Testimonials

Ludlow Ambulance Service

"One of the best things to have happened to Ludlow Ambulance Service, the town of Ludlow and the surrounding communities that we serve is to have had the privilege of hosting an ERC/AmeriCorps volunteer since this past October. Because of our ERC member, Ludlow Ambulance Service (LAS) has been able to significantly improve our ability to cover emergency calls during the daytime weekdays AND the time it takes us to get to our patients which is so critical in emergency medicine! Our ERC member has also helped us reach out to our high school community and helped us re-initiate our junior EMS program. I believe that this program will benefit these high school kids by getting hands on experience in a career that they are interested in, giving them a jump start and focus on their future. All of our ERC/AmeriCorps member's contributions have tremendously helped not only our volunteer Service to maintain and recruit other volunteers but he has added to our ability to assure the best possible EMS care to our community/patients. Even our town Selectboard has commented on the value of having an AmeriCorps/ERC member!

We want to thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in this fantastic program. Keep up the great work. Your organization has benefited many more than you could possibly know!"
Susan Poirier, EMT-I'03, Ludlow Ambulance Service Secretary, Ludlow, Vermont

Durham Fire Rescue

I know you've heard my positive comments about the program, but I felt that this would be the appropriate time for them to be placed in writing.

Over the last year we have had an Americorp worker at Durham Fire & Rescue. The impact it has had on the department is nothing short of amazing. She has improved our service inspections, and the associated records, improved the appearance of the station, assisted and conducted orientation programs for new members. She is a valuable asset for daytime emergency responses, and although already a more than capable licensed EMS provider has worked diligently to attain State Fire Fighter Certification.

I thought these created an impressive list of contributions, but they are just the obvious. Our Americorp worker has worked with the Exploring program, rejuvenating it with a high level of enthusiasm. Our Explorers created a video to be used by the Fire Prevention Committee as part of our EMS Week program last spring. I know we were very lucky with our Americorp worker, but I'm firmly convinced any service or community is lucky to have one.

I hope funds are always available so that others can experience what we have, and so that we may continue the experience. On behalf of the department and the Town, thank you!
Chief St. Michel, Durham Fire Rescue, Durham, Maine

Milford Fire Department

The Emergency Response Corps has enhanced the ability of our organization to provide a greater level of service to the community through public education, awareness and response.

The program has allowed us to prepare for the future of the fire service by providing leadership and skill training to those who will follow in our foot steps.

The ERC program has allowed our organization to provide additional staffing at minimal costs to our citizens.
Captain Jason A Smedick, Milford Fire Department, Milford, NH

New Gloucester Fire Rescue

The time is fast approaching where we will be completing our second year of having an Americorps volunteer here at New Gloucester Fire and Rescue Department. The time has gone by so quickly and it has truly been an outstanding opportunity for the department and community.

Our Americorps member, James Murray, has been an asset to our department and has been the lead person on getting our fire & rescue explorer program established. By having him here we have been able to get more accomplished than we could have by just relying on the volunteer staff. Most importantly he has been that second fulltime person here at the station during the weekdays to respond on calls. He has promoted public education through the schools and daycares reaching over 1,500 children, young teens, and teachers making them all aware of what they can do to stay safe. In return we have provided him an opportunity to enhance his training and skills not only in the area of fire rescue, but also public speaking, organizational skills, goal setting and other important responsibilities.

With all the responsibilities and tasks that have to be done whether a department is combination or volunteer there is no better opportunity than through the Americorp program to get a fire and rescue oriented person who wants to be there to assist in the station and community and respond to emergencies. This program allows communities who can not afford to pay for a fulltime person to get a qualified person, sometimes an existing volunteer in their organization, on board for 25% of the cost of a fulltime person, and that person gets a stipend amount of money along with a very substantial educational award, insurance, and daycare. It is a win-win for both the organization and the individual and I would highly recommend it to any chief exploring the short staffing issues that we are all faced with today.
Chief Gary Sacco, New Gloucester Fire Rescue

Canandaigua Emergency Squad

The New York State Department of Health has reported that even with a dedicated training fund to pay for EMS certification classes, the total number of EMS providers has remained fairly much the same since 1993. The number of EMS calls, however, continues to increase putting an even further demand on the already stretched volunteer services.

I can comment on the positive impact the ERC program of AmeriCorps has had here at Canandaigua Emergency Squad. Over the last year, because we had the help of an AmeriCorps volunteer, we have been able to implement a "File-of-life" program for the elderly population. This emergency medical information file kept in the individuals home or apartment has often been the only access to information on a patient who is in immediate need of our services. Without this "File-of-life", our medics would not have been able to obtain the patient's medical history, list of medications, or known what allergies the person had.

We have also been able to increase our volunteer rolls due to having an AmeriCorps volunteer who could spend the time in recruitment activities. Due to AmeriCorps and the ERC program, we had someone who could spend time at our local schools and civic gatherings talking about who we are and inviting new members to join.

I personally look forward to continuing our partnership with ERC and AmeriCorps for as long as possible.
Ken Beers, Chief, Canandaigua Emergency Squad, Canandaigua, NY 14424