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EMT Erickson speaks on need for first responders |
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Wednesday, 25 April 2007 |
By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
Director of Emergency Services for the Pondera Medical Center, Ruth Erickson, highlighted the regular meeting of the Chamber of Commerce.
Erickson was at the luncheon meeting to talk about the ambulance crews and hopefully create an interest in being a first responder.
She said, “We have about 20 people covering the county, all of whom are full-time employees in other positions.”
Of those, five are in Valier and three are talking about retiring in a couple of years.
Erickson noted that becoming a first responder is a lot of work, 140 hours are needed for basic certification, and one has to pass a national certification test. “It can be pretty intense and then there are endorsements. You need to be certified every two years.”
She also noted that the volunteer fire department is in need of volunteers.
If you would like to volunteer to be a first responder, contact Erickson through the PMC at 271-3211 or for a fireman, contact Fire Chief Kevin Moritz at 278-3978.
In a report from the PMC, CFO Mack Simpson said the annual fish fry fund-raiser brought in about $2,700. Proceeds will be used to get a new treadmill for the Wellness Center.
The hospital business has picked up over the last few months, going to a profit of $76,000 from a loss of over $200,000 at this time last year.
From the county, Sandy Broesder said the commissioners are working with the water compact, a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) application and are about ready to start the budget process. They are also working with city councilwoman Wendy Judisch on grants for the growth policy.
From the Port Authority, Cheryl Curry reported that she had been to two hearings on CDBGs. The PA was still working on the
I-15 overpass project, communications, and are looking at housing needs, houses in the middle price range, not fixer-uppers.
Curry also said the Depot building was now a, “done deal, finally. We want to get something in there.”
In a short report, Mayor John Shevlin said the city and county are working on an area bus transportation system. He added that for more information, contact Debbie Pate at the North Central Area Agency on Aging at 271-7553. He seconded the comments of Erickson, noting the EMTs and firemen needed some volunteers.
Chamber President Gerald Miller commented that Rep. Llew Jones is working on a bill to get about $10-$12 million for the water compact. He noted that the Indians want 125 acre-feet and presently are getting about 42 feet, a huge increase.
It was also announced that Rod Snyder, former elementary teacher, has moved away. He was also the long-standing chairman of the annual Whoop-Up Trails Days Celebration children’s parade on Saturday. It is hoped that Joan Jensen will take over and be chairman of the children’s parade.
The next regular meeting of the CofC will be at the Coach’s Corner on May 9, at noon.
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