How does the 911 system work?
We use a pager system. That is, when someone calls 911, it is answered at the 911-call center in
Lyons. The dispatcher sets off our pager alert tones and follows with basic information about the
call. Our members respond to the base and take the ambulance, together as a crew, to the scene (a
home, roadway, school, business, doctors office etc.)
Is there a commitment that is required?
We require members to ride a minimum of 36 hours every quarter (3 month period). One full shift
(12 hours) every month is all that is required to hold your commitment. We also require attendance
at 3 monthly meetings (held on the first Wednesday of the month) per year for training purposes.
We do keep track of how much time each member is riding, and those that are not putting in their
required time will receive a letter reminding them of their commitment. Unfortunately, termination
of membership is the result when the requirements are not fulfilled.
How do I get started?
Your experience will begin with an orientation tour of the base and rigs. We will answer all of
your questions and collect your paperwork. You will receive training in Emergency Vehicle
Operation, CPR and Blood Borne Pathogens. You will then receive a uniform and pager. The next part
is to decide whether to pursue medic training or driver training. The driver training consists of
instruction and a driver CEVO class, taught by one of our CEVO instructors, followed by 6 to 10
transport observation calls. The medic training consists of taking an EMT course, which can be
completed in 5 months. If you are a member for at least a year, the squad will cover the costs of
this training. You will be required to have 6 to 10 observation calls mentored by one of our
preceptors. The entire process takes some time, but if you are proactive and committed to getting
it done, then you can finish the process in the shortest time possible.
Do I have to stay at the base when I’m on call?
No. Most of our members respond from home or elsewhere within the community, within a 5-mile
radius of the base and we carry our pagers with us. The base however has 4 bunks, just incase we
do need to keep a crew in house (i.e. Ice storm).
What are the rules when I’m on call?
When you are on call you must be wearing your uniform or have it readily available so that you may
get to the base as quickly as possible. You must stay within 5-miles of the base and have your
pager charged and turned on. You must not consume any alcohol 8 hours prior to the beginning of
your shift. The “one- hour per serving rule” does not count. You must also be in contact with your
crew chief before the start of your shift, so that they are aware of your availability. If you
have committed to being on call with your crew, you are required to respond to all calls during
the shift or hours that you have committed to.
How can I get myself to the base faster?
There are some good ideas for a faster response. The goal is to be in your car and on your way to
the base before the second tone drops (two minutes!) Wear your uniform until you go to bed,
keeping it ready to put on quickly. Keep your shoes, keys, and I.D. by the door. We have even
heard of keeping Listerine or gum in your vehicle. Keep your car and driveway cleared of snow and
ice. Don’t speed; it won’t help if you are stopped!
12-hour shifts… Do I have to be available for the whole 12-hours?
No. Many of our members are only available for 6-hours or any portion of their shift. We
appreciate anything you can give!! Please communicate to your crew chief, prior to the start of
your shift, the hours you are available, so that they may find coverage.
No scheduled crews during the weekdays? Why?
We have scheduled crews that run on weeknights from 6pm to 6am. On Saturday and Sunday, crews are
scheduled from 6am to 6pm, and 6pm to 6am. There are no crews scheduled on weekdays because there
are not enough people available during this time. Most of our members work during the day. During
the weekday we scramble for a crew, and Crew -share with Williamson. Any call that is paged out as
a scramble is open to the first 3 to 4 people who show up or answer up on their radios.
What if I want to ride during the day when there is no crew scheduled?
If you’re available during the day, it is advised that you contact someone else who might also be
available. If you record the hours you are available, then you must be available, dressed in
uniform with your pager on, and willing to respond to any calls during that time. Just being in
town and willing to take a call if you aren’t busy at the moment, does not qualify you to record
those hours.
I hear people responding to the scene. Should I go to the scene too?
The only people who respond straight to the scene are our C.A.T. team medics with the equipment
and medical training to handle any situation until the ambulance gets there. You should never
respond directly to the scene, you are to go to the base and assemble your crew. The only
exception is when there is an ambulance and crew on scene and they request additional manpower or
help with lifting. This is the only instance when you may consider going to the scene.
A Brief Overview of Requirements and Procedures for Each Position
DRIVERS:
Must be 21 years of age with a clean license.
All drivers obtain Professional CPR and First Aid Training, CEVO, blood borne pathogens and a rig orientation.
MEDICS:
Must be 18 years of age. Medics are generally Emergency Medical Technicians or EMT’s. Once you
have passed the NYS EMT course and exam, you are recognized by the state as a medic.
ASSOCIATES:
These are members who have joined us to assist us in other capacities than treating patients. They
assist with record keeping, setting up functions, and support us in maintenance chores and many
other behind-the-scenes jobs. They also help out at the base when it is used as shelter during
evacuations. |
