Calgary EMS give a behind the scenes look

There is a lot more going on behind the scenes with Calgary EMS than you might think.

"We are not just responding to emergencies, putting someone in our truck and driving them to the hospital," said Adam Loria, a public education officer with the service.

For example, did you know there is a customized ambulance just for kids?

"It's different from a regular ambulance in the amount of room and specialized equipment for the smaller children, newborns or neonates," Loria explained.

"Many times we are carrying multiple teams of doctors, nurses and paramedics who obviously need the room."

Craig Nichol,with the rapid access paramedic (RAP) team,says sometimes a bike is the best way to maneuver around large crowds.

"It allows us to get in and out of events or areas very quickly that you just can't get a large conventional truck in and out of," Nichol said.

"For example, the Calgary Stampede parade, it's far easier for us to go in and around people because you have some 20,000 to 30,000 people out watching, if any health conditions arise, it is far easier for us to go in and do an initial assessment and then deem if transport is required to a hospital or a different care facility."

The RAP team operates seasonally, during the spring, summer and fall.

Calgary EMS also have units dedicated to working with police and fire in high-risk situations.Travis Cox workswith tactical EMS, whichcurrently a team of 11 and they work with police.

"We respond to any high risk events in the city with the (CPS) tactical unit and canine unit," Cox said.

There are significant challenges as these specialized paramedics work alone.

"We can only have equipment that is on our person. If we don't carry it in we don't have it," Cox said.

"We don't have the luxuries of every single piece of equipment that is on an ambulance. We are able to do a type of medicine that is specifically geared towards hemorrhage control and airway control."

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Loria says incident response paramedics are trained to work closely with firefighters.

"They can each go into a hot zone, help a patient or first responder in need, then extricate them to a green zone or the safe zone where an ambulance can continue to help."

Ryan Middleton,an emergency medical technician,says the power stretchers used by the service will reduce injuries among first responders.

"Electricity and hydraulics" are the key, Middleton said.

"It will save a few shoulders and a few backs. I am pulling it out with one finger. Everything can be done with just the touch of a button."

EMS also has field hospitals and command units. Some are currently being used in the Fort McMurray where a wildfire continues to rage.

A public safety unit is also available for events with a lot of people that could turn violent.

"Should a large scale protest or such arise, we have a team that will work closely with the police in a volatile area to ensure the safety of everyone, the public and first responders."

Loria says much of what they do, is below the radar.

"We are very specialized and there are a number of different areas and divisions that people don't really see on a daily basis," he said.

"But they are available should an emergency arise."

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