Deputy Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz talks about his role with transitioning Southwick to ALS. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – Newly appointed Deputy Fire Chief of the Southwick Fire Department, Richard Stefanowicz has wasted no time playing a major role in the department.
Before Stefanowicz was hired at a Select Board meeting on June 26, Chief Russ Anderson noted that a major responsibility for the incoming Deputy Fire Chief would be to lead the department during the transition to ALS (Advanced Life Support).
The move to ALS, originally proposed to the Select Board in January of 2017, is considered a lengthy process that can last two or more years until its completion.
Currently, the Southwick Fire Department has BLS (Basic Life Support), which includes EMT’s (Emergency Medical Technicians) who have the capabilities and tools to address medical conditions like a cardiac arrest by using an AED, CPR, or Lucas, a manual CPR device.
Advanced Life Support (ALS) gives paramedics the ability to have advanced cardiac monitoring in an emergency situation.
“We can watch what’s happening with the heart very closely,” said Stefanowicz.
The advanced cardiac monitor will also tell them about respiratory and cardiac issues with the patient. Having access to change treatment, ALS provides medication on scene. A great example is IV medication for diabetics, breathing devices, or special medication for people experiencing seizures.
“It’s a provider that’s on seen almost immediately,” said Stefanowicz. “Sometimes there’s only minutes, sometimes there’s only seconds to act in order to make a difference on the outcome.”
Understanding that the community of Southwick has grown and evolved over the years, the upgrade to ALS is considered a necessity.
“They (Southwick) have a very solid BLS program and very good basic ambulance, but the community needs an ALS provider in Southwick,” said Stefanowicz.
Currently, the Westfield and Agawam ambulances provide Southwick with ALS should it be needed.
Serving as a paramedic since 2007, Stefanowicz has been a part of ALS at both the Granby and Longmeadow Fire Departments. Prior to that, the Deputy Fire Chief was part of BLS at the South Hadley Fire Department.
The Massachusetts OEMS (Office of Emergency Management Services) will be the entity that awards Southwick with the ALS license and gives them guidelines. Community 911, an agency brought in by Anderson, will be assisting the fire department with education on ALS and steering them in the right direction.
The plan for Stefanowicz moving forward is to make sure the department has the people, equipment, and policies in place in order to have ALS come to fruition.
“My primary role is to get the service up and running as soon as possible,” said Stefanowicz.
Stefanowicz added that the ultimate goal will be to have ALS fully operating 24 hours and seven days a week.
