|
 |
|
|
|
| The Oostburg Rescue Squad was created in 1973 as a division of the Oostburg Volunteer Fire Department. They began service with a 1973 Chevy van converted to an Ambulance, and 15 community minded volunteers. At this point the rescue squad was underwritten by village funds, which supported the service, and donations from various individuals and groups. These were pioneers of the “new” form of ambulance service in our area in which the EMT was able to provide care to the patient at the scene and en route to the hospital. Previous service had been the old “load and go” type where there was little patient care until arrival at the hospital. |
 |
 |
Oostburg Rescue reduced it’s ties to Oostburg Fire Department in 1985 when they became a separate branch. We also eliminated any dependence on the village tax role. From this point on our patient charges were supplemented by donations from kind individuals, community minded organizations and state and county grants. Through these gifts and grants we still are able to maintain the lowest patient charges in the area. |
| In the next few years the Rescue Squad went through many changes. First in 1987 the service was licensed as an “Intermediate” service. This meant that the patient received advanced care such as IV fluids and a limited number of medications. There were also some advanced life support skills added. In 1988 the ambulance took delivery of a new 1987 Ford/Braun Ambulance. It was decided to keep the old 1973 Chevy as a backup unit as it was worth very little in trade, even though it had few miles and was in mint condition. In 1989 the ambulance members received training in defibrillation which greatly enhanced our ability to respond to cardiac arrest situations with lifesaving treatment. In 1992 the name “Oostburg Rescue Squad” was retired and the new name “Oostburg Ambulance” was adopted. It was felt that this name better reflected our training level and service to the community. A typical member goes through 100-150 hours of initial training and a year of probation before they become a member. Then comes the continual practice, and continuing training which are required to maintain a valid EMT license. We must pass a refresher course every two years, as well as train on a monthly basis. |
 |
 |
While the 1973 Chevy ambulance was still in good shape, and was being used as a backup unit only, our call volume was getting to the point that it was being used more frequently. Because the interior space in the 1973 Chevy was limited for the new skills we were using, we ordered a new 1997 Ford/Braun ambulance. This new ambulance was designed especially to meet the needs of our service into the future. With the arrival of the new ambulance late in 1996, we were able to donate our 1973 Chevy ambulance to the volunteer fire department associated with JAARS (technical support arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators) at Waxhaw, North Carolina. The vehicle fit in well with their needs as a multipurpose emergency response vehicle. |
There are many changes coming in the future as well. We are currently adding to our training so that we can offer many new skills to assist our patients. We have upgraded our defibrillators to the latest state of the art models, which are both smaller, lighter as well as provide better response for our patients. Throughout the years one thing has remained a constant. Though the members of the group may have different names and different faces, we are still your neighbors, friends and family, doing what we do because we care about those around us. We are still volunteers, and we still rely on your support to do our job - all hours of the day and night.
|
|
|
