I wanted to write an article about EMS services and how Grassy Knob Volunteer Fire Dept answers your calls for assistance. When you call 911, your call is answered by Carroll County Emergency Dispatch. They in turn activate our “tones” which activated our portable radios. We are given pertinent information such as address and the nature of the call. One or more of our ten trained responders acknowledge the call and we are underway to your location. At the same time, Dispatch also tones out Eureka Springs FD. They are contracted to provide ground ambulance service to our service area. The Grassy Knob responders are either EMR or EMT personal. We also have a PARAMEDIC. Our EMT’s are Board Certified by the National Registry of EMT’s.
What do we bring with us?
In my truck, I carry several “jump” bags. One is a medical bag containing a BP cuff, stethoscope, an SPO2 device to measure how much oxygen is in the blood, a Blood Glucose meter and test strips, various bandages alcohol pads. Another bag is my airway management bag. It contains an Oxygen bottle, nasal cannula and non-rebreather mask, a Bag Valve Mask, nasal and oral devices designed to maintain a patent airway. My trauma bag includes sterile flushes, multi-trauma dressings, burn dressings, splints, an additional BP cuff. Along with the bags, I carry an AED and a Lucas 3 device. And misc. items like a people mover, extra blankets and other first aid and rescue supplies.
Upon Arrival
When we arrive we first make sure the scene is safe. Then we assess the patient and check for the chief complaint. We do any required intervention to assure patient has the best possible outcome. While this is going on, we also contact the “responding Squad” coming from Eureka Springs Fire. Their ambulance carries the equipment I do as well as necessary life saving drugs. Their ambulance is manned by at least one Paramedic and an EMT. Most often it is manned by two Paramedics. Upon their arrival, we turn patient care over to them, but we remain on scene to assist them. Most often, they will spend enough time to speak with the patient, if possible, or the patients relative/care giver or whoever is on scene and familiar with the patients medical history. They will make a decision as to whether to transport or whether the patient is ok to remain at home. If a decision to transport is made, protocol calls for the patient to be brought to the closest hospital capable of treating the patient. Depending on the urgency of the patient’s condition, a decision to fly the patient may be made.
OK NOW HEAR THIS !!!!
I wanted to take a little time to say a few VERY IMPORTANT things. First, if someone is experiencing chest pain, having a hard time breathing, exhibits signs of a stroke, is badly cut, is unresponsive or exhibiting any other serious signs…DO NOT WAIT. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. TIME MATTERS !!!
I RESPONDED TO A GENTLEMAN WHO WAS UNRESPONSIVE LAYING IN BED AND WAS NOT BREATHING. I ASKED HOW LONG HE HAD BEEN THAT WAY AND HIS SPOUSE REPLIED “ABOUT HALF AN HOUR” She said that she didn’t want to bother anyone. Folks, it is not a bother. We consider it an honor and privilege to serve our community. We train for Medical situations continuously. Additionally, we need to have 40 hours of continuing education to renew our license.
Ok back to what we were talking about
Like I said, Grassy Knob is fortunate to have 10 EMS personal. We all carry about the same equipment. Every single one of us is dedicated to the best patient care…..anywhere!! Our service area is HWY 187 from the KOA to across the dam to past Dam Site Road. Up Dam Site Road to the Benton County Line. Down river from the Dam and the Campgrounds along the area. Down Mundell Rd and all of the roads along and down to Starkey’s Marina. We are scattered throughout our service area. I live off of CR116 on Sugar Mountain RD as does our Paramedic. Others live off of Mundell Rd.
The Unsung Hero
I am also privileged to serve as the Chairman for the “Alliance” which consists of Grassy Knob, Inspiration Point FD, Holiday Island FD and Eureka Springs Rural FD and Holiday Island Rural. In that capacity, I report to the Western Carroll County Ambulance District. The purpose of the WCCAD is to assure that the Fire Depts in Western Carroll County have the equipment and training to be effective. The Lucas Device or Lucas 3 mentioned earlier is a device that performs CPR better and longer than any human is capable. They cost $18,000.00 each. Grassy Knob has 3 of them along with the other depts having eith 2 or 3 of them. Each responder has an AED at an average cost of $1800.00 each. The WCCAD recently funded two electric trail bikes for Inspiration Point. Grassy Knob has all of Beaver Lake that is within Carroll County. We have a 21FT Boston Whaler built specifically as a rescue watercraft. It needed a new engine which was funded by the WCCAD. And lastly, they just had me purchase 30 new Harris portable radios for the EMS responders as our radio system is being upgraded from an analog to a digital system. One of the important goals is to assure that all FD have the same equipment. We operate on a mutual aid basis. That means that if there is a large fire , accident, or other incident that is too large for one Dept, others are called in to assist. If we all have the same equipment, manpower can use whatever is the closest available tool or equipment. Without the WCCAD, none of the Fire Departments would have all of the important life saving equipment needed to provide the care we do.
Nest month I will write an article comparing our stats to some of the bigger cities and other rural areas. I think you will be impressed!!!
