Volunteer To Save a Life

Every volunteer EMS [Emergency Medical Services] agency is made up of dedicated members of the community who provide professional out-of-hospital emergency care. These men and women come from all walks of life to give their time and talents in a team effort to help their community in a truly life-saving mission. They do more than comfort the ill and injured, they maintain buildings, equipment, promote health & safety, organize fund raisers, and retain a certification level through continuing education.

Hawardens EMS system currently has four levels of EMS as follows:

Driver

This person is trained in emergency vehicle operations and is certified in the American Heart Associations Healthcare Provider CPR.

 

Emergency Medical Responder [EMR]:

This certification was once called "First Responder". 55 hours of classroom training provides this individual with the knowledge to stabilize a patient by providing basic emergency medical care.

 

Emergency Medical Technician-Basic [EMT-B]:

Emphasis on patient assessment, examination to recognize signs and symptoms of illness or injury, and safe transport of patients is provided to this individual in a minimum of 110 classroom and 18 clinical hours. At this level skills such as patient assisted medication, automated defibrillation, non-medicated IV monitoring, advanced airway adjuncts are obtained.

 

Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate [EMT-I]:

Involves additional training in patient assessment, intravenous therapy, advanced airway management and automated defibrillation. Sixty hours of classroom time, 50 hours of clinical and 50 hours of ambulance clinical make up the minimum training requirements for certification at this level.

There are other levels as well as endorsements for EMS instructors and rescue technicians that round out our states EMS system. At every level there is a continuing education requirement to help the EMS provider stay proficient in the delivery of emergency care.

It takes many faces to make a strong emergency medical system, such as help with fund raisers; vehicle and equipment maintenance; baby sitting while a provider responds to a call. All of the things that are beyond the obvious of caring for the sick and injured - won't you consider being a part of yours?

Interested in EMS?

EMS isn't for everyone, but if you think you are up to the challenge contact Jerry Wilson, EMS Director at 712-551-2565 for more information on how you can join this couragous team. You can also learn more at the Iowa Department of Public Health or the Iowa EMS Bureau there is lots of related information here. Check it out and see if it interests you.