Paulding County officials say placing paramedics on Engine 13 will reduce response gaps and strengthen countywide medical coverage

DALLAS, Ga. — Paulding County Fire & Rescue is once again expanding its advanced life support footprint — this time by placing ALS capabilities directly on a fire engine.

As of Feb. 19, Engine 13 — one of the department’s five primary fire suppression vehicles — is fully equipped and certified to provide Advanced Life Support care, marking the first time an engine company in Paulding County carries both ALS equipment and licensed paramedics capable of delivering critical, life-saving interventions, according to the department’s news release.

The move builds on the department’s ALS program, which launched in 2021. Until now, ALS services were provided through three dedicated units: Rescue 4, Rescue 9 and Rescue 11. Outfitting an engine company with ALS expands advanced medical response beyond rescue units and integrates it into frontline fire suppression apparatus.

Bringing advanced care closer to the patient

By placing ALS resources on an engine, the department aims to improve coverage in high-demand areas, reduce response times during simultaneous incidents and increase operational flexibility across the county.

“ALS Engine 13 enhances our ability to deliver lifesaving medical care directly to our citizens as quickly as possible,” Fire Chief Garrett Brubaker said. “As our call volume continues to grow, expanding ALS capabilities is essential to keep pace with the needs of our community — not just with rescue units, but now with fire engines as well.”

Medical emergencies make up the majority of the department’s call volume, particularly in some of the county’s busiest districts.

“By adding ALS capabilities to a frontline engine, we can deliver advanced interventions faster and more reliably, even when rescue units are busy,” said Captain Lisa Lewis, who oversees EMS operations. “This upgrade directly improves patient outcomes countywide.”

New cardiac monitor technology across ALS fleet

As part of the expansion, Paulding County Fire & Rescue also became one of the first fire departments in Georgia to implement LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitors, according to the department. The devices are now installed on all ALS vehicles.

The LIFEPAK 35 provides faster, more accurate clinical data, along with improved real-time patient monitoring and wireless data transmission. Department officials say the upgraded technology enhances reliability and supports field decision-making during high-acuity medical emergencies.

ALS engine complements — not replaces — transport

While Engine 13 now delivers advanced on-scene care, the addition does not replace ambulance transport.

Paulding County Fire & Rescue continues to work closely with Metro EMS Service, which provides ALS transport throughout the county. The ALS engine is designed to strengthen early intervention and stabilize patients prior to transport, while Metro EMS remains responsible for transporting patients to medical facilities.

Engine 13 is staffed with trained paramedics and ia equipped for cardiac monitoring, medication administration, advanced airway management and other prehospital ALS interventions typically delivered by rescue units or private ambulance services.

Paulding County Fire & Rescue responds to thousands of medical calls each year, and department leaders say adding ALS capability to an engine company represents a significant step in strengthening emergency medical services countywide.

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