The Fayetteville Fire Department is equipping firefighters with four new medications expanding and enhancing lifesaving services designed to keep the community safe.

Firefighters added these four new medicines to their treatment protocol on July 1: albuterol, oral glucose, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

The addition of these medications will positively impact those suffering from breathing difficulties, diabetic emergencies, allergic reactions, high fevers and related illnesses.

Nearly 70% of calls for service are medical in nature, so FFD continually focuses on opportunities to enhance patient care and increase survivability during medical emergencies. These new medications will help to improve the quality of care and outcomes for the citizens and visitors of Fayetteville by facilitating early access to life-saving therapy.

All Fayetteville firefighters are certified Emergency Medical Technicians or EMTs credentialed through the State of North Carolina, and each firefighter received education and training leading up to the implementation of the new medicines.

This will be an efficient and low-cost service improvement due to the partnership with Cape Fear Valley Health and close working relationship with Cumberland County EMS.