Oct 5, 2015 2 min read

McMURRAY – Peters Township Volunteer Fire Department is now an advanced life support squad, a designation that allows firefighters to administer life-saving medication, such as insulin, in a life-or-death situation.

“This designation (from the state Department of Health) means we can do everything that an ambulance can do except transport a patient,” said Dan Coyle, Peters fire chief.

With the state certification, Peters firefighters are trained to use vital medical equipment such as defibrillation equipment on heart attack victims, or help someone with breathing issues, or even start an IV, saving precious seconds until an ambulance can pick up the person and take him to hospital.

With 22.6 miles across the township and a population in excess of 22,000, having the fire department certified to deliver medication and perform life-saving measures is critical, Coyle said.

“The ambulance (VFW Post 764) is by the township building,” Coyle said. “If something happens at Donaldson’s Crossroads, we can be there in a minute … We’re backing up the existing service.”

Five of the department’s vehicles are now equipped and certified as ALS response units, meaning a fire truck could show up at a medical emergency in the township, said Michael McLaughlin, the department’s deputy chief.

Peters is one of just eight of the state’s 2,400 fire departments to have ALS certification, McLaughlin said.

Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department also is licensed for advanced life support.