By Kimberly Houghton
The Union Leader
MERRIMACK, N.H. — After 43 years of public service, the Merrimack Ambulance Rescue Service Auxiliary has disbanded.
“Unfortunately, it is a sign of the times,” said Tim Dutton, one of the seven remaining emergency medical service volunteers for the Merrimack Fire Rescue.
Last week, the secretary for the MARS Auxiliary announced the organization’s decision to dissolve, saying it was a hard one.
“It hurts,” said Jackie Chisholm, secretary. “We held on as long as we could.”
The MARS formed in 1967 when the town had no emergency medical technicians working for the fire department, according to Dutton.
He said the auxiliary organization was established shortly thereafter as a support group for the volunteer EMTs, and to provide financial assistance with their medical supplies.
In 1986 the MARS merged with Merrimack Fire Rescue in an effort to provide the best ambulance service to the community.
However, the auxiliary continued to operate and provide support for the ambulance volunteers despite the merger.
Still, the number of emergency medical service volunteers has continued to dwindle, according to Dutton.
About 10 years ago, there were 16 volunteers, and now there are just seven, he said.
The MARS Auxiliary has already liquidated all of its assets, and recently spent about $2,500 to purchase various supplies for the seven remaining ambulance volunteers. The organization bought bags, clothing, boots and hats for the volunteers.
All of the accounts have been closed, and last week the auxiliary donated its remaining supplies to the town, including new needles and various airway supplies.
“The auxiliary has a long and wonderful history in this community,” said Councilor Tom Mahon, thanking everyone who helped to make the organization successful. “They have done great work in this town and saved a lot of lives,” he added.
Anthony Stowers, assistant fire chief, agreed. He said the remaining seven EMS volunteers are crucial to the fire department, and provide much needed assistance.
“Unfortunately, the numbers are down,” Stowers said, explaining that is a national trend, not just a change in Merrimack.
Emergency medical calls often happen simultaneously, and Stowers said it is important to have volunteers nearby on nights and weekends to supplement the department’s full-time staff.
Stowers said he is pleased to still have the volunteers regardless of the auxiliary’s breakup.
Copyright 2010 Union Leader Corp.