Keeping The Way Clear For Emergency Responders

To the Editor:

The month of January was an exceptional month for many of us who live in Newtown, with severe cold followed by an extreme amount of snow. During this time, Newtown emergency personnel experienced a record number of calls, including 211 calls for emergency medical service. These requests would not have been met had it not been for another very special group of individuals; our town highway crews.

In a single night, two separate highway crews met up with two distinct ambulance crews to plow roads, access driveways, assist the ambulance in entering and exiting private residences, and then assuring the safety of all; coordinating clear road passage to the hospital. On multiple occasions the town highway personnel provided transport for ambulance personnel when immediate access to the patient was not possible due to poorly accessible driveways. Town highway personnel also provided access for emergency medical technicians responding from their home; clearing the way to reach a person in need.

Although it seems the worst of the snowstorms have passed, many mailboxes remain buried or have been knocked down, which makes locating residences difficult. Some homes still have blocked entranceways. The dispatch center continues to receive calls for persons falling off rooftops and other hazardous situations. Please make sure that your driveways, walkways, and entrances are open to the emergency medical personnel and equipment that may need access. It is recommended that at least 18 inches of walkway be cleared to allow for stretcher access.

On behalf of the membership of the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, please keep your home accessible and be safe. Help your neighbors do the same and please be courteous and appreciative to your highway drivers.

Newtown Highway Department we thank you! Keep doing what you do best to keep our roads accessible. A special thanks to Chucky, Rob, and Milt.

Sincerely,

Ken Lerman, Kris Peterson, David Mayer, Sharon McCarthy, and Dave Tokarski

The Executive Board

Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps

77 Main Street, Newtown                                        February 23, 2011