Celebrate National EMT Week By Getting to Know JVEMSR

“Call 911!” This exclamation brings a sense of panic yet reassurance knowing help is on the way, but what does that really mean in a rural area? Realistically, it means there may not be anyone to respond or the resources aren’t available. According to a report by the Montana Department of Health and Human Services only about three-fourths of Montana is covered by volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The report also details the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers to provide services due to high education requirements and low pay. In addition, unlike the police and fire, EMS is not legally mandated in Montana, leaving them subject to more budget cuts while some services provided are not reimbursed unless transporting a patient to the hospital. (1) In other words, not all 911 calls result in immediate and efficient care.

However; in the best-case scenario, calling 911 results in fast, capable, and efficient help rushing to solve the problem, providing medical assistance, and often saving a life. Lucky for those living in and around the Jefferson County area that is exactly what it means because Jefferson Valley EMS and Rescue (JVEMSR) is ready and willing to “rise to the challenge.” In 2021 alone, the JVEMSR responded to an astounding 544 calls and drove 36,700 miles. Not only does the JVEMSR respond to 911 calls, but the service also provides interfacility transfers, scheduled event standby, and in-home health care through Community Integrated Health.

“Rising to the Challenge’’ is the theme of this year’s National Emergency Medical Service Week, a national campaign to raise awareness of the important role of EMS practitioners, happening May 15-21, 2022. Gillian Schmitz, MD, FACEP, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians says “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. 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.”(2)

JVEMSR is recognized as the EMS principal provider of services to the people of Whitehall and the surrounding community located in Jefferson County, and parts of Madison and Silver Bow Counties. These services include pre-hospital care and transportation to definitive care facilities for both emergency and non-emergency situations as well as facilitating community first aid education, CPR education, and emergency preparedness. Their primary goal is to meet the rapidly growing and changing demands of emergency care and to offer those services to the communities within the area. JVEMSR strives to deliver the best services that can be provided through continuous education and training for both our team members and the general public. If you are interested in training as an EMT and joining the JVEMSR crew, contact the office for more information on how to receive training and become involved. The service can be contacted at jvemsr@gmail.com or (406)287-3555.

For more information on EMS week, visit https://bit.ly/38k7ICn or https://bit.ly/3Fzc3O3.