Wallingford EMS celebrates fourth year of service
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WALLINGFORD - The Wallingford Emergency Medical Service was the idea of one man.
Jarrod Fischer, fire chief of Wallingford, started Wallingford EMS.
"I wanted to add something to our community that we serve. The community is very supportive and appreciates our EMS service and our EMTS who do serve."
Wallingford MS was started in 2006. Four fire department members took the First Responder and EMT-B class through Iowa Lakes Community College.
Fischer said, "We had two members who were already EMT certified. Four other members successfully passed and became state certified, including Jeremy Bodle, Mindy Mickelson, Mike McCarty and Myron Brenner. Our service has grown within the last couple years, people within the community also took the EMT class. Today we have 11 EMTs."
EMS members are involved with ongoing training. Each member has a certain amount of hours needed to keep their certification. "Certifications are renewed every two years. Other training include driver operations, NIMS, HAZMAT, mandatory child/adult abuse training and CPR."
Wallingford Emergency Medical Service current members are: Jarrod Fischer EMT-B service director
Mike McCarty EMT-B
Monica Christianson EMT-B
Teresa Olson EMT-B
Shane Petsche EMT-B
Brent Shatto EMT-B
Laura Westergard EMT-B
Terry Reekers EMT-I
Jeremy Bodle First Responder
Myron Brenner First Responder
Mindy Mickelson First Responder
Wallingford Emergency Medical Services serves the citizens within the City of Wallingford, High Lake Township and Twelve Mile Lake Township.
"Wallingford EMS works closely with the Estherville Ambulance Service. We are a non-transporting service. Estherville Ambulance Service does our patient transporting to the hospital. Wallingford EMS also works with the Terril Ambulance Service. Our EMS also works closely with the Emmet County Sheriff's Department."
The sheriff's department also responds to medical emergencies, and also provides emergency medical care, and helps other EMTs on the call.
Fischer noted, "Wallingford EMS has received grant funds to purchase equipment for our service. The Emmet County Foundation has been a great support for our service. Alliant Energy Grant program also helped provide funds to help pay for the EMT classes."
Gene Haukoos, Estherville Ambulance Service director also is a huge asset to the Wallingford service. "Gene helps with important paper work that needs to be completed for the State of Iowa, and local documentation Gene helps with grant funds, and also does provide equipment to Wallingford EMS Service," he said.
Wallingford EMS Service has a rescue van, donated by Terry Reekers, Emmet County Emergency Management coordinator. Ivan Dalen Manager of River Valley Telephone Company gave our service a place to store our rescue unit.
The EMS service is proud to serve the citizens of Wallingford and townships. "Our goal is to provide the best patient care when the need arises."
Fischer reminds the public this is EMS week. "Please support and thank your local EMS leaders for the dedication they do to help keep your community safe. Wallingford EMS is looking for anyone who would like to volunteer and become an EMT. If interested, please call or contact one of Wallingford EMTs."
