Under the outstanding leadership of Kaysville Fire Chief Paul Erickson, Kaysville Fire Department is now one of two fire departments in Davis County (and one of about half a dozen in the entire state of Utah) with credentialed authority to perform field rapid sequence induction (RSI) intubations. 

RSI is one of the most advanced, and aggressive procedures, a paramedic can perform out in the field and requires mastery of quick critical decision-making as well as basic and advanced airway management skills. It is used when a patients presents with issues that will make intubation difficult (they are too responsive, have an intact gag reflex, clenching their jaw, etc.). Using a series of medications, the paramedic sedates and then temporarily paralyzes the patient, allowing for the intubation tube to be placed.

When Chief Erickson made the decision to get an RSI program, he was adamant that the program needed to be created to the highest standards of excellence. After two years in the making, five of the most experienced Paramedics were chosen for the program. They went through many hours of in-house pharmacology and simulation training, difficult airway training, and hours spent in an operating room working with anesthesiologists intubating live patients. These paramedics are also tasked with continuing the training to make sure they’re always improving and mastering these skills.

The Department offers special recognition to individuals who helped make this program a reality in Kaysville. Whether they taught classes, gave advisement, or created policy, this would not be possible without their help and expertise: Dr. Blake Yerman, KFP Medical Control Doctor; Fire Chief Paul Erickson; Paramedic Colton Alvey, who coordinated the implementation of the program from start to finish; Paramedics Ryan Eckardt, Jason Taylor, Kasey Adams, and Brandon Holt; Flight Paramedics Cory Cox and Jason Cook; and Paramedic Nick Pollock.

“We are grateful for Chief Erickson’s leadership and commitment to providing opportunities for professional growth and advanced training for our paramedics and fire fighters,” said Mayor Tami Tran . “Kaysville proudly stands behind our Fire and Paramedic team as they provide the best possible gold standard of care to our city and surrounding communities.”