Support expanding first responders county wide to fill gaps

The development of a county-wide first responder group would be a good addition to the emergency healthcare needs of people living and visiting Taylor County.

An emergency medical responder group has served the Stetsonville area for many years and there are individuals currently working to expand into all portions of the county. This is a great idea and one that should be supported at all levels.

First responders are volunteers who receive training in first aid and other areas and who are able to treat patients at the scene of a medical incident.

Especially in rural areas, they are often able to mobilize and respond faster than ambulance crews to begin treatment at an incident scene. They can also provide valuable support to ambulance crews and other emergency response agencies on the scene, especially in situations where there are multiple people injured. They can assist in the treatment of patients or be part of the triage process, freeing up the time and resources of paramedics and emergency medical technicians on ambulance crews to handle the more severe injuries and transport people. Generally the faster aid can be delivered in healthcare emergencies the greater the likelihood of a positive outcome.

The training and licensure requirements for first responders is less than that of EMTs and other ambulance personnel and is an option for those who want to do more to help their community, but who are unable or unwilling to make the commitment to be part of the ambulance service.

While the benefits of a county-wide volunteer responder group are numerous, it does not and cannot replace the need or the mandate for the Taylor County Ambulance Service. First responders are limited in their training, resources and what they are allowed to do under state law. Among these restrictions are that emergency medical responders cannot transport patients or function as a licensed member of the ambulance crew. That said, there is nothing preventing someone who is already an EMT from also volunteering as a first responder in their off time.

Last week, members of the county’s law enforcement and emergency services committee tabled a request for support for the new group. While members stated they were 100% behind the idea of the group and the benefits that could be gained by responders working in cooperation with the Taylor County Ambulance Service, there were many questions that need to be answered. Among these is the governance of the group and if, or how much in the way of financial or material support they would expect from the county. Committee members were correct in looking out for the county’s interests by delaying making a formal declaration of support.

Key among the questions for this group will be the relationship with the county’s ambulance service and more particularly with Aspirus. While there is a desire to maintain independence from Aspirus, those involved must be willing to set aside whatever differences may exist and work in partnership to serve the greater good of the people of Taylor County and its visitors.

Overall, a county-wide emergency medical response group is a good addition to looking out for the health and safety of all residents and visitors.