EMS Week Recognizes EMS Professionals

This week, professionals and volunteers with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) celebrate fifty years of life-saving commitment with EMS Week, May 19-25. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) wish to honor the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices of EMS professionals around the country with a 50th Anniversary theme: "Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future." Several members of the Blaine County ambulance crews share testimonials as well as appeals for volunteers.

According to Susan Bailey, MSEM, NRP, and President of NAEMT, "EMS Week celebrates the paramedics, EMTs, and other EMS professionals who work diligently to care for their patients and serve their communities in times of crisis. The 2024 EMS theme, 'Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future' not only reminds us of the proud history of our profession and contributions of EMS practitioners over the decades but also speaks to our central role of providing frontline medical care to communities everywhere. Our commitment is to overcome healthcare gaps for the betterment of our patients."

In a presidential proclamation in 1974, President Gerald Ford called on the nation to support efforts to improve emergency medical care across the country. He also authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities.

In honoring the past, Steve Leitner, Chief for Blaine II, recalled the Constitution of the Blaine County Ambulance Service, which was ratified on August 10, 1977. At the time, the service consisted of Blaine I in Chinook and Blaine II in Turner.

The Preamble reads: "Whereas, we believe ambulance service is a necessity for the welfare of the citizens of Blaine County and the surrounding environs, we do form the Blaine County Ambulance Service." In Turner, that Constitution was signed by eight founding members.

For the past 50 years, the EMS Week campaign has brought the country together to celebrate the accomplishments of EMTs, paramedics, and other prehospital team members who provide lifesaving services on medicine's frontline. To fully celebrate these first responders, EMS

Week will feature activities, training, and special events around these daily themes:

• Sunday, May 19: Health, Wellness and Resilience Day

• Monday, May 20: EMS Education Day

• Tuesday, May 21: EMS Safety Day

• Wednesday, May 22: EMS for Children Day

• Thursday, May 23: Save-A-Life Day (CPR and National Stop the Bleed Day)

• Friday, May 24: EMS Recognition Day

• Saturday, May 25: EMS Remembrance Day

While many of those themes are self-explanatory, Monday saw the Blaine I crew distributing coloring books to the young people. Tuesday's theme encourages first responders to focus on stress reduction, self-care, and mental health awareness programs, and Thursday's reminds us that it doesn't matter how quickly EMS practitioners get to a scene, bystanders will always be there first. Save-a-Life Day empowers the general public to learn and apply steps that can be taken to help save a life. Friday and Saturday are reserved for honoring members of the EMS community who regularly make the commitment to go beyond what is expected in the line of duty to serve their communities. That recognition extends to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the people they served.

Assisting on one of those teams in Blaine County, Lisa Baldik functions as the Chief of Harlem Ambulance, Blaine III; Steve Leitner is Chief of the Big Flat Ambulance, Blaine II; and Josh Nordboe and Dan Friede provide leadership as Co-Crew Chiefs of the Chinook Ambulance, Blaine I. Most members from these crews have reported that recruitment is their biggest issue. Many have also commented on how rewarding it is to be a member who benefits the community.

A relatively new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on the Blaine I crew, Jamie Roth has served for just over two years. She spoke about having the "privilege" of witnessing her mother's "unwavering dedication" to serving the community as an EMT and training officer for Chinook Ambulance.

Roth went on to describe her experience: "As a child, I often found myself playing the role of a patient during her training sessions. I remember watching her leave family events, sporting events, and other occasions to respond to emergency calls. At the time, I couldn't comprehend why she would put herself through such demanding work or what she gained from it. However, it wasn't until I became an EMT myself that I truly understood her passion and the immense fulfillment that comes with helping others in their most challenging moments."

Following in her mother's footsteps, Roth serves in Chinook, where she grew up. "I frequently encounter questions about why I chose this path and how I manage to respond to calls in the middle of the night, only to go to work the following day. Some wonder if I ever feel exhausted or if I am compensated for being on call. My response to these inquiries remains consistent: 'It is all worth it.' When I committed to becoming a first responder, I knew full well that it would entail early mornings, late nights, and sacrifice. I anticipated missing important family events, sporting occasions, and even holidays. Nevertheless, possessing the skills and knowledge to aid someone on the worst day of their life is an incredibly rewarding experience."

Roth also explained that serving in an EMT role is not always about treating severe injuries or stopping life-threatening bleeding. "Sometimes, people simply need someone to listen to them or ensure their vitals are stable. Being that person and receiving a heartfelt 'thank you for helping' from patients makes serving my community as an EMT undeniably one of the greatest blessings in my life."

As advice to anyone with interest in becoming a first responder, Roth says, "To those who hesitate due to self-doubt or a lack of direction, I offer a simple recommendation: If you genuinely aspire to become a first responder, possess the compassion for it, and are willing to invest your time and dedication, reach out to a crew member. I can personally attest to the initial fear and feeling of unpreparedness that often accompanies the decision to embark on this journey. However, the crew members at Chinook Ambulance are exceptional at alleviating those fears and providing the necessary support. They are an extraordinary group with years of experience, ready to impart their wisdom and share invaluable tips and tricks. This career is a continuous learning process, and the crew members themselves become a second family, offering a sense of camaraderie and extraordinary support."

Although becoming a first responder may not be for everyone, because of the time and dedication required, it comes with rewards. "As a member of the community, serving as an EMT allows you to give back in a tangible and meaningful ways. You have the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life when they need it the most. And that, in my opinion, is worth every sacrifice and every moment of fear or uncertainty," Roth concluded.

Crew Chief for Blaine 3, Lisa Baldik agrees with Roth. "Being an EMT has been one of the most rewarding experiences (besides my children) that I have done for myself. Blaine III Harlem has a very small crew, and we all enjoy working together to be of service, not only to our community but by helping with the other two county ambulance services as well as at Fort Belknap."

Baldik added: "I would like to relay to anybody that has ever thought, 'I think I would like to be an EMT someday,' to DO IT!"

Another person who values volunteerism and felt that joining the ambulance crew would be a great way to serve her community, Taryn Schmitt serves with Blaine I. She also honors her past by telling a story about her experiences as an EMT since joining the crew in 2019 when she was a new mother.

"I joined because I enjoy working in the medical field and helping people. I also wanted to learn what to do in emergency situations so I could take care of my own family to the best of my ability. Being an EMT later proved to be a great stepping stone and foundation for nursing school and my future career as a nurse. I am very thankful I took the leap and signed up for that EMT class; it has been very rewarding," Schmitt stated.

When invited to share any insights about juggling her roles as a wife, mother, business owner, registered nurse, and volunteer, Schmitt responded: "We often get asked how we fit EMS into our busy schedules. My answer is that we just do. It's a sacrifice but important, so I try my best to help where I can. That has looked different for me through different phases of life and motherhood, and the Blaine County I ambulance crew has been understanding and awesome about that. I've taken calls anywhere from four nights a week through nursing school to not being on the schedule due to life and babies. They work with you, as we all are just trying to help where we can. We are all volunteers. All of our crew members lead busy lives, and the majority of us are business owners, parents, and all working our other jobs. Every one of us sacrifices something when we are on call. Some of my crewmates leave their day jobs and businesses to make an ambulance run. Many have had to leave a holiday dinner/weekend plans to answer a page. I chose to sacrifice a little sleep and prefer night shifts. We all have the same goal in mind at the end of the day: to keep our community safe and be there when someone needs help. The sacrifice is worth it."

As far as forging the future of EMS, Schmitt said: "When someone calls 911 for an ambulance, it is assumed that help will be on the way, and fast! In our area of rural Montana, that medical help comes from volunteer EMTs. What if one day the volunteers stop volunteering and aren't replaced? It is a very scary thought that help may not arrive. This is the case and a real-life struggle for many rural areas, including some right in our own backyard. Our local ambulance crew has worked very hard to maintain coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week so this isn't the case for our community right now. I thank my crewmates for their dedication and devotion! In order to continue this essential service for our community, we need to honor and acknowledge the hard work and commitment of past and present EMS workers, while also striving to build and support the future of EMS through further volunteerism."

In getting more people to step up, take the EMS classes, and join a crew, Schmitt echoes the sentiments of both Roth and Baldik: "If you are someone that enjoys helping others, is medically-minded and able-bodied, you should consider joining your local EMS or fire crew. Yes, the worst of the worst calls will happen; we get through those together. The majority of the calls have positive outcomes, however, and it's rewarding to know you had a part in making a difference, helping someone, or saving a life. We need more volunteers and responders. Your community is what you make it, so let's make ours a safe one!"