Marshfield Area Retired Educators hold meeting
The Marshfield Area Retired Educators held their Nov. 18 meeting at The Country Aire restaurant in rural Stratford with new President Sally Lucas presiding. The members were reminded that American Education Week is Nov.18 to 22. Discussion covered ways to thank all educators for their help in working with our children. Those ways included radio public service announcements, bank electronic billboards and taking cookies to the local schools. Other business included a membership report. The directory was distributed and members were asked to correct entries.
The speaker for the meeting was Ruth Weiler, a volunteer on theAthensAmbulance and Fire Department. TheAthens Ambulance and Fire Department, prior to its formal organizing in 1972, consisted of the local mortician who used his “vehicle” as the ambulance. Other volunteers were people who had some medical experience or just wanted to help.
In the early 70s, the people of the community got together to seek better medical help in emergencies. Those who are now involved must have more than a CPR class. Classes are required and various recertifications must be kept up to date through coursework and in-person training.
WEiler went on to talk about what happens when the team is called to an emergency. Number 1: scene safety check. Before any help is administered, the scene must be safe for all the personnel. Number 2: determine to “Load and Go” or “Stay in Place.” Either of these options require decisions be made based on the best scenario for the injured. The injured may require more help than can be tackled on site. The best option then is to move to a medical facility quickly. Or, the injured may be helped with the onsite personnel and the onsite equipment. There is constant communication going on with all EMTs and firefighters on site.
Good equipment and transportation vehicles is a must. Fundraising for a better ambulance or a new fire truck is never ending. Small communities, likeAthens, are constantly working to keep their people safe with limited resources. It’s the dedicated volunteers who make the difference count in an emergency.
MAREA will have their Christmas party Dec. 16 at The Country Aire. After a short meeting at 10 a.m., Christmas fun will begin. All members were encouraged to bring a “pound” of something wrapped in a brown paper bag for the gift exchange. For more information about MAREA or about attending a meeting, email Sally Lucas at: sally.lucas@yahoo.com.
