The Niceville Fire Department is taking a major step forward in emergency medical care after receiving a $10,000 donation from the Mayor Randall Wise First Responders Foundation to help launch the department’s first in-house paramedic program.
City officials announced the donation Friday, saying the funding will help expand the department’s Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities and provide firefighters with the training and equipment needed to deliver higher levels of emergency care before patients arrive at the hospital.
The donation will fund critical training resources, including manikins, EMS bags, ECG simulators, training aids, and other medical equipment used during paramedic instruction.
Currently, four members of the Niceville Fire Department already hold paramedic certifications. Now, an additional 10 firefighters are preparing to begin paramedic school through the new initiative.
The training program will be conducted on-site at the fire station around rotating shift schedules while students also complete clinical training at local hospitals, emergency rooms, medical facilities, and with ambulance providers throughout the region.
In total, firefighters participating in the program will complete more than 1,200 hours of advanced medical training over the next 11 months.
The transition from Basic Life Support (BLS) services to Advanced Life Support (ALS) significantly expands the department’s ability to provide lifesaving care during emergencies.
While BLS treatment typically focuses on CPR, stabilization, oxygen administration, and basic emergency response, ALS-certified paramedics can perform advanced procedures, including cardiac monitoring, IV access, advanced airway management, medication administration, and ECG interpretation in the field before patients reach the hospital.
The department said the new program will operate in partnership with Okaloosa County EMS to ensure paramedics are trained under local operational standards and medical protocols before ALS services officially launch in the coming months.
Additional ALS-equipped units are expected to be added next year following completion of the paramedic course.
In a statement, the Mayor Randall Wise First Responders Foundation said the contribution was made to honor the legacy of the late Mayor Randall Wise and his lifelong dedication to serving the Niceville community.
“Supporting first responders was something Mayor Wise cared deeply about, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue that work in a meaningful way,” the foundation said.
The foundation added that the donation is intended to strengthen emergency medical care and continue the spirit of service Mayor Wise demonstrated throughout his life as mayor, volunteer firefighter, and community leader.
Niceville Fire Chief Alex Kukulus said the program represents an important investment in both firefighters and the community they serve.
Officials expect the expanded ALS capabilities to improve emergency response outcomes and provide residents with more advanced medical care during critical situations.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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