The Ripon Consolidated Fire District shared a recent example of how rapid emergency medical response can make a difference.

The patient is alive following the outcome.

Local first responders were dispatched last Saturday to a report of a fall.

“Before arrival, we were informed that the patient had gone into cardiac arrest,” RCFD said Wednesday via social media.

The Ripon Police Department were first on the scene and immediately began administering CPR.

RCFD Engine 1-2 arrived shortly after, staffed with a paramedic.

“Because the engine was (Advanced Life Support) capable, crews were able to begin ALS care immediately. Before our ambulance arrived, the patient (had) received critical, lifesaving procedures,” said the local firefighters.

They added that “this incident also highlights the need for additional ALS staffed units.”

Prior to that – specifically, about 10 minutes earlier – all RCFD units were committed to a vehicle accident on the far northwest said of their service area.

“Both had just returned to the station when this call came in. Had it occurred minutes sooner, we would have relied on mutual aid from far away, likely delaying care and reducing the patient’s chance of survival,” said RCFD.

Ripon firefighters pointed out that this incident was a strong reminder of the value of ALS coverage and hits home the real impact of the increasing number of concurrent calls for service.