EMS
Emergency Medical Services
The Captiva Island Fire Control District implemented the Advanced Life Support (ALS) program in 2011. The goal of the ALS program is to provide the best life saving techniques and support possible to Captiva Island’s residents and visitors. Personnel utilize lifesaving medications and equipment to provide the most state of the art care. Severely injured or ill patients can be air lifted to the nearest appropriate hospital.
The District’s Medical Director, Dr. Benjamin Abo, conducts monthly in-service training sessions with Power Point presentations as well as hands on training utilizing training mannequins and equipment. The Training Division also conducts monthly instructional and practical evolutions. Additionally, personnel attend specialized classes in; Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Trauma Support, and Handtevy (pediatric emergency care). Vector Solutions (web-based training) is utilized along with other programs to maintain competency in their field.
The Captiva Island Fire District has continued to evolve to meet the needs of our community with the addition of new equipment, apparatus, and medical direction that is tailored to our needs. The addition of Marine 181 (26′ Metal Shark) has allowed our District to respond to emergencies on the water, day or night, as well as transport patients from the water and other islands to a place they can transported to the hospital.
The Captiva Island Fire District maintains a proactive approach to the protection of our community by establishing working relationships with the local businesses and providing CPR, AED, and First Aid classes to their employees to provide immediate care prior to our arrival.
It is without question the honor I have to be part of the Captiva Fire District. We pride ourselves in always being ready for any emergency or urgency needs to our citizens and visitors, but also beyond that with prevention and various other needs.
I have the privilege or overseeing the medical and rescue personnel who are dedicated and highly trained chiefs, firefighters, paramedics and EMT’s. We all share the beliefs that training is not one and done but a lifelong journey of growth and change. Together, we share in the dedication to our local partners including the Sanibel Fire and Rescue (where I am also medical director), Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Lee County Emergency Medical Services, Lee County Emergency Management, and more.
I gladly am reachable for any questions, concerns, or compliments regarding our Captiva Fire District.
Benjamin N. Abo, DO Paramedic
Medical Director