WALLINGFORD — Local paramedics are now certified to provide an advanced intubation technique. The process to obtain the certification was implemented with the help of Hartford Healthcare. 

Fire Department Lt. Mike Krupinski said the technique, called rapid sequence intubation, involves sedating and/or paralyzing a patient so they can be intubated. Intubation is the process of putting a tube down the throat to maintain an open airway. Krupinski said a body’s natural defenses can sometimes result in a patient’s body fighting intubation, so this process will make it easier to get them life saving treatment. 

Krupinski said with highway accidents and the fact that Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is in town, there was a need for this type of service. Fire Department research showed about one patient a month could have benefited from the technique. The Fire Department created the training program with help from Hartford Healthcare to make sure they were on par with state protocols, Krupinski said. 

Nicholas DeVito, a firefighter/paramedic, said using the rapid sequence intubation will mean better outcomes for patients.

Dr. Sean Caffyn, EMS medical director for Hartford Healthcare, worked with the department on the training and certification process. 

“It’s a unique opportunity...,” Caffyn said. “You need well supervised and talented people.”

Fire Chief Joseph Czentnar was at the firehouse on Wednesday to acknowledge the paramedics that completed the training. He said he is proud of his staff for creating the training in-house and appreciated the role of Hartford Healthcare. 

“Kudos to the paramedics for stepping up,” Czentnar said. “I’m proud that we will deliver this service to the community.”

Krupinski said the training meant a lot of studying and learning new skills. 

“It’s something we can’t get wrong,” Krupinski said. “They stepped up to the plate and met the challenge.”

lsellew@record-journal.com203-317-2225Twitter: @LaurenSellewRJ