Our ambulances and first responders are dispatched by South Central C-Med (C-Med), which is located in New Haven, CT. The Shelton Police department answers all 911 calls and transfers all calls that are medical in nature to C-Med. In accordance with State of Connecticut statute, C-Med utilizes an Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) system. This system consists of protocols that allow dispatchers to question the caller and determine the likely severity of the call. This determination then signals whether an emergency response is warranted (Priority 1 response) and whether a paramedic is required. Units are then dispatched over our radio system.

The current communications system consists of five UHF frequencies for EMS and two low band frequencies for the fire department. EMS Channel one is used for EMS dispatch as well as communications dealing with all emergency operations. EMS Channels three to five are used for non-emergency communications including stand-bys and special events. Each of our Ambulances and First Responder units are equipped with mobile & portable radios that operate on all our channels.

 

In addition, C-Med utilizes ten UHF channels in our region (South Central) for communications with hospitals and responders from other agencies. Each of our ambulances and First Responder units are equipped with a mobile radio that operates on the C-Med channels in our region and state wide.

 

Every one of our units carries UHF portable radios that ensure on-scene communications among our crews and also enable emergency contact with dispatchers should a scene become dangerous to our responders. These portable radios operate on the ten C-Med channels as well as our frequencies. Our current system allows for very reliable portable coverage all over town.

Our volunteers who reside in or very close to Shelton are provided with radios which enable them to First Respond to emergency calls. These volunteers will contact C-Med and let dispatchers know that they are responding to the call. In addition, they can also give updates to other responding units and allow volunteers to coordinate responses in order to deploy additional ambulances during periods of exceptionally high call volume.

CH-1 453.975 EMS Dispatch repeater

CH-2 453.975 EMS Portable to portable

CH-3 453.9625 EMS Tactical 3

CH-4 453.9875 EMS Tactical 4

CH-5 460.5625 EMS Tactical 5

 

The Echo Hose Ambulance Corps Bike Team is comprised of volunteers from our organization deployed with 6 all-all terrain style bicycles.  Each unit is outfitted with medical gear, lights, and radios to assist the reponder with providing treatment and coordinating with the responding ambulance.

One of our newest programs, the "Rehab 22" unit went into service in 2011 providing support to emergency responders from all disciplines including EMS, Fire, and Police.  We wouldn't have been able to get this unit in place without the help of our community and their generosity during our recent fund raiser.

 

Designed for a diverse response, the team and this unit can provide assistance at fires, standby's, natural disasters, MCI's, and community events.  "22" is a GMC4500 Diesel with a Utilimaster 14' body that carries a 15KW PTO generator, lighting, tents, cots, blankets, water, ice, food and a host of medical supplies at hand.  We are constantly improving its workload and outfitting so stay tuned to see what else this unit can do for your community! 

 

Purchased in 2008, this John Deere XUV "Gator" is made for what we do on the trails.  Rugged, diverse, with the tools and personnel to use it, the "Gator Team" stands ready to assist those in our community that need help in those hard to reach places!  Versatile in its equipment and use, look for it at the Relay for Life, Shelton Day, July 4th Fireworks Celebration, numerous sports events, search & rescue, and any event we can offer our assistance.