Daytona Beach, Fla.– Residents in Hagatna, Guam now have the added strength of APCO Institute Emergency Medical Dispatch behind their 9-1-1 call center because the Guam Fire Department recently implemented the program.

The APCO Institute EMD Program, based on EMD Guide Cards and software, is a systematic way to manage emergency medical service (EMS) resources in an organized and effective manner and to provide medical assistance to callers, when needed, until medically trained field response units arrive at the scene.

The Guam Fire Department services the entire civilian portions of the island, approximately 160,000 people, with the ability to assist the military upon their request.   They have been called in to assist in rescue (land and water), ambulance service and E9-1-1/fire dispatch.

“The APCO (EMD) certification for our personnel, coupled with the utilization of the APCO Guide Cards will greatly assist our Emergency 9-1-1 calltakers and dispatchers in providing the best pre-arrival care that the people of Guam deserve.” said Fire Lieutenant Philip J.E. Camacho.

Employees of the Guam Fire Department work in three 8-hour shifts, with three to five personnel working per shift.  Approximately 260 firefighters/EMTs, 17 EMDs and seven civilians staff the Fire Department for the more than 20,000 calls a year. The annual average call is expected to increase due to impending military buildup.

“The APCO Institute welcomes the Guam Fire Department as an EMD User Agency and looks forward to working with their staff to provide EMD services to their area,” APCO Institute Director Julie Troutman said.

About APCO International

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications.  APCO International serves the professional needs of its 15,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards, addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for people who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and emergency medical dispatch agencies throughout the world.  For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.