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Kenneth J. Gardner, CC-EMTP, EMT-P Director of Operations 2009 Annual Report to the Public
2009 Annual Report
CALLS
During the 2009 calendar year, Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad responded to a total of 2302 calls for service. This resulted in 2278 actual patient contacts. The OVRS responded to 1628 in the City of Ogdensburg, 373 in the Town of Oswegatchie, 108 in the Town of Lisbon, 103 in the Village of Heuvelton, 76 in the Town of Morristown, 47 in the Town of Waddington, 37 in the Town of Hammond, 18 in the Town of Depeyster. We also took calls in the Town’s of Macomb, Canton, Dekalb, Herman, Madrid, Russell, and Rossie. We also responded to the Village of Rennselaer Falls. In addition we were available to many other agencies for ALS intercepts. OVRS also made itself available for more transfers from hospital to hospital for the critically ill patients and transported 35 of those patients usually to Syracuse. The remainders of the calls were categorized as other, which includes calls where we were provided a standby, where OVRS was cancelled or where patient contact was not made.
The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad treated patients for the following complaints: Abdominal Pain – 61, Allergic Reactions – 13, Animal Bites – 1, Assaults – 18, Back Pain – 20, Breathing Problems – 293, Burns – 2, Cardiac Arrests – 29, Chest Pains – 196, Chocking – 5, Seizures – 105, Diabetic Problems – 64, Drowning – 3, Falls – 208, Hemorrhage/Lacerations – 69, Poisoning – 39, Pain – 188, Traffic Accidents – 197, Traumatic Injuries – 47, Stroke/CVA – 45, Unconscious/Fainting – 112 and many more miscellaneous calls for service.
On average, Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad was enroute to a call within 2.32 minutes and arrived on scene in less than 5.45 minutes of dispatch in the city of Ogdensburg. When you include all surrounding areas we service, our on scene time is an amazing 7.29 minutes.
SERVICE AREA
The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad provides emergency ambulance service in a primary district consisting of the City of Ogdensburg, Town of Oswegatchie, Town of Depeyster, and Village of Heuvelton. Mutual Aid and Advanced Life Support assistance is provided to the ambulance services in Lisbon, Morristown, Hammond, Waddington, Hermon, Madrid, and Rensselaer Falls as needed. The Off Shore Rescue Team responds to water related incidents throughout the county with the St. Lawrence County Underwater Recovery Team. The rescue/vehicle extrication team has responded to numerous incidents also throughout St. Lawrence County.
MEMBERS AND STAFF
Our current roster includes 47 volunteers. These very dedicated volunteers donated in excess of 24,000 hours to their communities in 2009. At the current average rate for paid providers, this represents a savings of over $323,232 to the communities we serve in salary. The Volunteers of Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad receive no compensation for their service to their community. There are six volunteers with over 20 years of service, five with 15-19 years of service, one with 10-14 years of service, seven with 5-9 years of service and 27 with fewer than five years of service.
The volunteer membership consists of one Paramedic, Ten Advanced Critical Care EMT’s, Two Advanced EMT’s Intermediates, eighteen Basic EMT’s and 16 CPR Certified Drivers. The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad also has a paid Advanced Life Support provider that is on duty 24 hours, seven days a week. Of this staff there are two Critical Care Paramedic’s, five Paramedics and seven Advanced Critical Care EMT’s. The members and employees of the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad maintain their skills and knowledge through a monthly training program supplemented by outside training courses. In 2009, OVRS hosted several courses including an advanced 12-Lead Course to help members be able to diagnose a possible heart attack quicker and transport to the proper cardiac facility.
A Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Providers course was also given and was opened to all providers from the North Country Region. This course was available for both BLS and ALS providers and filled up within hours of being announced. Furthermore we paid for members to attend NYS training’s in Rochester, NY, Regional trainings in Syracuse and Lewis County and finally the regions annual “Spring Fling” EMS training in Alexandria Bay. Many different topics were discussed and many more Continuing Medical Education hours of training were credited. OVRS updated its members and employee’s, as they must every two years for the American Heart Association CPR Guidelines and in 2009 OVRS added four new American Heart Association CPR Instructors.
Many members and employees serve as preceptors for EMS students in the SUNY Canton and Jefferson Community College EMS programs. In 2009, OVRS had the opportunity to provide a preceptor site to students from the EMT-B, AEMT-I, AEMT-CC and Paramedic programs.
Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad continues to be a leader in the region by hosting a NYS Extrication course. This training teaches the latest techniques in vehicle extrication, which allows us to be able to free a trapped patient quickly and get them to a medical facility quicker.
Our Dive Team added new members as well and all members received their certifications as Open Water Divers and continued on and received their Advanced Diver certifications. Others are continuing on to the very intense Rescue Diver Course.
OFFICERS The 2010 Officers of the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad are: President - Jean McLear Vice President - Robert Bromley Treasurer - R. Storm Cilley Secretary - William Lovely Board Member - Steve Fortune Board Member - Chris Havens Board Member - Scott Cole Director of Operations - Kenneth Gardner Assistant Director - David Montroy Extrication Coordinator - Dave Montroy Offshore Rescue Coordinator - John Porter Training Director – Ann Smith
HIGHLIGHTS
In 2009, the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad continued “building” for the future by hiring Mitchell Associates as their lead Architect on our new building project. The building committee, which is lead by Grover Katzman, continues to make progress on this project. A fundraising endeavor should begin in the near future. All of this work and time is done strictly by volunteers. The work being done as well as the new building will allow OVRS to continue supplying the highest possible level of care to the citizens of the many areas we serve.
Our biggest purchase in 2009 was a new ambulance. This ambulance comes to us with all of the newest and state of the art equipment. This ambulance allows OVRS the opportunity to continue delivering the latest innovations in the EMS field to our patients. We attempt to purchase a new ambulance to replace older ones every three years. With the amount of calls, the amount of miles and stresses placed on the vehicles makes this absolutely imperative for OVRS to continue to do. Our ambulances have a normal service life of nine years. It is due to the generosity of our community that enables us to make these purchases
In May we took possession of three new battery operated hydraulic stretchers from Stryker products. These stretchers allow OVRS members to be free of any manual lifting from floor level to shoulder height and can lift up to 600 pounds. These will further patient care by making the lift much smoother for the patient and at the same time will reduce members back injuries from lifting. The stretchers have been in service since June 1, 2009 and there has not been a single back strain or injury report since that time. Back injuries from lifting are by far the number one injury reported in the EMS field annually.
In 2009, the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad members participated in many community events such as the Polar Plunge. OVRS works with the Chamber of Commerce to put on a fun event that allows participants and spectators a chance to come have some fun and laughs for good causes. The members of Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad are responsible for cutting the hole in the ice, getting and maintaining the hot tub for the participants to warm up in and most importantly for the safety of all participants. Members harness each participant and provide the lifeline so no one gets injured and the day is a great success.
Our annual Ice fishing derby was a great success with over 250 participants. The event takes place on Wheathouse Bay and the fishing is always fierce. OVRS also held Spaghetti dinner, chicken barbeque and other events designed to get the Community to come and become involved in the rescue squad.
Our volunteers and paid staff continue to make early education a top priority. We participate with our local school systems to make children aware of why and what we do. Our members work with different fire departments by participating in training drills that include live fire exercises as well as mock DWI drills at local high schools to bring awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.
The OVRS Dive team responded to 6 calls for service. The OVRS Dive team is comprised of 15 divers of different skill levels. Current certifications include Dive Instructor, Dive Master, Rescue diver, Basic and Advanced Open Water diver, Ice diver, Deep Water diver and Wreck diver, Rapid Recovery SAR/R diver and boat operator. In 2009, OVRS certified five (5) Advanced Open Water divers and three (3) Open water Divers.
The OVRS Extrication Team responded to 112 calls for service in 2009. Of which a number of those calls required the use of the “Jaws of Life” to remove a patient. The rescue team operates a heavy rescue truck that is equipped with AMKUS Ultimate System for extrication of trapped occupants. This unit carries hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams. A full set of air bags and rescue jacks are also carried for lifting and stabilizing.
The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad also operates a Special Response Trailer for prolonged on scene operations. This vehicle allows for support at events such as fires, search and recovery operations and of course special community events.
EQUIPMENT
The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad currently operates three ambulances equipped to provide Advanced Life Support, a motor vehicle extrication truck, a four wheel drive ALS/Offshore Rescue response vehicle, and a boat used for water related emergencies.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad continues to enjoy tremendous support from the individuals and organizations within the communities that we serve. The membership thanks everyone in the community who has supported the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad during the past year by donating to the annual letter drive, making a regular donation, making a donation in memory of a loved one, or leaving a bequest in their will. This support is very important to us. The funds that we receive from the municipalities and through billing are not enough. Your donations allow us to purchase improved equipment and keep the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad responding to your calls for help.
We would like to thank the Ogdensburg Police Department, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, The New York State Police, The Border Patrol, The Ogdensburg, Lisbon, Morristown, Heuvelton, Rensselaer Falls, Waddington, Hermon, Hammond, Brier Hill, Morley, and Canton Rescue Squads, First Responder Units, and Fire Departments for their assistance throughout the year.
The membership appreciates the support of the citizens in City of Ogdensburg, Village of Heuvelton, Town of Oswegatchie, Town of Depeyster, and County of St. Lawrence during the past year.
Each and every member of the communities that we serve is important to us. The continued support of people in the communities that we serve make it possible for the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad to exist, obtain the best quality equipment and training, and provide you with Ambulance and Rescue Service. THANK YOU!!!
INTERESTED IN JOINING?
The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad is the ultimate community service organization. The rewarding experience of serving your fellow citizens in their time of need is unmatched. The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad is always looking for new members. If you are at least 18 years of age, a licensed driver, of good moral character, and interested in helping others we are interested in you as a member. We will provide you with the opportunity to serve your community in a very rewarding way. We will provide you with the opportunity to become trained in CPR and Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Care. You will also have the opportunity to take training as a SCUBA diver, EMS Instructor, and other rewarding areas of EMS. If you are interested please stop by the Rescue Squad Building at 101 State Street to meet the duty crew, tour the building and vehicles, learn more about the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, and pick up an application to a very rewarding experience.
More information and applications can be found on the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squads web site at www.ogdensburgrescue.org.
CALL 911
All citizens are reminded that the best way to get emergency medical help is to call 911. 911 provides fast access to well trained dispatchers, who will get the appropriate EMS units on the way quickly, and will provide emergency medical directions on the phone. In addition the address of the caller is automatically displayed on the computer screen, helping emergency units find you faster. |