid units, engine companies, and ladder companies are EMT trained which incorporates basic life support (BLS) skills including defibrillation using AEDs. the firefighters assigned to the medic units are paramedic trained which incorporates advanced life support (ALS) skills such as IV access, intubation, and medication therapy.

Bellevue isn't the first city in the nation to place AEDs on their police units, but is optimistic that doing so will raise its outstanding save rate even higher. The data from this program will be watched closely in the coming months.

ARE THE HIGHEST CARDIAC ARREST SURVIVAL RATES... HIGH ENOUGH?