And the beat goes on.
But when it doesn’t, that’s when Newport Beach Fire Department’s paramedics spring into action. They arrive at the scene of such critical health emergencies as heart attacks, strokes and devastating traffic accidents on average under five and one-half minutes after frantic 9-1-1 calls for help.
A paramedic is a specialist among specialists in the NBFD, requiring up to 1,800 hours of intense schooling and training beyond normal firefighter requirements, said Emergency Medical Services Division Chief Kristin Thompson, who oversees a $3.8 million annual budget dedicated to health emergency services…