Paramedic Service

The fire service had been called to perform first aid and rescue operations for many years.

The Wedworth-Townsend Paramedic Act of 1972 formally recognized the need for rapid delivery of advanced cardiac life support measures to the public. Pilot studies showed that the fire service was the most effective vehicle to implement this program due to the time-sensitive nature of medical emergencies. The program provided an excellent opportunity to improve the District's role as a public safety provider. Three Firefighters were sent to Loma Linda Medical Center for paramedic training in the summer of 1975, and three additional firefighters graduated in the fall of 1975. This allowed the District to operate a two-person rescue squad that responded to all rescue calls, and added to the number of personnel dispatched to structural fires. On August 1, 1975, the Chino Fire District became the first to offer 24-hour paramedic service to western San Bernardino County.

"August 1, 1975, the Chino Fire Department became the first to offer 24-hour paramedic service to Western San Bernardino County."

Fireman Bud Maloney providing first aid at an auto crash