The unit is equipped as a basic life support ambulance and responds to an average of 1,800 calls annually. We transport primarily to Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park and Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly. Our nearby trauma centers are PGHC and the MedStar Trauma Center in Washington, D.C.

A paramedic (ALS equipped) unit is dispatched when deemed necessary by the communications supervisor, on medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes, and when requested.

The driver and primary care provider (Aid) person are required to be Maryland Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-B). A third and fourth provider can also respond on the unit and must meet minimum qualifications of CPR and Infectious Control.

In addition to receiving basic first aid and ambulance supplies through a special county budget, the BLS service is supplemented by ambulance billing.

Since the addition of our Rescue Squad, ambulance calls have actually been even with fire calls, an unusual occurance in a county where 80% of the calls are EMS.

The unit is painted red with a white stripe and white scotchlite. It was purchased through Genesis of Aberdeeen, Md