HARDWICK – 2024 brings accolades for the work EMS professionals at Hardwick Rescue (HRS) are performing. That recognition comes at both the state and national level.
Hardwick Rescue volunteers Heather Winner, EMT; Adam Fortmann, EMT; and Cameron Thompson, EMT student, participate in a resuscitation activity at the Hardwick Rescue station in the fall of 2023. Hardwick Rescue was recognized this summer with the Mission Lifeline EMS – Silver designation from the American Heart Association for their efforts to support heart attack and stroke care.
This month, the Vermont Emergency Medical Services Office recognized the Hardwick Rescue Squad for being a pediatric safe ambulance service. The award signifies the commitment to being prepared to respond in the event of a pediatric emergency.
The pediatric safe initiative is a voluntary program intended to increase the capabilities of EMS personnel to recognize, treat, and safely transport sick and injured pediatric patients. In general, calls for children comprise less than five percent of all EMS incidents. This means that becoming proficient in managing the array of situations in which a pediatric patient may present requires additional measures to maintain adequate performance.
Hardwick Rescue has a case review process, which includes training that examines local pediatric patient contacts. In addition, providers participate in pediatric hands-on skills training and lectures on topics of particular concern, such as respiratory emergencies. Each ambulance is equipped with specialty medical equipment and transport devices for children through the lifespan. Members can be frequently seen out in the community inviting children on ambulance tours and providing first aid-CPR training to both children in school and the adults who work with pediatric populations.
The American Heart Association recognized HRS this summer with the Mission Lifeline EMS: Sliver Designation. EMS providers can begin treatment when they arrive, up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car. They are also trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped. People who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital. This is accomplished through rapid identification of life-threatening heart attack and stroke findings, early notification of hospitals of findings and interventions being performed prior to hospital arrival.
The Mission: Lifeline EMS achievement award focuses on agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions to patient care for prehospital providers.
The Hardwick Rescue Squad is a nonprofit organization that serves Hardwick, Greensboro, Woodbury, Craftsbury, Walden, Wolcott, Stannard, and parts of Wheelock. It is comprised of a roster of more than 50 volunteers and a small contingent of full-time and per diem staff. Hardwick Rescue has been serving the region for 57 years.
