You’re driving down Highway 61 and you see a car go off the road. At a holiday dinner, your grandparent seems to be having a heart attack. A toddler in your care is choking and turning blue.
You have seconds to act. What do you do?
We all know the answer–– dial 911. This activates our Emergency Medical Service (EMS). Did you know that the people responding to your medical emergencies are your friends and neighbors, giving their time and energy to save lives? And did you know that almost all of the squads across the country––including Cook County––are short of help? As our long-term providers retire, there are not enough people taking their place. Many of our squads are at or near the limit for being able to provide reliable service.
We need you! Give yourself and your community the gift of caring. Join EMS. You do not need any experience. Free training and support is provided. The skills you learn can also be used to help your own family and friends in an emergency.
It’s rewarding to know that you made a difference, saved a life, and kept your community safe and vital. As Marian Wright Edelman said, “Service is the rent we pay for living. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”
To find out more, contact the team leader in your area: Paul McFarland (Colvill, 387-9404); Steve DuChien (Grand Marais, 387-3262); Paula Schaefbauer (Grand Portage, 475-3013); Jim Morrison (Gunflint, 388- 0506); Jon Sage (Hovland, 475- 2445); Matt Kartes (Lutsen, 663-7910); Kim Jahnke (Tofte/Schroeder, 663-7552).
With great appreciation for our local responders,
Jennifer Schulz
Grand Marais
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