A call to serve: Lansing Emergency Medical Services needs more “helpers”

EMT Class offered beginning in January at NICC Waukon Center

by Lissa Blake

(Editor’s Note: This feature on the Lansing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program is the second in a multi-part series addressing the need for additional Emergency Medical Services personnel in Allamakee County. Additional area communities will be featured in subsequent articles.)

When Steph Hill was a child, her mother would always tell her to look for the helpers.

“I would see scary things in the news and my mother would say to me, ‘Just look for the helpers… You will always find people who are helping’,” said Hill, assistant director of Lansing Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

However, unless something changes in the near future, Hill said she fears her mother’s words will no longer be true.

“If Lansing EMS does not get more volunteers, there will not always be helpers. We are trying our best with limited people available,” she said.

Hill explained Lansing EMS has a roster of 13 drivers and 13 EMTs (emergency medical technicians) who try to provide adequate ambulance coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“People have different schedules and work out of town. It can be a challenge to put the schedule together every month. We have some people who are taking up to thirteen 12- to 24-hour shifts,” she said.

Hill said weekday, day shifts are particularly difficult, and volunteers end up leaving their own jobs or businesses to take calls.

“These few can no longer cover all of these shifts. Patrons in our community will have to wait for an ambulance to come from Waukon, La Crosse, Prairie du Chien or Viroqua. I don’t think the public is truly aware of how short we are… of how close we are to not having a service. They take it for granted because they don’t know any different,” said Hill.

LIFE AND DEATH
Hill said although the Lansing EMS only takes about 140 calls a year, having an ambulance respond quickly in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death.

“I want my friends and family to have an ambulance available. I don’t want them to have to wait for an ambulance from Waukon,” said Hill.

UPCOMING CLASS
In an effort to fill a countywide shortage, Northeast Iowa Community College in Waukon is offering a class, beginning in January. The overall class is 132 hours, or 34 sessions, held Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The tuition is $1,239, not including the cost of books and uniforms, which adds approximately $379 to the cost.

People who are willing to join Lansing EMS will have their tuition reimbursed.

“It’s a good option for a retired person or for anyone who has ever thought of helping out,” said Hill, adding businesses in Lansing continue to be extremely supportive of employees who need to leave when they’re on call. Hill said volunteers are typically required to live 10 minutes from the station, “But we’re not really in a position to be picky.”

ANYONE CAN DO IT
Rick and Julie Welsh became EMTs 25 years ago and have been helping ever since. Rick said he started as a driver, but then both he and his wife saw the need and decided to take the EMT class.

“We all have self doubt. I was a classic example. I didn’t know if it was for me or not. But when you’ve seen the people you’ve helped, something else takes over. I think about if that was me lying on the ground, unable to help myself. I would want someone to help me. Lansing EMS has been able to help and that needs to continue,” shared Rick.

PLEASE HELP
Hill said she encourages anyone who has ever had the thought they might like to volunteer, to pursue the idea further. Those who may have additional questions about becoming an EMT or anything regarding the class may contact Hill or Welsh.

“I worry for Lansing. If we don’t remain able to cover ourselves, the whole county will be short,” Hill said. “If people have the capacity to help out at all, it would be greatly appreciated.”

UPCOMING CLASS
Anyone interested in attending the EMT class to help serve any of the Allamakee County communities should contact Northeast Iowa Community College at 800-728-2256. Orientation for the class is Monday, January 7 and the class begins Monday, January 14. More information about the upcoming course can also be found on Page 1B of the December 11, 2019 edition of The Standard.