Sunny weather capped off Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week in Stettler, as the local EMS station opened its doors in an open house and threw hotdogs, smokies and hamburgers on the grill.
The Saturday, May 28 event drew in people who wanted to meet the people who come to the rescue when medical emergencies occur, as well as scope out the ambulances themselves outside of an emergency.
While the station's unofficial mascot, Sweetie — a golden retriever — played fetch and rolled in every puddle she could find, paramedics and EMTs (emergency medical technicians) took attendees on tours and served up free food.
Stettler has one of the most advanced EMS station between here and the Saskatchewan border, as it is an ALS — advanced life support — station. ALS stations have paramedics, the highest-trained EMS staff, on roster. BLS - basic life support — stations don't have paramedics, Frank Gorjans, an EMT, explained.
Gorjans spoke about the importance of people keeping lists of medications they are taking on them, revealing a little kit the station puts together. Made up of an orange pill container, it keeps a list of medicines and medical conditions inside.
He said when ambulances pull up to an accident, patients who can't communicate, whether unconscious or in shock, often can't tell paramedics and EMTs what type of medications they're on or any underlying medical conditions. While items like medical alert bracelets or necklaces can give first responders a clue to any potential problems, having the medications kit can help first responders know what's safe to use in treatment.
Stettler's EMS station has four ambulances, two of which are funded by Alberta Health Services. The third is a spare in case a vehicle is being repaired or is out of service for some reason, while the older ambulance is used on a rental basis in the community.
Due to the access to the fourth vehicle, Stettler's EMS is able to offer medical services at events like rodeos and festivals within the town and county. Off-duty paramedics or EMTs are hired to staff the vehicle on those days.
Yvette Cassidy, assistant CAO of the County of Stettler, oversees the ambulance service. The county administers EMS while the Town of Stettler administers fire and rescue, though both share in the costs of the services.
"I can't praise them enough," Cassidy said, adding that she is very proud to work with the men and women at the EMS station. "They work so hard and are so caring."