The Upper Arlington Fire Division provides paramedic care with advanced life support capabilities. All medic trucks are staffed with at least two paramedics and all fire apparatus have at least one paramedic at all times. This model provides residents with rapid response to requests for EMS even when the medic units are already on other calls. It is common to see a fire truck respond to EMS calls either in advance of a medic unit or in conjunction with a medic unit.
The Medical Advisory Board was established in 1974 to provide on-going professional supervision, training, and support to UAFD’s emergency medical program. The seven member board is comprised of Emergency Department physicians, pediatricians, cardiologists and trauma specialists. The board regularly reviews the EMS protocol, assists with the training of paramedics and basic EMTs, and performs quality control evaluations of the performance of the UAFD medic companies.
NEWS
State Fire Marshal Lifts Open Burn Ban
Following improved weather conditions, the open burn ban for Upper Arlington has been lifted. The ban, which was issued by the Ohio State Fire Marshal on September 6, 2024, due…
Fire Division to Distribute Free Emergency Kits for National Preparedness Month
As part of National Emergency Preparedness Month, the Upper Arlington Fire Division’s Community Paramedicine Program, UA CARES, in partnership with Franklin County Public Health and UA CHAT, will be distributing…
Open Burn Ban Issued for Franklin County and Surrounding Areas
Due to ongoing drought conditions, the State Fire Marshal has issued an open burn ban for Franklin County and 27 other counties across the state, which includes Upper Arlington. This…
Fire Division Welcomes Seven New Firefighters/Paramedics
The Upper Arlington Fire Division proudly welcomed seven new firefighters/paramedics during a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, August 6, at the Municipal Services Center. The event marked an important milestone for…
Like most communities nationwide, the Fire Division bills for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) transports, since private insurance and Medicare policies contain provisions for treatment and transport by an emergency medical provider. The funds generated provide an effective long-term means to defray some of the costs involved with Fire Division operations.
If you or a family member is provided with emergency medical services that result in transportation to a local hospital, a bill for the transport will be sent to your insurance company, Medicare, or Medicaid. There is never a situation where service must be paid for on the day it is rendered.
Patient care will not be compromised by this program and you should never be afraid to call 9-1-1 for help when you need it. The Fire Division will never refuse to render treatment or to transport to a medical facility due to inability to pay or lack of insurance.
EMS services should always be used in times of medical emergency; especially when a patient is alone and not in a condition to drive to a medical facility. EMS providers deliver patients to medical facilities rapidly and safely, while initiating medical treatment.
Following an EMS transport, bills are sent to the insurance company of the patient. Patients only see a request for information in the mail if the record of insurance is not on file and cannot be obtained by the EMS crew (e.g. the patient was unconscious). Patients may receive a “signature letter” to sign and return following transport to a medical facility. This is not a bill, and to assist in processing the insurance payment, you are asked to sign and return the letter promptly.
UA residents should also be aware that if Upper Arlington medic units are occupied with other EMS calls, medical care would be provided via another Fire Division. In such situations, the insurance reimbursement regulations require that non-residents of the entity providing the service be billed for the co-pay required by their insurance company.
We are always looking for innovative ways to bring the best care possible to our community and are proud to offer CARES—Community Assistance, Referrals and Education Services. CARES focuses on education, injury prevention and building community partnerships to help improve residents lives. CARES is a paramedicine program that provides community-based healthcare, with our paramedics functioning outside their customary emergency response roles to educate and assist residents in health care issues, and developing useful collaborations with area providers.
If you are interested in supporting CARES, you can donate to the Upper Arlington Fire Division’s CARES Fund. Complete the contact form below if you would like to donate.
To learn more or to schedule one of the services listed below, contact us at 614-583-5352 or [email protected]. If you are a resident or area health organization that sees an opportunity for partnering with the Fire Division to expand public health in Upper Arlington, we want to hear from you—please complete the contact form below.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Residents may stop by either fire station to have their blood pressure taken. We recommend that you call ahead, at 614-583-5100, to make sure staff is available.
UA CARES REGISTRY
At a family’s invitation, members of the UA CARES team will schedule a home visit to meet individuals with cognitive, communication, or mobility impairments or complex medical needs. The team will gather pertinent information about the specific needs of the individual, perform a basic home safety evaluation, collaborate with the family to prepare, and work with everyone to develop a trusting relationship in case of any future emergency situations. The information gathered by the UA CARES team–all confidential–can be used by the City’s emergency services, to provide the best level of care and compassion to the individuals on the registry.
To find out more about the UA CARES Registry, contact [email protected] or 614-583-5352.
CAR SEATS
To have your car seat inspected by a certified inspector, please call 614-583-5100 to schedule an appointment.
Nine out of 10 car seats have some installation issue that could result in a child not surviving a crash. Car seat safety checks make it possible to assist parents with installation and problem car seats, ensuring that children are safe for every car ride.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, there are several things a parent or caregiver can do (other than using appropriate infant and toddler seats) to help ensure the safety of children aged four-eight years:
- Use the harnessed car seat until the child is at least 40 pounds
- Use a booster seat for children 40 pounds to 80-100 pounds and 4’9″ in height. Continue to use the booster seat until the safety belt fits properly on the shoulder and hips
- Require that all children sit in the back seat until they are 13 years old
- Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a safety belt or is in a proper restraint every time on every trip
Tips on how to test if your child is appropriate for safety belt use alone:
- Have the child sit on the vehicle seat with his/her back and bottom against the seat back
- Check to see if knees bend at the vehicle’s seat edge and if feet touch the floor (optimal)
- Fasten safety belt across hip and shoulders. Check that the lap belt stays on the hips and the shoulder belt lies on the collarbone or shoulder
- The child should be able to maintain that position for the entire ride
If any of these items cannot be done, a booster seat is the way to go. This information is important not only in the daily transportation of children, but also for field trips and carpooling.
COORDINATED CARE
UA CARES is uniquely positioned to support partnerships with local healthcare providers to create coordinated home care support for our most vulnerable residents. UA CARES goals are to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, facilitate healthcare navigation and increase connection to community resources.
CPR & AED TRAINING
Through our Community CPR training program—which is offered bi-monthly—residents can attain certification in CPR and learn how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Upon completion of the class, students will be American Heart Association certified in Heartsaver CPR/AED for a two-year period. This includes techniques for resuscitation of adults, children and infants.
We have just the right class for your needs whether you wanted to learn the basics of CPR in the privacy of your home with our Street by Street program or you are a healthcare provider in need of certifications for your workplace.
Registration for the Heartsaver course is coordinated through the City’s Parks & Recreation Department. You can register online (link below), by phone at 614-583-5300 or in-person at the Parks & Recreation desk at the Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221.
- Heartsaver CPR/AED- $35 plus the cost of the optional training material- at Station 72
- Heartsaver CPR/AED- $45 plus the cost of the optional training material- at your location
- Healthcare Providers- $65 plus the cost of the optional training material- at Station 72
- Healthcare Providers- $75 plus the cost of the optional training material- at your location
For additional CPR course options and pricing, please contact Captian Chris Moore [email protected] or at 614-583-5111.
HOME SAFETY
UA CARES team members can conduct a confidential, non-emergency medical evaluation and education in your own home, helping residents stay safe in their homes and reducing the need for future emergency medical care. UA CARES team members can also conduct fall risk assessments to help reduce the risk of residents falling in their home
FAQS
EMS (1)
The City offers a Community CPR training program, certified Heartsaver CPR/AED, through LifeLong Learning & Leisure with the Parks & Recreation Department – Activity Registration at 614-583-5333. For the basics of CPR or healthcare provider courses, please contact UA CARES at 614-583-5352 or [email protected].