Ambulance Corps Has Another Record Year

The Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps had another record-breaking year in 1999 as it responded to 1,506 calls. That’s a 23 percent increase over the previous year, another indication of the town’s growth.

The 55-member corps responds to emergency medical calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a free service to the residents of Newtown. No one ever receives a bill.

Dispatchers at Edmond Town Hall handle emergency medical calls. They are responsible for calling corps members and a paramedic if necessary. Crews comprised of emergency medical technicians and one intravenous technician are usually staffed at the ambulance, typically on 12-hour shifts so that the ambulance can be “rolled” immediately when the call goes out. Medics are dispatched simultaneously if the call meets specific conditions such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, altered mental status, etc. At the same time, ambulance corps members, who are all over town, respond directly to the scene to initiate care until the ambulance arrives.

EMTs are backed up with support from the police and fire companies. Last year, the police responded to most ambulance calls to ensure the safety of the crewmembers and to provide some medical assistance. Many of Newtown’s volunteer firefighters are trained EMTs or MRTs (medical rescue technicians), and they provide everything from medical assistance to lift assists.

The corps biggest challenge this past year was covering 204 double, 59 triple and 12 quadruple calls, as well as 10 mutual aid requests from other communities. Newtown has a mutual aid agreement with Bethel and Stony Hill. Adding to the challenge is the fact that Newtown is spread out over a 60-square-mile area. In spite of this, its response time – the average time it takes the ambulance to reach the scene – was just 7.4 minutes.

This year, Ken Lerman was the corps’ top responder with 423 calls. Elizabeth Cain (376), Deborah Aubin (344), Karin Halstead (220) and Kevin Clyne (197) followed him.

Education and medical training play an important part of the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. It often gives talks and tours to community groups and organizations. It also certifies residents in CPR and first aid. Community CPR courses are scheduled for February 22 and 24, and a first aid course is slated for March 9. Call Debbie Aubin at 426-6874 for more information.

As the town continues to grow the demands on the ambulance corps continue to increase. Interested in becoming a member? Call 426-6874.