The Bedford Fire Department provides 24-hour emergency medical services to the citizens, visitors, and motorists of Bedford.  All Bedford firefighters are certified Massachusetts Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) capable of providing basic life support (BLS).  If advanced life support (ALS) is needed for a specific call, paramedics from Armstrong Ambulance are dispatched to assist.

Our department is fully trained and equipped to handle any BLS call from the moment a citizen dials 911, from basic first aid to CPR.  All emergency communications officers are certified Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs), capable of providing callers with lifesaving pre-arrival instructions.  Once on scene, all of our vehicles are equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), while our ambulances have additional specialized medical equipment.  Patients may be administered medications such as albuterol, aspirin, epinepherine, or glucose by EMTs.  Additional medications may be administered by paramedics when necessary.

The primary ambulance is staffed by two firefighters, and responds to approximately 1,200 emergencies annually.  Most patients who are transported go to Emerson Hospital in Concord or Lahey Clinic in Burlington. Boston MedFlight is contacted for serious incidents requiring critical care transport into the city.  

Ambulance 2 was custom designed for service in Bedford by a dedicated team consisting of Lieutenant Mike Bauman, Firefighter Dana Park, and Firefighter Mark Daly.

Some notable features onboard Ambulance 2 include: 

• A compartment for protective firefighting gear and SCBA equipment
• Custom-designed compartment systems and shelving
• Heavy duty drivetrain and braking system
• Vehicle safety systems, including backup sensors
• State-of-the-art oxygen system for patient care 

Many residents are curious as to why a fire engine usually responds with the ambulance to a medical emergency.  While the actual firefighting equipment on the engine may not be needed, the extra firefighters that respond are able to assist the ambulance crew, ensuring our patients receive the highest level of care.

Firefighter Dana Park is the department's EMS Coordinator.  Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to contact him with any questions.