Opportunities… This simple word, by its definition brings positive thoughts to mind.

Oftentimes, opportunities present themselves in such a way that we miss them.

We, the members and leaders of the Old Forge Ambu-lance Corp, as well as same from the Old Forge Fire Department, are currently offering and emphasizing opportunities.

We invite any of you in the community to broaden your horizons and garner a valuable education at no cost to you.

On completion, you will become an asset to your community and a leader among your family members and friends.

The position comes with built-in respect and a true sense of satisfaction each and every time you assist the sick and injured.

Sound interesting?

The Old Forge Volunteer Ambulance Corps is actively seeking future Emergency Medical Technicians or EMTs, as they are so commonly called.

There is a mystique surrounding “volunteer” emergency medical services. Or EMS. Who they are, what they do, what training they require, etc.

It is our hope that this article will answer these questions and others.

The challenge here is in doing justice to these worthwhile endeavors. Because truth be told, it is an exciting and truly satisfying hobby.

The Old Forge Fire Dept. is over 100 years old. The Old Forge Volunteer Ambulance is over 50 years old.

In the beginning of the Ambulance Service, it was all about speed. We still have members who remember patients being loaded in the back, then closing the door, jumping in the front and driving like hell.

Of all the changes in EMS in the past few decades, this may be the biggest of them all. (Although the second biggest is just as notable.)

Nowadays, each and every patient shall have, per New York State rules and regs, a certified EMT in the back with the patient at all times.

And speed has been downplayed to the very rare cases. With today’s training, knowledge and equipment, we treat the patient while en-route.

I know you’re wondering, so I won’t tease you. The second biggest change in EMS is the addition of women. Without their involvement, the entire Emergency Medical System (EMS) would have failed years ago. In Old Forge, women make up 60 percent of the active EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians).

Next week, I’ll share who our EMTs are exactly, and what they do.

In the meantime… Have you ever given thought to the opportunity of serving your community and challenging yourself as an Emergency Medical Technician?

You could do it. You could be the next to join our EMT ranks.

You could be part of the solution to someone’s very bad day.

Sign up now for the upcoming NYS EMT course starting January 6th at the Woodgate Fire Hall. Contact NYS EMT Instruc-tor Dave Berkstresser at 315-369-8578.

It might be of interest to some, we have two recent EMTs who are husband and wife. Hint hint.

Editor’s note: The above public interest story has been submitted by a collaboration of local EMS and Fire dept. members interested in sharing their stories and experiences while welcoming new volunteers. Future articles will report local emergency services activities, public service announcements and other misc. related information.

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While there are differing levels of EMTs, the minimum, and most of what we will be talking about are “basic” EMTs.

A “basic” EMT is more than the name implies. We are now able and licensed to administer certain drugs, (oxygen being one of them), manage bone fractures, spine injuries, bleeding and medical emergencies that range from cardiac issues to kidney stones.  We all take the same course study, sponsored and monitored by NYS Health Dept.  Luckily, this course is free to all fire and ambulance personnel.

Our Ambulances (all local ambulances are stocked almost alike) are stocked with everything from splints, back boards, cervical collars, bandages, IV’s, monitor / defibulator’s etc. etc.

The volunteers of our local Ambulance Corp’s range from electricians, restranteurs, motel  owners, nurses, bookkeepers, retired investment managers, carpenters, teachers, students and more. Heck we even have a tax collector among our midst.  Old Forge currently has apprx. 14 active EMT’s.

Hopefully, we will introduce some of our local emt’s in the very near future.

For now though, let me address many common questions from prospective Ambulance personnel.

An actual question heard from friends. Why would you do that? My answer? Why wouldn’t I? I’ve played a part in helping hundreds of people, some with their first migraine, ( a very scary moment for the patient) victims of motor vehicle accidents, simple falls and general illness. The feeling of satisfaction I enjoy is beyond words. (you’ll hear from many relevant interviews from fellow EMT’s)

Isn’t that place kinda of a click? Well, no. But I can see why it would seem like that to an outsider. Understand, we work together, literally shoulder to shoulder saving lives. From those experiences, we tend to grow close. It’s just the natural order of things. As mentioned we are spreading the word of this opportunity in an effort to welcome new members.  (Jay, not sure I like this, nor how it lengthens the message, so if it cant make it here, maybe it can be a topic in some future article)

Would I be paid? While the Old Forge Ambulance has been primarily manned by volunteers, there is a change in the planning stages that will enable the Old Forge Ambulance Corp. to pay a token “stipend” for each call that includes a trip to a Utica Hospital. It’s not “pay”, but it may enable you to take your spouse to dinner once a month.

How hard is the EMT course? My answer is always the same. The first few weeks are daunting while you memorize anatomy and terms, but after that, if you attend every class, most students find it more of a challenge than actually being hard.

What will be expected of me after I have my EMT certification? There are of course meetings and drills necessary to stay active and knowledgeable in EMS and Fire, however it is still volunteer. You take calls when you want and when you can.

I feel I could be in over my head pretty easy.  Is that the case with everyone?

Well, yes…. Everyone has that concern. It’s completely normal to feel some concern when starting any new adventure. However it’s important to understand…  your fellow EMS personnel will do everything in their power to ensure this doesn’t happen. You will not be “on your own” until such time as you feel comfortable going by yourself. Old Forge Amb. Corp leaders have recently adopted an official mentoring program so that you will train under any number of experienced EMT’s .

Speaking of experienced emt’s, our area is fortunate to have excellent emt instructors. With the completion of the EMT course and state exams, you will have garnered so much knowledge and confidence, when the times comes to jump in and help, your training will kick in without you even giving it any thought.

Here are some questions from us to you.

Have you ever given this thought?

Are you in need of a challenge?

Could you be the next EMT to join our ranks?

Come be a part of the solution to someone else’s very bad day.

Sign up now for the upcoming NYS EMT course starting Jan 6th at the Woodgate Fire hall. Contact NYS EMT Instructor Dave Berkstresser at 315-369-xxxx

It might be of interest to some, we have two recent emts who are husband and wife. Hint hint.

Editor’s note: The above public interest story has been submitted by a collaboration of local EMS and Fire dept. members interested in sharing their stories and experiences while welcoming new volunteers. Future articles will report local emergency services activities, public service announcements and other misc. related information.