The Mohegan Tribal Fire Department’s Paramedics completed in-service training provided by our Stryker Emergency Care sales representative on our four new LIFEPAK 35 Monitor/Defibrillators.  The LIFEPAK 35 is a clinically advanced monitor/defibrillator with proprietary tools and technology built on an intuitive, modern platform for advanced patient care. It’s a future-ready device designed to promote confidence for patients and care providers and enable clinical excellence in today’s modern healthcare environment.  This new equipment will allow the Mohegan Tribe's Paramedics and EMTs to continue providing exceptional quality care for Tribal members, residents, employees, and visitors to the Mohegan Reservation. 

The Mohegan Tribal Fire Department conducted training towards the end of September 2024 on new water rescue equipment.  All four shifts were trained by our own FF/EMT Robert Shields.  Bob is the owner and lead instructor for Aquatic Rescue Systems, which focuses on providing dive rescue and water rescue training to public safety professionals, recreational scuba training, and scuba equipment sales/service. He is a certified instructor by Emergency Response Diving International for all aspects of surface and underwater rescue and recovery.  Since the Mohegan Reservation is situated along the Thames River and has a pond in Fort Shantok, this equipment and training is important to meet those hazards should someone need immediate rescue.     

On Jul. 15, 2024, the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department was selected to receive an Assistance to Firefighters Grant award from the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA).  The funding will be used to purchase a new thermal imaging camera for the primary fire engine, a washer/extractor to clean firefighting protective gear, two new self-contained breathing apparatus, 16 sets of firefighter turnout gear, and 36 rescue bail-out systems for all firefighters. This equipment will enhance the safety and performance of all the firefighters/EMTs.  The Department extends its thanks to FEMA, the Tribal Council, the Tribal Self Governance/Grants Department, and MTFD's administrative staff for all the work that went into securing this grant.

On Mon., Jun. 24, 2024, at 4:11 am, assistance was requested from the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department to the Town of Franklin for a commercial building fire. After initially being requested as a rapid intervention team, the crew was quickly put to work battling the blaze due to their quick arrival.  

The Mohegan Tribal Fire Department provides firefighting, emergency medical service, paramedic intercept, hazardous materials response, and various technical rescue services to the Mohegan Reservation, Mohegan Sun, and surrounding communities. Its career personnel consists of 44 full-time Firefighters/EMTs and Paramedics, supplemented with per diem staffing.  This diverse group of men and women answer over 4,500 calls annually.  

On Mar. 19, 20, 25, and 26, 2024, Mohegan Tribal Fire Department personnel participated in training conducted by Connecticut Fire Academy on slope evacuation utilizing a stokes basket and the Arizona Vortex in advanced configurations to extricate a victim from areas, such as embankments. Their training also included a review of rescuing occupants in a stalled elevator utilizing the Arizona Vortex in the “Doortex” mode along with the use of a newly purchased Harken winch.  Various skill stations were set up to review rigging the stokes basket and usage of other rescue equipment. Our personnel consistently train and prepare for high-risk, low-frequency incidents that they may be faced with.

On Mon., Apr. 8, 2024, Mohegan Tribal Fire Department paramedics participated in an all-day training conducted by Yale New Haven Center for EMS physicians and paramedics on pre-hospital focused ultrasound. This new tool provides an internal view of our paramedics' patients to assess for certain medical issues and traumatic injuries.  The Mohegan Tribe provides training and support for our EMS program so that they can continue to provide the most advanced, quality care to our patients.