What are the requirements to join?  We need people who enjoy working with others and have some time to share with the community. Our squad operates on a basic level, so the minimum training is EMT-B.  No EMT training is required to be a driver, you only need to complete a CPR course and then be trained on our rig.

WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS? The initial EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN-BASIC, class. Requires an AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, healthcare provider CPR card, to begin. Next, the EMT-B class, will require 120 accredited hours, at a system approved training site. Usually, scheduled for two nights per week. Along with, the system required, training at area hospitals, skills test, protocol test, and basic medications test. After completing these requirements, you must then pass, a state or national test, to be licensed. A complete EMT definition is available here.

WHAT LEVEL DOES OUR AMBULANCE OPERATE AT?  The Delavan Ambulance operates at the BASIC level. There are three levels, in which ambulances can operate, in this state. There is the basic, next the intermediate, and finally the paramedic level. These levels are further described, by the individuals licensing. No matter the level you are trained, you must operate under the amb’s license level.  For example, if you happen to be a  registered nurse, you must still function, at the basic level.(i.e. you may NOT start, an IV, while working on the amb.)

WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR MAKING A CALL?  The Delavan Ambulance Service, is required to have a minimum crew of 3 personnel, to answer a call. At least 2, of the crew members, must have an EMT-B license, or above. We do at present time,  have some individuals who operate, at the DRIVER ONLY level. Our drivers are required, to have the same AHA healthcare provider CPR card, as our EMT’s , as well as, some additional training. We also have the option, to allow 1 EMT-B student to transport, as well. The average call, can last between 2 and 3 hours. Starting from when, we are paged out,  to our response, to patient contact, to patient transport, to the hospital. The return trip back to town, and finally, completing the report.

WHAT IS THE PAY/ HOW ARE WE FUNDED ? Each of the Delavan Ambulance Service members, are totally volunteer. The Delavan Ambulance Service, is NOT tax supported, as is the Delavan Fire Dept. We do charge a modest fee, for your care. However, we are mainly supported by, memorials. With that being said, we do have our limits.  For example, we do NOT  provide, transports to nursing homes, etc.. Sadly, we do not have the man power, or the time to provide this service. We do however, have a policy to help anyone interested, in becoming an EMT-B, and share the cost. If interested, please call Chief  Sean Bluhm, at 309-244-9312.

HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS DO YOU HAVE?  From the beginning in 1976,  we have  averaged approximately, 15 to 30 EMT-B’s, and a few Drivers. As well as, our Board of Directors,  around 9 or 10, members, which are also volunteers. As you might guess, in this day an age, it has become increasingly harder, for people to find the time, to volunteer. That does not mean, that the demand has lessoned. The Delavan Ambulance, and the Delavan Fire Dept., answered, an average of 250 calls per year. Last year, 2008 the numbers, divided up like this, 189 ambulance calls, and 55 fire calls.

 

How many people are needed for each call? We have to have a minimum crew of 3 people to take the ambulance out on a call.  This may be 3 EMTs or 2 EMTs and a driver.  On many calls, additional personnel are very helpful. This is why many volunteers are needed.

 

Sign me up! – how do I join?  You can call and leave a message at our building, 244-7028.  You can also come to a training meeting or contact any one of the members for further information.

 

 

HOPE YOU JOIN US!