Paramedics on Beaches Could Save Lives

To the Editor: 
After reviewing relative statistics and literature, during the summer season, we believe it wise to explore the possibility of providing enhanced EMS; i.e., paramedics onto numerous beaches for the purpose of administering immediate life-saving and life-sustaining care to injured and ill beach patrons. Patient outcomes will be improved as a result of the advanced training paramedics possess in treating instances of cardiac arrest (especially where drowning is the precipitating event), medical emergencies, and traumatic events that occur on the beach. 
Death due to drowning is a prime example of how necessary it is to have readily available paramedics on the beach. Rapid responses from these advanced healthcare providers can truly benefit any ill and/or injured beach patron.
In a recent publication, researchers in Australia cited “initial shockable rhythm, [and] shorter EMS response time” as being indicators for survival to hospital discharge in cases where drowning was the cause of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The researchers stated that the survival rate is 7.8 percent, which is comparable to other survival rates of OHCA.
Having EMS already stationed on the beach, whether in the form of standby paramedics and EMTs or cross-trained lifeguard/paramedics, along with lifeguard/EMTs, provides all beach patrons with more rapid and advanced life-support care.
Advanced life support administered to patients rescued from the water after experiencing an OHCA includes care such as advanced airway management, defibrillation, and pharmacological interventions. This type of treatment is unavailable with lifeguards trained only in basic first aid.
Dr. Joseph Layon has published an article in resuscitation, outlining prehospital treatment, including artificial ventilation, endotracheal intubation, intravenous therapy, and pharmacological intervention such as epinephrine, atropine, bicarbonate, and other medications as indicated.
In conclusion, having paramedics physically present on all busy beaches should result in a reduction in the rate of deaths due to drowning as well as other dangerous medical and traumatic emergencies on the beach.