By Bradford L. Miner
TELEGRAM & GAZETTE (Massachusetts)
Copyright 2006 Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
WEST BROOKFIELD, Mass. — For Paul Lupacchino and the other 13 emergency medical technicians who make up the West Brookfield Rescue Squad, it’s more than just about the $20,000 they hope to raise from residents in subscriptions this month to help operate the squad for the coming year.
For more than a half century, the rescue squad has provided emergency service to residents, responding to an average 35 to 40 calls a month.
Mr. Lupacchino, squad president, has invited all residents to take part in an open house from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. tomorrow at the fire station on Cottage Street and again during the same hours Aug. 20.
“We’ll be here to answer questions, show people the ambulance, let them see what the on-call service provides to subscribers,” he said.
As a subscription-based emergency service, Mr. Lupacchino said, subscribers are entitled to unlimited emergency ambulance service throughout the year without incurring any expense not covered by insurance.
“All residents, with or without health insurance, are encouraged to subscribe, as you will not receive any further bills from the squad for our services with a paid subscription.”
Mr. Lupacchino said the ambulance, purchased in 1999, cost $125,000 — and the state puts the life expectancy of an ambulance at 10 years.
“We have a few years, but we’re looking at our current ambulance becoming a backup,” he said.
Mr. Lupacchino said the service available to residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is supported only by subscriptions and billing insurance companies and Medicare; it does not receive any money from the town.
Given the increase in the number of calls and the varying times at which EMTs are available, his goal for the rescue squad is to recruit additional EMTs and become less dependent on mutual aid.
The West Brookfield squad, he said, provides a basic level service, while surrounding communities with paramedics are able to provide advanced life support service.
Subscription rates for the coming year are $25 for people age 18 and older; $30 per family; $20 for people age 65 or older, both individuals and couples; and a commercial rate of $125 for businesses. The commercial rate includes service for the business owner and all employees at work during working hours.