County Fire Department Med-20 Program Becomes a Reality

By Santa Fe County

The Santa Fe County Fire Department (SFCFD) welcomed its newest Emergency Medical Services (EMS) unit into operation. “Med-20” as it is now known, began timely service to the citizens of Santa Fe County in the middle of National EMS Week.  The unit ran its first call within minutes of going into service on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

Med-20 is a Basic Life Support/Intermediate Life Support (BLS/ILS) unit staffed by SFCFD volunteers.  Most volunteer Fire Fighters and EMS personnel in the County work in other jobs and choose to serve along SFCFD’s career staff in a part-time capacity.  This “Combination Department model” has served the residents of the County for more than 25 years.  Med-20 has three main purposes, the first of which is adding EMS response depth in the County’s ability to respond to emergencies.  Second, the dedicated time model allows volunteers to work in conjunction with professional career staff, a situation designed to benefit both groups.  And finally, Med-20 offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to gain experience while serving others.  Med-20 will operate during peak response windows, when the Fire Department traditionally experiences an increased call volume.

The creation of dedicated volunteer time was the idea of one of SFCFD’s Fire Fighters, Adam Stively. Adam serves as a Fire Fighter/Paramedic with the County’s Hondo Fire District, and has been an active member of SFCFD for nearly 15 years, currently serving as the District EMS Captain. Adam and several others noted the need for additional medical coverage within the County, as well as the opportunity for growth and involvement.  Along with assistance from innumerable individuals, Hondo Fire, Turquoise Trail Fire, and the SFCFD Chief’s office, the resources needed to make an idea become a reality came together. These elements are core to SFCFD – the power of what can be accomplished with a can-do attitude.

“Improving the safety for our citizens and firefighters within Santa Fe County is my primary goal,” Santa Fe County Fire Chief Jackie Lindsey explains. “Data analysis allows us to understand where we can improve our service to the community and Med-20 is helping meet that need. It is a little known fact outside our fire department that only 20% of calls for service in Santa Fe County are fire related incidents. The remaining 80% of calls are medical or rescue in nature. More Med units will be needed in the future and programs like Med-20 serve that immediate need and help determine how much of an impact additional resources will make for our community. Volunteer and career firefighters and EMS personnel working shoulder-to-shoulder is the best way to build the strongest and most efficient Santa Fe County Fire Department. I am very proud of the men and women in our department, their hard work, and vision to make Med-20 a reality.”

Whether serving as a career or volunteer member of Santa Fe County Fire, we work together as one for the betterment of our community. The collaboration of Med-20 is a testament to that attitude.

For more information or to consider offering your own skills to our team, please contact Fire Prevention Specialist Jeff Folgate with the Santa Fe County Fire Prevention/Risk Reduction Office at (505) 995-6517 or atjjfolgate@santafecountynm.gov.