EMS: Your Life is Our Mission Published May 7, 2008 By Fire Prevention Office 36th Civil Engineer Squadron ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Emergency Medical Services Week is May 18th to May 24th. This time brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line." First responders are the back bone of the EMS system and we are fortunate here at Andersen Air Force Base to have access to an immediate life saving service that is just a quick phone call away. The initial link in the chain of emergency medical response is you. By knowing that the emergency phone number is 911 and teaching it to your friends and family you can save the life of yourself or a loved one. We have all heard the story of a 4 year old calling 911 to report a family member unconscious and by successfully providing key information to dispatchers saved their parents life. This success story was only possible by teaching and knowing what to do in an emergency. Here on Andersen when calling 911 from a cell phone or base housing your call will be answered by an off base dispatcher so it is vital that you tell the dispatcher you are calling from Andersen so that your emergency can be immediately forwarded to our emergency dispatchers. Upon receipt of your medical emergency Security Forces, Ambulance and Fire Department personnel will coordinate a response to your medical emergency. Certified Emergency Medical Technicians will rapidly respond to your location with direct contact to advanced medical authority if needed. Andersen ambulance crews also provide transport capability to an applicable off base medical facility for further care. All the emergency crews listed above are available 24 hours a day and receive continuous training to provide you with the best quality care on the island. You can rest assured knowing that there is dedicated personnel standing by at all hours ready to make saving your life their mission.