Equipment & Technology

The Right Tools for Modern Prehospital Medicine

Sussex County EMS is fortunate to have the support of the community we serve and Sussex County government, allowing our system to invest in the equipment and technology necessary to provide advanced prehospital care. That investment matters because medicine does not stand still. Treatments change, technology improves, and the capabilities expected of paramedics continue to grow.

Our equipment is selected with the same focus we place on our clinical practice: Does it help our paramedics provide safer, more effective care to our patients? From advanced ventilators and video laryngoscopes to infusion pumps and cardiac monitors, our paramedics have access to technology designed to bring a high level of care directly to the patient’s side.

For our community, these investments mean having a progressive EMS system prepared for complex emergencies. For our paramedics, they mean having the training, equipment, and technology to put their skills into practice when it matters most.

 

Uniforms

The SCEMS uniform represents more than what our paramedics wear—it represents professionalism, readiness, and pride in the department and the community we serve. Our personnel maintain several uniforms so they are appropriately equipped for everything from daily emergency response to formal events and specialized operations.

Our daily duty and flight suits are designed for the operational environment. Flight suits provide a functional uniform for field operations while also allowing appropriately equipped personnel to transition into the aviation environment when supporting the Delaware State Police Trooper 2 aeromedical mission. Because Trooper 2 may operate with a single flight medic, an SCEMS paramedic can be called upon to assist with patient care during transport.

SCEMS personnel are also issued Class A and Class B uniforms for ceremonies, public events, professional functions, meetings, and other occasions where a more formal appearance is appropriate. These uniforms allow our members to represent Sussex County and the department with the same professionalism expected during an emergency response.

Response Bags

SCEMS utilizes the PAX response bag system to improve organization and reduce unnecessary chaos during patient care. Standardized removable inserts keep equipment grouped and easily identifiable, allowing paramedics to quickly access what they need without searching through a traditional response bag.

The insert system also makes post-call restocking faster and more consistent. Used or depleted modules can be quickly identified and replaced, helping crews return their equipment to a response-ready condition sooner.

Medications

Medication administration is governed by Delaware EMS protocols and SCEMS clinical practices, with medications organized and maintained so they are readily available when needed. Our paramedics carry a comprehensive medication formulary to support the wide range of medical and traumatic emergencies encountered in the field.

Medications authorized within the Delaware ALS protocols include: acetaminophen (Tylenol), adenosine (Adenocard), albuterol (Proventil/Ventolin), amyl nitrite, amiodarone (Cordarone), aspirin, atropine, buprenorphine, calcium chloride, calcium gluconate, dexamethasone (Decadron), dextrose, diazepam, diltiazem (Cardizem), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dopamine, droperidol, epinephrine, esmolol, etomidate, fentanyl, glucagon, haloperidol (Haldol), hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit), ipratropium (Atrovent), ketamine, ketorolac, labetalol, lidocaine, magnesium sulfate, metoprolol, methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol), midazolam (Versed), morphine, naloxone (Narcan), nitroglycerin, norepinephrine, ondansetron (Zofran), oxygen, pralidoxime, prednisone, rocuronium (Zemuron), sodium bicarbonate, sodium nitrite, sodium thiosulfate, succinylcholine, tranexamic acid (TXA), and vecuronium, as well as authorized vaccine and immunization agents when applicable.

LIFEPAK 15 V4

The LIFEPAK 15 V4 cardiac monitor/defibrillator serves as one of the primary diagnostic and treatment tools carried by our paramedics. It allows crews to continuously assess a patient’s cardiac rhythm and vital signs while also providing capabilities such as 12-lead ECG acquisition, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, external pacing, and physiologic monitoring.

For patients experiencing a cardiac emergency, information obtained in the field can help guide treatment and support early communication with the receiving hospital before the patient arrives.

ZOLL Z Vent

Our ZOLL Z Vent ventilators provide paramedics with advanced options for managing patients who require respiratory support. For critically ill patients who have been intubated, the ventilator allows controlled mechanical ventilation while crews continue treatment and transport.

The Z Vent also expands our non-invasive respiratory capabilities by supporting CPAP and BiPAP, allowing paramedics to provide different levels of respiratory assistance based on the patient’s condition. This gives our crews one platform capable of supporting patients ranging from significant respiratory distress to those requiring complete ventilatory support.

Sapphire Infusion Pumps

Many critically ill patients require medications that must be delivered at carefully controlled rates. Sapphire infusion pumps allow SCEMS paramedics to precisely administer and manage IV medication infusions in the prehospital environment.

This is particularly important when caring for patients who require continuous medications where accurate dosing and consistent delivery are essential throughout treatment and transport.

GlideScope Video Laryngoscopy

Managing a patient’s airway is one of the most critical responsibilities of an advanced life support provider. GlideScope video laryngoscopes provide our paramedics with an enhanced view of the airway during endotracheal intubation.

Video laryngoscopy combines modern technology with the airway-management skills of our providers, giving paramedics another tool to manage both routine and difficult airways in the field.