Posted December 19, 2018 I was wondering when did the Los Angeles Fire Department start doing IFT’s ( interfacitlity transports) and how does it work vs calling a private ambulance. I know the LAFD dispatch for a IFT is a ems captain and a engine and rescue. Why is the fire department called vs a private ambulance ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted December 19, 2018 LAFD has been doing IFT's for quite awhile. When I was working at 77's, we would respond to IFT's from (usually) Pacifica Hospital to Childrens. I'm not sure what the policy is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted December 25, 2018 I didn't even know LAFD did IFT's. Is this only for critical care transfers? I highly doubt they do hospital discharges to nursing homes LOL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted December 25, 2018 No. No IFT’s to nursing homes. As you said, critical care stuff. What happens is an Engine, RA and EMS Captain are dispatched and determine that the patient in fact needs to be transferred via LAFD RA. If they are, the patient is loaded and transported. I have been on a couple of them where we did deny them LAFD transport and then had the hospital call for a private ambulance to transport. That was quite some time ago, I believe now, they pretty much transport every request. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted December 26, 2018 What are the responsibilities of the rescues at a fire Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted December 26, 2018 (edited) It depends on when they arrive at the incident, and whether they are a Paramedic RA or an EMT RA. The EMT RA’s (800 series ambulances) arrive on scene and are sometimes assigned utilities (shut off gas, electric etc) or they can be attached with an Engine Company and be assigned fire attack. A Paramedic RA is usually assigned Medical standby. They will bring the stretcher with equipment (trauma box, defibrillater) and standby either by themselves or they are attached to the RIC team. I was with LAFD for 31 years and enjoyed every day of it, and retired in 2014 as a Captain. Each incident is different depending on the immediate needs of the Incident Commander. Edited December 26, 2018 by Polecat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted December 26, 2018 The rescues can also be attached to a truck company and go to the roof for ventilation and other truck work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted December 26, 2018 Great info thx both for your service Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted December 27, 2018 Are there still any single function paramedics left with ths LAFD or are all of them firefighter/paramedics as of now? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted December 29, 2018 Is the reason for the IFT due to the needing ALS transport and the private ambulance company not having any ALS units available ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites