Phillips County EMS Graduates Five

EMT Instructor Riley Abrahamson and EMT Board Chairman Vince Mace both relaxed and were a wee bit at ease when the recent session of EMT training came to a close. The graduating five had started in a class of nine. Riley and Vince are pleased to have the five; they will be a welcome addition to the ambulance service. Malta ambulance service will gain the assistance of three, if all sign up after their tests; two live out of town.

In an interview last week, Abrahamson stated that four of the five had passed and were waiting to get scheduled for the State Boards. There is an incentive for the ones who sign up first. The cost of the class was covered this session through private and business donations, and a grant. With the rising costs incurred with the training, this was a big boost of encouragement.

Riley stated there have been a couple of changes within the Ambulance Service lately. Crystal Korman of Saco was hired as a Training Coordinator, and Colleen Kauth is EMS Coordinator.

Riley said the program is continuing with its' daily operations; they are still exploring the option of attaining an ambulance barn to house the ambulances from Mother Nature. People in this community are fully aware of the severe climate and the lack of mercury effect on vehicles...especially when the vehicle that is called to transport someone as if their life depended on it. Many times it does.

The ambulance service currently has five ambulances, one of which will be used as a training ambulance. Volunteers who provide this service locally are Vince Mace, Janessa Malmend, William Hofer and Riley. Whitewater is still home to one volunteer, Carli Olson; if a transport is needed to a hospital, the Malta unit has to respond.

"Retain and recruit" is the unspoken goal of the Ambulance service. Welcome, Parker, Michelle, Wyomi, Kari, and Gage.