WALBRIDGE, Ohio — Responding to emergencies isn't exactly new for them, but a group of Toledo firefighters is working towards an even higher level of expertise in helping to save lives.
"Ninety percent of what we do is respond to EMS calls, so if the department is going to help us with the training, to help us make a better impact on the lives of the citizens, I figured why not," Private Chad Snyder with Toledo Fire & Rescue said.
Snyder is among a class of Toledo Firefighters who are already trained EMT's. Now they're finishing a paramedic course, which is at an advanced life-support level.
During a skills field day, they responded to a crash in which they were expected to use all the skills they've learned in the classroom.
"They're actually doing the medications. They're doing the IV's. They're doing the critical thinking at that higher level and actually being able to implement it before being on the street alone," TFD Paramedic Instructor, Nicole Zmijewski, said.
After the skills tests, the firefighters will take another hands-on and written exam at the national level. Then they'll be able to put the training to practice on a Lucas County Life Squad.
It's been a demanding year.
"We work a 24 hour shift. Then we're off for 48 hours and our second day off, when it falls Monday through Friday, we're in class for eight hours and clinical hours on top of that," Snyder said.
It's all in the name of saving lives. "I'm proud of them. They're my peers. They do a fantastic job. We're a family of over 500 individuals that come together, basically for the citizens of Toledo to help them in their time of need," TFD Private Sterling Rahe said.