The Oneida County Ambulance has been an important part of the community since its establishment in 1978.  In the forty plus years that it has been providing services, Oneida EMS has been available for emergency care in situations from major car accidents, sports event injuries, medical emergencies at homes or businesses, and myriad of other situations.  Volunteers have come and gone over the years, but their dedication to serving this community has never changed.  While one hopes to never have to call upon such services, it is comforting to know that such care is available when needed.

For several weeks now, a handful of Oneida County EMTs have been taking a course to move up to the Advanced EMT level.  By increasing their knowledge and capabilities they will be better equipped to serve this community on the ambulance, assisting the hospital or simply as friends and neighbors.

Over the course of the class, the students have been taking a deep dive into anatomy, physiology, possible situations of trauma or medical emergency and how to manage them for best possible outcomes.  As this is a more advanced class than the level the students are currently serving in or had previously studied, they are taking a more intense look into how the body functions, what happens when things go wrong, and actions they could take to give their patients the best possible help.

 Before becoming certified as Advanced EMTs (AEMTs), the students are required to complete a state approved course.  Following the completion of their course they must pass a psychomotor examination which is intended to simulate several different emergency situations where the AEMT candidates must demonstrate their ability to perform the necessary care. In the exam, the students will individually have a series of scenarios that they must treat by either showing  or explaining the steps they would take.  The exams include basic skills such as providing CPR and using and AED, establishing an IV and giving medications through it, establishing an intraosseous infusion (similar to an IV into the bone), treating a medical emergency such as cardiac or respiratory distress by inserting an airway device and treating a traumatic injury emergency.

The class has required a significant amount of time to study, learn and memorize the information they will need to pass their exams and to use as AEMTs.

 Students must also pass a final exam set by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).  The rigorous test is comprehensive and includes questions about the varying body systems, treating specific illnesses or diseases, steps taken to identify the underlying causes, safely transporting a patient and an EMTs lega, moral, and ethical resobibilties and duties.

 Each EMT is also required to do a ride along with an ambulance unit outside their own department.  Throughout January the students have been joining the Logan City Fire Department and taking the opportunity to have some hands-on learning.  There is no guarantee that the ambulance will be called out but even if not, it is a great experience to see how different departments meet the needs of their communities.

When asked why they chose to serve as EMTs, why they were interested in taking the class and how it would help the community, the EMTs shared:

“We don’t have the time, equipment or capabilities to diagnose or fix problems in the field.  But we do have the knowledge and the skills to get them where they need to be to get that sort of help.  We are the connection between the problem (the accident or illness) and the solution (definitive care with doctors and hospitals).”

 “I wanted to move up because I’m always wanting to better myself.  It also helps me in my own job in our community.  The more EMTs that can run at that advanced level means we can provide a high level of care.”

 “In this community we are helping and serving our friends and neighbors.  It’s hard to think about someone we know being sick or hurt but I would rather be the one to help them instead of some other stranger.  I need to give them my very best efforts, starting now as I’m in this class.”

“This class is hard and rough and we have had to be very dedicated.  I’ve missed family events and felt glued to my computer and book doing the homework, but we are almost done!”

 “I didn't grow up here and I don't have family here, so getting to know everyone on the unit and everyone on the unit has become my family.  We tease each other, check in on each other and always have each other's back.  I could not ask for anything better!”

“This job is very rewarding and we have so many people that will always be close to our hearts because of the situations that we were placed in with them. Many of the people we help don't know, but we pray for them to recover. They stay with us and on our minds forever.”

“We see people on what could be their very worst day.  We want to do everything we can to alleviate any of the hardship they are facing.”

 “The great thing about more people at this level is that we have more help across the valley with different strengths ready to help, allowing us to act faster and bring help more quickly.”

 “I have had a lot of memorable experiences and some that have touched my heart that I will never forget.  The best thing about being an EMT for me is when I have helped someone and they say thank you for being there for me when I needed it.  That makes it all worth it!”

 Members in the class include Andrea Bleazard, Allison Eliason, Quinn Eliason, Natalie Higley, Britney Leckie, Chesley Lewis, Shanlynn Nimer and Rhonda Poulson.  The class is taught by Trissa Nesbit and Candy Broadus.