OYENS, Iowa (AP) - A new surge of volunteers has raised hope that the northwest Iowa town of Oyens can soon revive its ambulance service, which was discontinued in February because of a lack of crew members.
Former ambulance director Dan Cronin has been working to recruit new members, and that work seems to be paying off.
Currently, 11 people from the Oyens area are taking a class to become emergency medical responders, the Le Mars Daily Sentinel reported (https://bit.ly/1gUOVcT ).
Upon completion in May, those people must take written, practical and national registry exams.
If they pass, Oyens may be able to resume its ambulance service in June.
Le Mars Ambulance and Remsen Ambulance are currently providing coverage for the Oyens fire district.
Kevin Rollins, president of the Plymouth County EMS Association, said he hopes some of those taking the emergency medical responder class will decide to become emergency medical technicians, or EMTs. EMTs, who have more training, are needed to transport patients to area hospitals.
Bob Gengler, spokesman for Oyens Ambulance, commended Cronin for his recruiting efforts and those who volunteered.
“Getting this thing going and trying to keep it going is pretty important to all of us,” Gengler said.
To help outfit the new crew, Oyens Fire-Rescue will use a $4,500 grant from Plymouth County, Gengler said.
“That money will be used for people taking this (emergency responder) class and equipment needed to get them ready to go,” he said.
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Information from: Daily Sentinel, https://www.lemarssentinel.com
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