Firefighters recognized during EMS Week
By Randy Bell
Pictured (l to r) with Clinton’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen are Clinton firefighters and EMS personnel: Todd Muli, Ethann Forrest, Donovan Bennett, John Middleton, Todd Kaiser, Benji Guthrie, Hollice Maulden, Leeroy Anderson, Reese Daniels, Brian Hilton, Cody Livingston, Timothy Morrow, Isaiah Rancifer, Josh Wilson, Levius Buckley and Funsha Sims.
Clinton firefighters do a lot more than fight fires. In fact, the vast majority of the calls they handle have nothing to do with fires. The Fire Department spends much of its time responding to requests for emergency medical services (EMS).
“Roughly, our call volume is mostly EMS, probably about seventy-five per cent of it,” says Fire Chief Levius Buckley. “Most of our guys are at least EMTs (emergency medical technicians), and we have some advanced life support help, as well – paramedics and Advanced EMTs.”
Many of those firefighters were recognized during the May 19 Board of Aldermen meeting as part of National EMS Week, which was being observed for the 52nd year. Mayor Will Purdie noted that Clinton has forty-two EMTs, with five more in training, along with five paramedics with two firefighters enrolled in paramedic classes.
Ward 2 Alderwoman TJ McSparrin expressed her appreciation to the Fire Department.
“I work for a hospital, and I see every day how important our firefighters, our EMTs, our paramedics are to save lives,” said McSparrin. “And, so, I just really thank you all for what you do. You showed up when my dad had a heart attack. You took care of my family.”
“I know how important you are to this community,” she said.
EMS Week is presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT). This year’s theme was “Improving Outcomes, Together.”
According to the EMS Week website, the observance is intended “to celebrate EMS professionals and the important work they do in our nation’s communities. National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s frontline.”
