Lesson 2 – Additional And Specialized Resources

Requesting Additional Resources

EMTs must know when to request help to ensure patient and provider safety and manage complex emergencies effectively.

Situations Requiring Backup

Multiple patient incidents, mass casualties, vehicle entrapments, hazardous materials, violent scenes, or specialized care needs often require additional resources.

Overwhelmed Resources

If the current team or tools are insufficient for safe or effective response, EMTs should request assistance immediately.

Call Early, Not Late

It's safer to request resources early and not need them than to delay and compromise patient care or scene safety.

Hazmat Teams

Specialized in handling incidents involving chemical, biological, or radioactive substances.

Technical Rescue Teams

Trained for confined space, trench, or structural collapse rescues.

Air Medical Services

Provide rapid transport and advanced medical care for critically ill or injured patients.

Specialized Medical Teams

Respond to specific patient needs, such as burn or pediatric emergencies.

Water Rescue Teams

Handle incidents in lakes, rivers, floods, or other aquatic environments.

Search and Rescue Teams

Operate in wilderness or disaster scenarios to locate and extract victims.

Crisis Negotiation Teams

Trained to resolve hostage situations or confrontations with barricaded individuals.

Requesting Resources: Protocols

Follow local protocols; provide concise, accurate information about what is needed and why.

Radio Etiquette

Use clear, professional language; avoid unnecessary jargon or codes in multi-agency settings.

Information to Include in Requests

Resource type and quantity, scene location, access routes, and callback/contact info.

Resource Updates

Communicate updates as the situation evolves to ensure appropriate deployment.

Mutual Aid Agreements

Formal arrangements between agencies to share resources across jurisdictions during emergencies.

Types of Mutual Aid

Automatic (prearranged) or requested (ad hoc, by need).

Activating Mutual Aid

Often done through dispatch or direct contact; EMTs must know local procedures.

Resource Typing

Knowing the classification and capabilities of mutual aid partners ensures appropriate resource requests.

Legal/Financial Considerations

Mutual aid may involve cost-sharing, liability issues, or formal documentation.

Joint Training

Participating in exercises with partner agencies enhances coordination during real events.

Interagency Communication

Use shared terminology and designated channels; keep messages short and clear.

Avoiding Communication Barriers

Be aware of incompatible systems, language differences, and backup plans like cell phones or runners.

Designated Command Channels

Used to coordinate interagency responses and minimize confusion on airwaves.

Resource Staging Areas

Should be safe, close, and accessible to ensure timely deployment of crews and equipment.

Staging Officer

Manages incoming units, tracks availability, assigns roles, and monitors safety.

Crew Rotation

Essential to prevent fatigue and maintain operational readiness.

Resource Tracking

Keep records of where each resource is, what it’s doing, and when it’s used or relieved.

Clear Access/Egress Routes

Prevents traffic jams and ensures emergency vehicle movement is smooth.

Documenting Resource Use

Include what was requested, why, when it arrived/departed, and what it did.

ICS Forms

Standardized tools to record resource deployment and movement during an incident.

After-Action Reviews

Use documentation to evaluate performance and improve future responses.

Legal and Financial Protection

Good documentation can affect cost recovery, liability, and quality assurance.

If Not Documented, It Didn’t Happen

EMTs must thoroughly document all resource-related actions to protect themselves and the agency.