(above) Ambulance driver Manny Corte starts his shift by inspecting equipment stored in the outer compartments of the ambulance. Three different kinds of stretchers are stored in this compartment. Different types of stretchers are useful depending on the condition and location of the patient.
Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps Celebrates EMS Week
READY TODAY. PREPARING FOR TOMORROW.
The recent observance of National Emergency Services (EMS) week (May 17th-23rd) was particularly meaningful to the members of Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps (MVAC). EMS week was initiated by President Gerald Ford as a time to highlight the work of emergency responders in safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of the community. It is also a time for first responders to reflect on what it means to be part of the EMS network.
This year, members of MVAC are getting increased recognition for being on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. MVAC remains committed to continue to serve the town of Madison during this extraordinary time and truly appreciates the overwhelming show of support, appreciation, and cooperation from the town and its residents. MVAC is staffed by approximately 35 volunteer, NJ-certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and ambulance drivers. All members agree that working as a first-responder is an extremely rewarding experience in which there is immediate awareness of truly making a difference by providing a necessary service for those in need.
EMT training classes in New Jersey require about 220 hours which includes classroom instruction and hands on skills training. Examples of classroom topics are anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical emergencies, trauma, and special populations. Skills training includes a wide variety of procedures performed by EMTs such as rapid patient assessment, safely transporting patients, oxygen administration, bandaging, splinting, and childbirth. The EMT student must successfully pass the course and then pass a National Examination to become a NJ-certified EMT.
Ambulance drivers must successfully complete an emergency vehicle operations course as well as be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
In addition to fulfilling state requirements and demonstrating medical skills, important components of being a good EMT or ambulance driver are treating patients and their families with respect, compassion, and empathy. EMTs are responsible for providing direct patient care which includes assessing the patient, determining the proper emergency care, transporting to a hospital and briefing the emergency room nurse or physician on pertinent details of the patient’s condition and history.
Emergency Medical Services started in World War I and evolved during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and later the Vietnam War where specially trained corpsmen provided immediate emergency care to trauma patients before transport to mobile surgical hospitals. Many techniques and practices followed by EMTs today originated from casualty experiences during combat.
The theme of EMS Week 2020 is READY TODAY. PREPARING FOR TOMORROW. EMTs must be ready to respond to calls for help at any time and in any place. Our experiences of today, and our lessons of the past allow us to prepare for future challenges.
Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps is a non-profit, totally volunteer organization that provides its services completely free of charge. Incorporated in 1954, MVAC has been in existence for 65 years. Membership is diverse in terms of age, gender, professional and personal backgrounds. Typically, each member completes at least one 12-hour shift each week (7am to 7pm/ 7pm to 7am). On average, MVAC will respond to approximately 100 emergency calls each month or 3 to 4 calls each day.
MVAC members concur, working as a first responder as either an EMT or ambulance driver is exciting and fulfilling. Crews work as a team to provide emergency medical assistance to neighbors in need. Being part of MVAC is an opportunity to learn valuable skills and provide a critical service in our own community. Anyone interested in joining MVAC as either an EMT or driver should email join@madisonems.org. The schedule for EMT training is flexible to accommodate various personal situations. Training is provided free of charge.
(above) To prepare for the next call, Crew chief Claudia Hirawat performs a complete check of the ambulance.
(above) MVAC is proud to recognize Jack Luts in celebrating his 60th year as an EMT with MVAC this year. Jack joined MVAC in July, 1960 and still is a key member of the squad. Jack is a crew chief and has trained countless EMTs throughout the years.
