The Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) Program at Mehlville Fire Protection District is the backbone of our high-quality, progressive emergency medical care. CCPs are Missouri-licensed paramedics with advanced certifications in critical care, dedicated solely to ambulance responses, while firefighter/paramedics focus on fire and rescue operations. This division of roles, supported by a specialized management structure, allows Mehlville Fire to provide expert, patient-centered care during medical emergencies.

CCPs at Mehlville Fire are recognized as clinicians, not just technicians. Each new CCP undergoes an intensive five-day orientation program, known as “CCP Academy,” led by experienced CCPs and Medical Director Dr. Jeffrey Siegler. This training includes lectures, skills assessments, and hands-on experience with advanced procedures like IO cannulation, airway management, and pharmacology. CCPs also receive instruction on cutting-edge equipment, including Zoll monitors, Sapphire IV infusion pumps, and the Handtevy pediatric resuscitation system. This rigorous preparation ensures CCPs are fully equipped to deliver exceptional care from their first day on the job.

Since its inception in 2017, Mehlville Fire’s CCP Program has driven significant advancements in emergency care, including improved intubation success rates, increased Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) rates, and reduced on-scene times for critical diagnoses. Our CCPs benefit from tiered protocols established by Washington University’s medical direction team, ongoing advanced training, and robust quality management data to continuously enhance patient outcomes. As leaders in pre-hospital care, Mehlville Fire’s CCP Program exemplifies our commitment to providing the highest standard of care to our community.

MFPD operates six 24-hour and one 12-hour ambulances out of our seven engine houses, and each ambulance is staffed by at least one CCP.