Wiscasset Ambulance Service holds open house

Sun, 05/20/2018 - 8:30am

Wiscasset Ambulance Service joined EMTs nationwide on Saturday, May 19 to make residents aware of the equipment and services the department provides.

“We like to celebrate with the community,” said spokesman Kristin Draper.

Draper said the day gave the public a chance to sign up for three training programs available to residents.

“Hands Only” CPR training is instruction on chest percussion. “Stop the Bleed” is another workshop offered by the service, she said. The public could also sign up for child safety seat instruction. "It is usually done on a Saturday,” said Draper. Child safety seats are free for children from low-income families. Parents need to show documentation of income to qualify for the seats, she added.

Draper said the ambulance service is involved with trying to raise $70,000 toward medical equipment and a vehicle for a proposed community paramedic. The paramedic would be equipped to provide residents with service without having to go to a hospital.

“We want residents to stay in their homes as much as possible,” said Draper.

On view was the service’s new ambulance. The interior of the new vehicle is outfitted in a way to allow EMTs access to equipment without leaving the patient’s side, said Draper.

Visitors were offered entertainment including face-painting, a jumpy tent, and model kits provided by Home Depot. The event also included a drawing for fishing rods and junior fishing licenses.

Wiscasset Ambulance Service has emergency transport contracts with Edgecomb, Dresden and Westport Island.