EMS Week is coming up May 18-24 and it honors all EMS practitioners in our communities for their important work they do responding to medical emergencies and for their work within the communities. Every year, the Camp Douglas Rescue, Inc. provides a public service to the local schools by teaching school children about emergency medical services. It is again asking for the community’s help with donations so that it may continue to provide this service to the 4th and 5th grade students in the Necedah, Camp Douglas, and New Lisbon school districts.
Emergency Medical Technician Stephanie Forrer-Harbridge said, “As our service has grown over the past couple of years, it has become increasingly important to reach out to our children and educate them about what we can do for our patients and their loved ones in the time of need. We familiarize the children with our crew members, our equipment and our ambulances. We explain to the children on a basic level the care we can provide to them or their loved one should they ever need our assistance. Our hope is to establish a level of comfort with EMS and reduce any perceived apprehension.”
The Camp Douglas Rescue, Inc., provides coloring books and crayons with age appropriate learning exercises that children are able to work on with their parents. These books are given out in string backpacks with little goodies from local businesses such as pens, pencils and other assorted items. Forrer-Harbridge said that through the years of giving presentations they have found that children are also very curious about what they can do to protect themselves and what they can do to help others in case of an emergency. She says it is a great opportunity to “recruit” possible future EMT’s.
The Camp Douglas Rescue, Inc., serves the communities of Camp Douglas, Clearfield Township, Clifton Township, Cutler Township, Fountain Township, Town of Lisbon, Necedah Township, City of New Lisbon, Oakdale Township, Orange Township and the Village of Necedah. Forrer-Harbridge said that they would appreciate any donations to assist in keeping this program going and enable them to include the children within the schools in their new service areas.
Donations can be given at anytime and may be mailed to: Camp Douglas Rescue, Inc., PO Box 235, Camp Douglas, WI 54618 or other arrangements can be made by calling their office 608-427-6969.