First responders with the Orange County Fire Authority are asking people living in their response area to complete their Resident Medical Information Form to help them care for patients more efficiently during a medical emergency.
A call to help someone experiencing a heart attack or stroke is just another day on the job for first responders, but for the patient, it could be one of the worst days of their life.
OCFA Capt. Greg Barta said everyone reacts differently in a stressful situation.
“When you’re in that emergency situation, you really don’t know how you’re gonna react,” Capt. Barta said.
Regardless, paramedics need medical information fast.
“Seconds matter,” Barta added.
During a ride-along with a crew at OCFA Station 76, Eyewitness News learned just how quickly these calls move.
In the middle of our interview with Capt. Barta, a call came in.
“Speaking of, we have a call right now. Let’s go on it guys,” Barta said.
The medical aid call involved a woman, alert and responsive, having difficulty breathing. The captain briefed his crew with details from the 911 call.