Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Community Ambulance Service of New Rockford, pictured above, left to right- front row: Mariah Alderman, LuAnn Alderman, Georgia Johnson, Tanya Munson, Jason Munson, Tiffany Harr, Amy Bachmeier; middle row: Danette Schmid, Sharon Eversvik, Misty Cronin, Richard OConnor, Sandy O'Connor, Kari Benson, Rachel Holzwarth, Lyndsey Smith, Dusti Nystrom, Kathy Jenrich, Mike Schmid; back row: Tim Schmeets, Sheila Brown, Marty Lucht, Brett Cronin, Sara Myhre, Hattie Idalski, Gene Masse and Jeff Pfau. Not pictured: Karla Berglund, Jon Heinz, Bret Carlson, Shantel Anderson, Tony O'Connor, Kristy O'Connor, Jim Hovey, Marnie Lawrence, Jessica Swart, Ashley Weixel, Joseph Lies, Steph Loe, Lizzie Holzwarth and Rick Geier, Medical Director.
This year's theme for EMS Week is EMS Strong, Stronger Together. I believe this to mean an EMS system where a partnership is formed between the ambulance service and other responders such as law enforcement and fire and rescue. Your local EMS team responds to 911 emergencies, whether the call is medical or trauma related, and gives the patient the best possible care.
This system of care is seen right here in the New Rockford community, so this is our opportunity to say thank you to every member of the team: The CPR-Drivers, EMRs, EMTs, Paramedics and RNs along with the Sheriff's Department staff and members of the local fire department alike. Thank you for all you do!
There the five days of EMS Week, and each day we focus on a different aspect of emergency services.
Monday is Education Day. On that day, I would like to take the opportunity to review the signs and symptoms of a stroke using the FAST mnemonic:
F - Facial Droop. Ask the person to smile.
A - Arm Drift. Is there weakness on one side of the body?
S - Speech Problems. Ask a question. Is the speech clear, or do they seem to slur or can't speak at all?
T - Time. When did the symptoms start? It's time to call for an ambulance. Every second counts!
Tuesday is Safety Day. I would ask all responders today to pay close attention to their scene safety and size-up protocols. At the end of the call, all who responded should go home.
Wednesday is EMS for Children Day. The weather is becoming warm and kids are out playing and riding their bikes. Help keep them safe today and every day by watching out for them as they play.
Thursday is Safe a Life Day. On Thursday please join us at the ambulance station at 1:30 p.m for an informal presentation called Stop the Bleed. This will be a hands-on session on how to stop major bleeding. We will also have our CPR manikins available for practice with hands only CPR. Stopping a major bleed or giving hands only CPR could save someone's life.
Friday is EMS Recognition Day. When you see an ambulance member, spouse or significant other, please stop and thank them for what they do and for what they and their families give up in their own lives to help others.
