The Clarion EMS crew is a busy bunch. Clarion Ambulance Director Jennifer Littlejohn said, though they might not respond to calls every single day, they do average around 30 per month. As they work to provide those crucial services, it is a good time to thank that group of mostly volunteers since next week, May 16-22, is National EMS Week.
NATIONAL EMS WEEK- MAY 16-22
Imagine getting woken up in the middle of the night or getting paged in the midst of your workday and having to be ready to possibly save a life less than ten minutes later. That’s what many first responders face daily, including the hard-working folks on the Clarion Ambulance Service (CAS).
The CAS is made up of 20 people currently and all but a couple of those people are volunteers. Director Littlejohn says the roster is a diverse group of health and safety workers, teachers, and other professionals. They respond to all types of different calls from lift assists to vehicle accidents to sick individuals.
Though one might assume the Clarion crew just services town, they actually are quite wide ranging throughout the county. Littlejohn explained their service area extends out of town as far west as Franklin Avenue along Highway 3, and as far east as Dows, west of I-35. They are responsible for 196 square miles total.
Littlejohn noted that over the past year, a global health crisis has added a few challenges to the EMS world, but Clarion Ambulance Service has responded very well. “We had to always be up to date on new guidelines as they came down from the county or state. Safety of our crew and patients was always paramount.” She added that having great cooperation with the county communication center who would screen patients made the ambulance crew’s work easier and safer as well.
The people who serve on the Clarion Ambulance Service may have different backgrounds, but Littlejohn said they generally have something in common. They all want to give back to their community. They want to make a difference and helping in this way is an important part of their lives. Littlejohn, who has been on the crew since 2013, said, “Being able to help somebody when they need it the most is satisfying to me. I don’t need validation, but I like to know I’m helping.”
People who serve on EMS crews are volunteers, but the position does require training. Littlejohn said that those interested need to get into an EMS program. Locally, Iowa Central and NIACC offer programs. These include classes and then eventually hands-on clinicals. To demonstrate competency, one must pass both a psychomotor and cognitive examination and then become licensed through the state. Those who pass will also need to renew their license every two years and engage in continuing education.
There are various levels of proficiency that people on the ambulance crew might attain. There are emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs and paramedics, each requiring more education than the previous and involving more advanced life saving skills. Littlejohn said that currently, the Clarion Ambulance Service is made up of 3 paramedics, 1 advanced EMT, 12 EMTs, and 4 drivers. She adds that they are always looking for people interested to serve on the crew.
As National EMS Week approaches, city officials recognized the CAS for their hard work. City Administrator Clint Middleton said, “Our Ambulance Crew for the most part is made up of volunteers. Their professionalism, knowledge and quick response time is something I hope no one ever experiences. But it is comforting realizing they are there, and ready. The dedication from this team is something Clarion should be very proud of. When you see them thank them, during this EMS Week.”
Clarion Mayor Duane Asbe added, “I want to thank the EMS staff and volunteers for exemplary and dedicated service. A person or community hopes that they won’t need that type of service, but when you do, it is appreciated to have such a talented group. We can’t thank the Clarion Ambulance Service enough.”
