Paramedics Steven Eisenberg and Erick Hicken

Every second counts in an emergency. That's why Virtua Health's paramedics stand ready to take charge of medical crises that arise in the community. Armed with well-equipped mobile intensive care units (MICU), this highly trained group responds to life-threatening emergencies where and when they occur. In fact, they were among the first to respond to New York City's call for help after the terrorist attacks of September 11.

As an extension of a hospital emergency department, the MICU paramedics are certified to administer life saving procedures and advanced life support services (ALS), which range from intravenous therapy to cardiac monitoring and defibrillation. Virtua's MICU program operates 11 mobile emergency service units as well as Southstar - an emergency medical transport helicopter.

Working alongside the paramedics are local ambulance and rescue squads. These responders are staffed by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) that provide basic life support (BLS) services such as first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and oxygen support. Throughout Burlington and Camden Counties, the local EMTs and Virtua's paramedics work to ensure that all people who are in the midst of a crisis receive the finest care available.