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The Medical Services Division oversees all medical care, emergency medical training, and Mobile Integrated Healthcare services for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. 


The Medical Services Division ensures personnel are trained and prepared to provide exceptional prehospital care and treatment. PBCFR responds to all emergency incidents, ranging from medical calls to traumatic injuries. The Division collaborates with healthcare experts at the local, state, and national levels to develop innovative, evidence-based medical protocols. Continuous research and evaluation of new medical equipment allow the Division to implement protocols and procedures, which enhances patient care. 

Medical Directors

To ensure the highest level of care for our citizens, PBCFR has a team of nine Medical Directors who actively participate in training, continuing education, and the advancement of PBCFR’s Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). These experienced professionals work alongside paramedics and EMTs, responding to emergency calls in the field on a weekly basis. By incorporating evidence-based practices, their vast knowledge and expertise contribute to maintaining exceptional standards in pre-hospital patient care. 

Training and Education 

 The ongoing development of PBCFR personnel remains a priority of the organization, enabling the achievement and maintenance of the highest levels of patient care. In FY 2023, the Medical Services Division provided EMS training for 72 recruits and hosted two paramedic development courses, transforming 52 state or nationally-certified paramedics into highly trained PBCFR paramedics. 

EMS World Expo 2023

 The Medical Services Division presented at the EMS World Expo, which is the largest EMS-dedicated event in the world with over 50 countries represented and over 300 exhibitors. The Medical Services team presented on the use of Whole Blood in a prehospital setting, “Pediatric Pit Crew CPR,” and “Implementing Change in your Department.” They were also featured on two podcasts and were teamed up with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to earn 1st, 2nd, and 4th place in an EMS Skills competition that had 35 teams.


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​Whole Blood Transfusion

In effort to improve the service delivery in our community, PBCFR took a major step toward increasing the survival rate of trauma patients. Intra-departmental data analysis of trauma patient survival provided clear evidence of the need to give more intensive care as soon as possible. Research has shown that two critical actions can improve survival odds of a bleeding trauma patient; first, stop the bleeding and second, replace lost blood.

With the support of Palm Beach County leadership and guidance from the latest available peer-reviewed medical research, PBCFR began developing a plan to deliver pre-hospital blood transfusions to patients most in need. Over the course of four years, PBCFR collaborated with local trauma centers and other partners to complete logistical planning, develop a comprehensive training regimen, and ensure the entire process is ethical and legal. PBCFR is now one of only a handful of agencies nationwide and the only agency in Palm Beach County capable of delivering this level of service. 

​On July 5th, 2022, PBCFR took delivery of the very first blood products to be carried by a fire rescue agency in Palm Beach County. On July 30th, PBCFR transfused its first patient.

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​​Whole Blood Transfusion Program Awards

During fiscal year 2023, PBCFR received several accolades for the Whole Blood Program and published a paper titled “The Implementation of a Prehospital Whole Blood Transfusion Program and Early Results” in the National Library of Medicine. PBCFR received the Community Organization Hero Award through the Heroes in Medicine program by the Palm Beach County Medical Society. The National Association of Counties selected PBCFR as the winner of the 2023 Achievement Award

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​​EMS Ultrasound​

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Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) uses EMS Ultrasounds in the field to quickly and accurately diagnose a wide range of medical conditions and guide life-saving procedures. This leads to more timely and effective care and improved patient outcomes.

Here are some specific examples of how PBCFR utilizes EMS Ultrasounds in the field:

  • Cardiac assessment: EMS Ultrasounds can be used to assess cardiac function. This information can be used to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
  • Trauma assessment: EMS Ultrasounds can be used to identify internal bleeding and diagnose conditions such as hemothorax, pneumothorax, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. This information can help to prioritize patients and ensure that they receive the most appropriate care.​
  • Respiratory assessment: EMS Ultrasounds can be used to assess lung function and identify signs of pneumonia, pleural effusion, and pulmonary embolism. This information can help to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Overall, PBCFR's utilization of EMS Ultrasounds in the field is a valuable tool that helps to improve patient care and outcomes.

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Contact Us
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​​​​Chief Herman W. Brice

Fire Rescue Complex
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
405 Pike Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33411-3815​

Phone:  561-616-7041​



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