Allegheny General Hospital a 400 bed regional specialty referral center. It is recognized as a Level One Shock Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a STEMI receiving center. AGH is a medical command facility tasked with providing oversight to several affiliated EMS agencies. AGH sees approximately 60,000 emergency department visits per year. AGH also operates the physician "One Call" program which incorporates emergency physicians into the transfer process. AGH hosts residencies and fellowships in various medical specialties.
Ross WestView EMS operates advance life support, first response, and vehicle rescue services to communities just north of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Ross WestView EMS hosts CPR classes and partners with the emergency medicine residency program to host regular training sessions on airway management and resuscitation skills.
LifeFlight operates five helicopters and provides ground and air critical care transport services to the Western Pennsylvania area. The LifeFlight program includes 1 EC-135 and 4 EC-145 helicopters equipped for visual and instrument flight rules. The helicopters' range is approximately 150 miles and permits the program to serve populations in West Virginia and Ohio. The flight program's capabilities include: blood and blood product resuscitatrion, advanced mechanical ventilation, and transport of ECMO patients. Cutting edge treatment protocols afford flight crews a significant amount of latitude and discretion when treating the most critical patients.
AHN Prehospital Response: The Allegheny Health Network's Division of Prehospital Care Services provides operational support to local EMS agencies through dedicated response vehicles. AHN operates a physician vehicle out of the Forbes Regional Hospital site, and several paramedic-staffed units are deployed throughout the region. These vehicles expedite the delivery of ALS services and other specialized prehospital therapies including: mechanical circulatory support and advanced modes of ventilation. The AGH response vehicle is currently under development and will likely incorporate capabilities related to blood product administration and other physician-level procedures.
|
|
|
Tactical EMS Medicine: Emergency medical services personnel often partner with local law enforcement and regulatory agencies to complement operational response. EMS physicians must remain knowledgeable about the unique conditions and demands associated with tactical medical support. Supporting incident response represents only one component of tactical medicine. Law enforcement agencies require specialized medical oversight and training prior to deployment, and EMS physicians are well positioned to assist tactical teams with occupational medical needs and the gathering of medical intelligence. The Allegheny Health Network ‘s EMS Fellowship, via an educational partnership with Ross/WestView EMS will be involved with the North Hills Special Response Team (SRT). EMS Fellows will have the opportunity to attend regularly recurring educational sessions and train alongside tactical paramedics and law enforcement officers. The EMS fellowship is actively exploring educational affiliations with other state, federal, and local law enforcement agencies.