Sheriff's Department is adding a Medical Response Unit

(Left to right): Dan Marx and Jeff Carolan

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Department is adding a Medical Response Unit to its law enforcement team. 

Sheriff Dan Marx says, "The Medical Response Unit will help provide initial advanced life support care until the ambulance arrives.  With the recent decrease in volunteer first responders in certain areas of the county, it is another front line opportunity for us to respond to emergencies with additional resources and expertise."

The Medical Response Unit will not replace first responders or the ambulance.  However, there are many times when deputies are the first to arrive at the scene.  The Medical Response Unit will be equipped to attend to the more advanced medical needs of the victims until others arrive.

The Medical Response Unit is being spearheaded by Jeff Carolan, a veteran paramedic and member of the county law enforcement volunteer reserve team.  Carolan has served over 30 years as a paramedic, with over 20 years of critical care in the emergency room and intensive care unit, including 17 years as a flight paramedic.  Additionally, Carolan has eight years' experience as a certified law enforcement officer. 

The new program will provide extra response services at a minimal cost to the county.   Medical supplies are coordinated through Winneshiek Medical Center and the Winneshiek County EMS Association. At this time, the Medical Response Unit will be limited to when Carolan is on duty.  But Sheriff Marx notes that all deputies are trained in CPR, first aid, basic front-line medical care and carry AEDs with them at all times.