Does the Implementation of an Advanced Life Support Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) in an Integrated Fire/EMS System Improve Patient Contact Response Time?

Background: The current Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) model throughout the United States involves emergency vehicles which respond from a primary location (ie, firehouse or municipal facility) to emergency calls. Quick response vehicles (QRVs) have been used in various Fire/EMS systems; however, their effectiveness has never been studied.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine if patient response times would decrease by placing an Advanced Life Support (ALS) QRV in an integrated Fire/EMS system.

Dentigerous cyst of mandible presenting as sepsis.

Dentigerous cysts are odontogenic cysts that develop by accumulation of fluid between reduced enamel epithelium and a crown of an unerupted tooth. Dentigerous cysts typically are slow growing and incidental findings on radiographic images [1]. These cysts are usually small but when they become large, they will cause a pathologic fracture.