A View of the Valley

by Linda Schwanke How many of us wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)? I know I wouldn’t.  Years ago, I had not one but two anaphylactic reactions. In both cases, my family called 911. Naturally, I didn’t want them to. I wanted one of them just drive me to the hospital but I wasn’t exactly thinking clearly. They made the right call and the Spring Green ambulance arrived at our door and took me to the hospital as quickly as they safely could. I remember the safely part because one of the trips was during a snowstorm and the EMTs debated about which route to take. One was faster but curvy and uncomfortable, the other was a few minutes longer but on better roads. I have no idea what they decided. I have few memories of the trips other than that and hearing Jerry Baryenbruch say that he’d never seen hives spread so fast and completely, including on my feet. I also remember Derek Miller was one of the EMTs and as they dropped me off, said he’d pray for me. It was such a comfort that it stuck with me. And here I am, able to thank the EMTs for saving my life.  The EMTs of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Arena, Lone Rock, Plain and Spring Green have saved countless lives. During EMS week, we should all take time to thank them. This year EMS Week theme is “EMS: Rising to the Challenge.” This is especially true now, as the pandemic waves and wanes and case counts are so up and down it makes your head spin. The EMTs are there, for us, on the front lines, providing day-to-day life saving services for us.  I found two quotes I particularly like on the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) website: “This is the 47th annual celebration of EMS Week, where we honor our frontline heroes, dedicated to providing emergency medicine that saves so many lives every day,” said Gillian Schmitz, MD, FACEP, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “The theme of ‘Rising to the Challenge’ is particularly meaningful as it reminds our nation that EMS professionals are faced with so many challenges today and they still rise above them. Through it all, EMS continues to respond, support and care for the needs of our communities.”  “EMS Week is a time to recognize how our nation’s paramedics and EMTs have risen to the challenge time and time again in response to the needs of our patients and our communities,” said Chief Bruce Evans, MPA, CFO, NRP, SPO, President of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. “We show up every day despite personal risk, hardship and inadequate resources. The extraordinary environment in which we’ve operated during the past two years showcases our resilience, our dedication and our readiness.”  There are countless ways to say thank you. Drop a note in the mail, or email them. Make a healthy snack like a fruit basket, nuts or berries, for EMTs. Donate money. Offer to help out in any way you are able.  As you thank the people in our communities who serve on the EMS, think about volunteering to become an EMT. None of us are getting any younger. For a variety of reasons, we’re not seeing an influx of people who are younger and as we age, the need for EMTs becomes greater each year. There’s a training class coming up in Plain this fall that will be easy to get to. Everyone I know who is and has been an EMT says it is a rewarding experience.  Contact EMS director Tyler Tisdale in Arena at (608) 753-2335 or email arenaems84@gmail.com to become an EMT. EMS chief Theresa Jensen in Lone Rock can be reached at (608) 583-0099. In Plain, call Tracey Brent at (608) 574-9200 or email brent.trac@gmail.com Spring Green EMS chief Derek Miller, whose service is offering COVID-19 testing and vaccines in addition to their regular duties, can be reached at (608) 575-3198 or email dmiller2300@gmail.com Stay in touch. My phone number is (608) 574-3159 – call or text me anytime. You can also email me at homenewseditor@newspubinc.com