Fort Bend County Emergency Services District 7 (FBCESD 7, the District) is excited to announce a significant enhancement to its emergency medical services: The transition to Advanced Life Support (ALS) Today, February 11, 2025! This shift represents a major upgrade in the level of care provided to the community, marking a large shift in enhanced emergency response and medical intervention.
The initiative to transition to ALS was spearheaded by Fire Chief Anthony Bates, who recognized the growing need for higher-level emergency medical care within the community. As Fort Bend County continues to grow, the demand for emergency medical services has increased. Occasionally, limited resources and response times posed challenges for providing immediate care. Chief Bates saw an opportunity to elevate the Fire Department’s capabilities, ensuring that advanced medical interventions could be administered quickly and effectively before EMS arrival.
To implement this vision, Battalion Chief Palacios took on the critical role of developing the necessary policies and procedures for ALS integration. With most employees already certified as Advanced EMTs (AEMTs) or paramedics, the foundation for this transition was strong. Battalion Chief Palacios has been instrumental in deploying comprehensive training programs, ensuring continuous education, and fostering a collaborative partnership with Fort Bend EMS. These efforts will enhance service delivery and better serve the residents of eastern Fort Bend County.
Advanced Life Support (ALS) is a critical component of emergency medical services that goes beyond basic life support (BLS) by incorporating advanced medical procedures and interventions. ALS includes:
- Advanced Airway Management: Ensuring a patient’s airway is secure through techniques like intubation.
- Cardiac Monitoring: Utilizing advanced equipment to monitor heart rhythms and address cardiac emergencies.
- Pharmacology: Administering a range of medications to manage severe conditions, including cardiac arrest and diabetic emergencies.
- Advanced Trauma Care: Providing sophisticated trauma management to stabilize and treat severe injuries.
- Defibrillation and Cardioversion: Using electrical shocks to restore normal heart rhythms in cases of arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.
- IV Therapy: Administering fluids and medications through intravenous lines.
The adoption of ALS will significantly enhance the capabilities of the District, allowing paramedics and Advanced EMTs to provide a higher level of care on scene until EMS arrives.
To ensure a seamless transition to ALS and maintain the highest standards of care, FBCESD 7 has appointed Dr. Katarzyna (Kasia) Kimmel as its Medical Director. Dr. Kimmel brings a wealth of expertise to this role, having completed her medical education at Baylor College of Medicine and her Masters of Public Health at the University of Texas School of Public Health. Her impressive background includes an EMS Fellowship with the Houston Fire Department and extensive experience in both emergency medicine and EMS.
Dr. Kimmel practices at Ben Taub General Hospital, one of the busiest emergency rooms in the United States, and at Texas Children’s Hospital, a leading pediatric facility. She also serves as the Medical Director for Pearland Fire Department and holds board certifications in Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services. Her involvement with the National Association of EMS Physicians - Texas Chapter as Treasurer further underscores her commitment to advancing emergency medical care.
With Dr. Kimmel's guidance, FBCESD 7 is poised to implement ALS protocols effectively, ensuring that the community benefits from top-tier emergency medical services. Her role will be pivotal in training personnel, overseeing the integration of new procedures, and maintaining the high standards of care essential for patient safety and recovery.
The transition to ALS represents a significant step forward for the District and the community it serves. By enhancing their capabilities with advanced life support, FBCESD 7 is reaffirming its commitment to providing the highest level of emergency care. Adding Dr. Kimmel as Medical Director will further strengthen this commitment, ensuring that all new protocols are implemented with expertise and precision.
As the District continues to move forward with this transition, the community can look forward to improved emergency medical services equipped to handle the most critical situations with the highest level of care.