Get to know your local volunteer ambulance corps

Warwick - EMS Week starts May 17, which presents the Warwick Ambulance Corps with another opportunity to show the public what we do and a chance for the public to get to know us. So come on down and visit your local volunteer ambulance corps. We may try to convince you to join our organization, but we won’t pester you too much. If you drive by the ambulance bay and you see someone there, stop in and say hello. We would be happy to show you and your children our ambulance building and the emergency equipment we use. During EMS week we visit the elementary schools and give the children a guided tour thru our ambulance. Our feeling is this, if they can see that it is not scary, they may not be as afraid in the event that one of their family members has to ride in one. Regular services The first Saturday of every month we have a free blood pressure clinic; so bring your friends and family to get checked. This is the perfect excuse to come and visit us and have you blood pressure monitored. Keep an eye out in the papers for an ad telling the public about an open house at the ambulance bay so you can come and see the new building or an ambulance. Volunteering in your local community ambulance corps gives you a great feeling of satisfaction in knowing that you are helping the people living and traveling through your community. Our community is growing by leaps and bounds; and we can always use more volunteers to respond to the emergencies that arise. If you are interested in joining our organization, stop in and inquire we will be happy to tell you all about it. If you feel you want to help but you are not ready to become an EMT, that’s OK, because we still need people to drive the ambulance and help in the loading and lifting of patients in and out of the ambulance. As you get more comfortable in our procedures, you might decide on going forward with the EMT training. More than a 1,000 calls a year We have more than 45 active members, 30 of which are EMTs that respond to emergencies day and night in Warwick. We respond to more than 1,000 calls per year. We participate in various community activities. We also help other local ambulance agencies when needed. We also offer training throughout the year. CPR/AED and First Aid are classes are available on a regular basis. Junior Corps We have a fantastic Junior Corps with 30 members from the age 13 to 17 years old. The Junior members learn how to use all the equipment and get certified in CPR and First Aid. They help at different functions and when they turn 17, they can ride on the ambulance as an observer. Get an application early because we fill the 30 spots on the roster very fast. The great thing about the kids starting early is that they tend to like it so much that when they turn 18 they move up to the Senior (adult) Corps. We are proud of what we do and we do it because we love it. There is a great reward in knowing you are helping others. Warwick Ambulance has a lot to offer our community. We’d love to see you stop by for a visit, take a class, or get your blood pressure checked at the monthly screening. Thank you for your continued support and we hope you will stop in and visit us sometime. This article was provided by Mark Mazzella, a trustee of the Warwick Community Ambulance Corps.