Emergency Medical Services at Inter-Canyon Fire Rescue

Initial Training
ICFR requires all firefighters to become certified as a First Responder at a mimimum.  ICFR First Responders can initiate Basic Life Support (BLS) using the BLS kits in each ambulance, engine, and rescue truck in the ICFR fleet.  In addition ICFR First Responders are trained in CPR and AED operation.


EMS Training:
Many of the volunteers at ICFR continue their medical education and become a members of the EMS unit, allowing them to treat and transport patients in the three ICFR ambulances.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment certifies entry level competency of EMS Providers for the State of Colorado. Pre-Hospital providers in Colorado can be certified at one of four different levels: 

1.  Emergency Medical Technician- EMT - provides Basic Life Support Care including oxygen administration, IV therapy and some medications

2.  Advanced EMT - additional training allows for the administration of more medications and patient treatments

3. EMT Intermediate - provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) care with oversight and medical direction

4. Paramedic. - provides ALS care and the full range of pre-hospital treatments

Certification by the CDPHE is based on successful completion of a recognized education course, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician certification, and an application process including a fingerprint-based criminal history record check.

Time required for completion:
First Responder - approximately 40 hours
EMT - approximately 200 hours
EMT-Intermediate - approximately 320 additional hours
Paramedic - approximately 1200 additional hours

Emergency medical services providers are used to staff first ICFR ambulances.  EMS Providers are allowed to perform medical acts as delegated by a Colorado Medical Director.   ICFR EMTs and Paramedics work under the Denver Metro Protocols, defining the care and treatment protocols.  All EMS Providers administering patient care in Colorado are required to have a Medical Director who directs how and where an EMS Provider may practice.  ICFR uses Saint Anthony's Hospital as our Medical Director, contacting the hospital for medical directions and questions.

ICFR Ambulance 683

Continuing Education:

All levels of ICFR providers must recertify as required by the State of Colorado and/or the National Registry of EMTs.  This includes 12-24 hours of annual continuing education.  ICFR provides monthly education at our EMS meetings and members attend additional training in the Denver Metro area and throughout the state.

ICFR Ambulance 682

ICFR EMS members invest significant time in initial and continuing training to provide the best possible pre-hopspital care.  ICFR responds to approximately 250 medical calls each year.

ICFR Ambulance 681