Striving for the Best Patient Care

Early defibrillation is one of the links in the Chain of Survival for out-of-hopital cardiac arrest. Quick defibrillation by an EMT can quickly convert a chaotic or disorganized electric heart rhythm.

IVAC uses the latest Lifepak Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Irvington Volunteer Ambulance Corps (IVAC) is one of the very few EMS agencies in Westchester County to offer 12-lead ECGs at the EMT-Basic level of care.

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This device allows us to perform diagnostics at the patient's side to quickly recognize ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI), the most severe form of heart attack. This allows IVAC to transport the patient to the most appropriate facility for immediate cardiac intervention saving precious heart muscle.

Waveform Capnography is a tool that allows for the real-time monitoring of exhaled carbon dioxide from a patient's mouth and nose. The waveform and carbon dioxide readings can provide valuable insights about a patient's respiratory status.

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This diagnostic tool is also utilized for the placement confirmation of an advanced airway, such as an i-Gel supraglottic airway.

IVAC carries epinephrine for intramuscular injection.  You may recognize this medicine in its auto-injector form, known as an Epi-Pen.

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Epinephrine is a critical treatment in the case of severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis as well as severe respiratory distress. This medication when given quickly can prevent a patient's condition from deteriorating.

The intentional, or unintentional, overdose of opioids and narcotic pain medications can lead to the depression of the respiratory drive which, if left untreated, can lead to death.

Our EMTs carry Narcan, also known as naloxone, which is a medication that can be administered quickly via the nasal passages and reverse the effects of an overdose.

Our providers can deliver nebulized albuterol with 100% oxygen. Compared with standard rescue inhalers, our method of albuterol delivery can be a critical life-saving treatment for asthma, anaphylaxis, and other reactive airway diseases.

Precisely-calibrated glucometers carried on-board the ambulance and in the field can quickly measure blood glucose levels.

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This diagnostic test can provide valuable information for patients with possible stroke, altered mental status, or diabetic emergencies.

A number of our EMTs and more advanced providers use i-Gel advanced supraglottic airways to provide  better ventilation and oxygenation to our cardiac arrest patients.

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These supraglottic airways can be easily inserted in emergency situations and sit above the glottic opening, where oxygen enters the lungs.

Patients with asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often require more aggressive treatment than just an oxygen mask.

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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, known as CPAP, is a treatment our EMTs can provide that can quickly resolve respiratory and oxygenation issues our patients may be experiencing.

Our advanced providers are able to initiate IV or IO access for our more critically ill patients. This permits our advanced providers to administer life-saving medications and IV fluids quickly.

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Moreover, patients who already have vascular access established experience quicker care and more expeditious lab tests upon arrival at the emergency department.

Patients who are experiencing dehydration, shock, and sepsis can benefit greatly from early and rapid administration of intravenous (IV) fluids.

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Patient outcomes are greatly improved by providing quick access to treatments normally given at the hospital.

Patients with cardiac chest pain and acute pulmonary edema can be treated prehospitally with nitroglycerin which can reduce the workload of the heart and relieve cardiac pain.

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Nitroglycerin can be provided by our advanced providers even for patients who don't have a prescription or don't have their nitroglycerin with them.