Pinellas
County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was
established in 1980 by an act of the Florida
Legislature. This countywide paramedic ambulance
service is funded from money collected for services
rendered and application fees for the FirstCare
Ambulance Membership Plan; all other expenses
are covered by an ad valorem tax. All ambulance
service in Pinellas County is provided by a
single contracted ambulance company, operating
under the name SUNSTAR.
In most municipalities, local fire departments
also answer calls; EMS pays for their services.
This means that for each emergency call, both
the fire department paramedics and SUNSTAR paramedics
respond. This medically superior, dual-response
concept ensures that medical assistance is on
scene in the quickest time possible. As a result,
Pinellas County EMS is considered a model for
the entire country.
Find out what happens when you call 9-1-1 in Pinellas County with a medical emergency. The Pinellas County EMS system brings you emergency medical care within 4 1/2 minutes on average with an all-paramedic, advanced life support response.
Drowning remains a leading cause of child deaths. Last year in Pinellas County, 16 young children experienced water submersions requiring an emergency medical response. Four children lost their lives as a result of these submersion incidents. (Watch this important educational video about drowning prevention.)
Also, on Inside Pinellas This Week, watch this story about the county’s free pool safety survey program offered to pool owners by Pinellas County EMS & Fire Administration. Pinellas County pool owners are invited to call the drowning prevention hotline at (727) 582-2074 to request a free, home pool safety survey.
A public safety professional from your local fire department will visit and suggest ways to make your backyard pool a safer home environment. The safety improvements are strictly voluntary and are designed to help reduce backyard pool child submersions countywide.
The hotline offers other prerecorded swimming safety information as well. Callers can also leave a message to request a drowning prevention speaker for their club, civic group or homeowners association.
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