Area Ambulance Service Undergoes Training

The session was constructed in a way to elevate teamwork and integrate events that included rescue type simulation.

All staff participated in the training event, divided into Red and Blue teams with 4-5 member per team. There were three safety officers to monitor the staff and a gator to ensure staff safety during the event.

For the first event, a one-mile hike for evacuation of a full size mannequin, a backboard and straps were available. Packs were weighted down with sand, to simulate the weight of a cardiac monitor and ammo cans were weighted for simulation of a drug box. No equipment could be left behind. Staff had to work together to decide a plan on how to evacuate their patient to safe zone over terrain.

At the safe zone was the beginning of the next event. The second event included a water rescue of a mother and a child. Only two life vests, a back board with straps and a rope were provided to each team. No staff member could enter the water with out a life vest, nor could a victim be retrieved without having a vest on. The team must work together to plan the best and safest way to retrieve a "sick child and mother." Every staff member entered the water.

After hiking back to the original evacuation point with gear the third event was described. Three team members would be blindfolded and a team leader verbally guided them each through an obstacle course. The course included carrying two weighted ammo cans to the first drop point, low crawling to the second drop point where you gathered your patient (a mannequin) and pulling your patient around a small course and then back to the starting point. This enforces good communication with each other not to mention trust.

After the events, staff members' families met the team at the pavilion for a pizza party.

Anna Hobler was given a certificate of appreciation for her hard work tremendous growth in the company. A spokesman said, "She is eager to pick up extra shifts and is always willing to go the extra mile to help her co-workers and company. We are very proud of her and happy to have her as part of our team."

Also, Jerrod Estes was awarded two promotions with in the company, to Director of Public Relations and Shift Supervisor. A spokesman said, "Jerrod has been instrumental in promoting our company and has helped our company grow by leaps and bounds! He has proved himself as a natural leader. We could not have chosen anyone better to take the reigns and help manage the in and outs on his shifts."