Copyright 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
By DEBORAH SAYER
Portland Press Herald (Maine)
In an emergency, it’s comforting to know help is just a phone call away.
The North Berwick Rescue squad is keenly aware of that need, and that’s why it is putting out an emergency call of its own, asking individuals to volunteer their time to staff the rescue center. Ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics all are needed.
As with most small-town fire and rescue squads, North Berwick Rescue is a volunteer work force. It is a separate entity from the fire department, though the two bureaus work closely together.
The rescue squad once had 20 people providing coverage, but now it is down to just eight active members, who pick up per diem shifts throughout the week, mostly during daytime hours. The lack of manpower makes it difficult to provide round-the-clock coverage for the town.
“We occasionally assist (out-of-town rescue providers), but mostly they have to assist us because we’re short on help,” said Assistant Chief Jack R. Murray.
Murray has been with the department for 16 years, serving as its assistant for the past year. He’s seen a lot of volunteers come and go. He says the job requires dedication and commitment to keep up with the many long hours.
“Calls are at least two hours long,” said Murray.
In addition to offering medical attention, emergency responders must file reports with hospitals and the state detailing treatment to patients. They also are required to decontaminate the ambulance after each use and restock supplies so that the vehicle is ready for the next emergency call. The station also requires upkeep and maintenance.
It takes 200 hours of training to become an emergency medical technician, plus ride-along and clinical time served at area hospitals. Every few years, technicians are required to attend a continuing education program to brush up on their skills and learn new procedures.
Most newcomers begin by volunteering to drive the ambulance, learning the lay of the land while others pursue certification to provide medical assistance. Murray said both jobs are needed to carry out calls. Ideally, he’d like to see squads of three responding to an emergency.
The department provides the money for training volunteers who will commit to a three-year contract. Individuals are evaluated after a 90-day probationary period.