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Honoring 40 years of Service to the Community: Vergennes Area Rescue Squad

Tuesday December 23, 2008

By Cookie Steponaitis

    We all know the feeling that we experience in the pit of our stomach when we hear the sirens tone out and the rescue squad passes our window or car. We say a prayer for those inside and hope that they are all right. Often, we pause and reflect on the volunteers behind the wheel and inside the ambulance who are providing medical attention and support. Some of us even remember a time when we needed their services and they came, no matter the time, day or weather. What none of us can imagine is a time without Vergennes Area Rescue Squad (VARS) and thankfully we can celebrate their fortieth year of service to the community.

    The first reminder for this reporter of whom she was interviewing occurred when she arrived for the appointment and they were not there. Two calls had come in and both crews were out.  However, she was warmly greeted by a new member of the rescue squad family, Zach, who showed her around the station and shared some ideas about changing populations and needs of the communities VARS serves. When I questioned Zach about the impact of the “graying” of the population in Vermont, he remarked that while that was a factor in the type of ambulance services needed; the fact that there were six retirement homes and communities in the area also changed the dynamics of the needs. He also remarked on the need for dedicated, motivated and energetic individuals to join the VARS team. Volunteer rescue squads provide about 90% of the pre-hospital emergency care in Vermont and are staffed by volunteers and here is a critical need for more volunteers all across the state.

    The opening of the bay doors and the retuning of the ambulances signaled the arrival of both VARS President Steve Fleming and VARS Secretary Wendy Patch. Currently, Steve Fleming, Paul Bowin, and Ann Rivers hold the longevity record and have served 28 years; 30 years and 16 years of service respectively in VARS. Steve Fleming happily provided the history of the organization and remarked that it was chartered in 1969 by thirteen members. The building that houses the squad, ambulances, equipment and training room was built in 1972 on land donated then Simmons Precision (BF Goodrich).    

    Two ambulances were purchased in 1973 and the squad had its first trained EMT on duty in 1973. Prior to the arrival of the EMT, medical transport in emergency situations was provided by the local funeral home that ran a hearse with oxygen capability in the back. They would pick up and transport patients to the hospital for heart attacks and other health related issues. They did it as a donation to the community, but felt they could not keep pace with the growing demand.   

    VARS currently has 33 active members that split the shifts necessary to cover the community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Membership duty requirements are six twelve hour shifts a month for full time; four 12 hour shifts a month for part time, two 12 hours shifts a month and membership in a police, fire or emergency medical services organization for dual membership, or two 12 hour shifts a month and driver certification completion for the CPR certified driver level.

    When I asked what facts about VARS most community members are not aware of, Steve Fleming pointed out, “The amount of training that is required for voluntary rescue members. The basic EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course is 110 hours and the EMT 1 course if 80 hours beyond that. While each level of the training can be mostly done here at the VARS unit, it is above and beyond the shifts and the calls.” Wendy Patch explained that the demands of filling daytime shifts as well as nights and weekends required many of them. “…to increase their skill levels and cross train, allowing them more flexibility in meeting the needs of the community.” Wendy also shared that they do have a program for junior membership and are looking for a few age 16-18 year old people to begin the process learning the business. “Regular members are aged 18-infinity,” she jokingly remarked.

    While both Steve and Wendy continued a light hearted banter during the interview, both grew serious when responding to questions about VARS’s role in the health care services in the area. “At first,” Steve remarked, “the organization survived on donations. In 1992 we established long range planning goals and we began to see the trends calling for increased services and supplies. We began the subscription program and billing because our costs were not being met from the donations. New ambulances are approximately between $ 170,000 and $ 200,000 and equipment adds to that as well. Currently our funding is from subscriptions, donations, billings and a contract basis with the towns. VARS is a non-profit business and must be run like one to provide proper care, training and services to the area.”

    Over the years the VARS crews have handled and continue to respond to all levels of medical emergencies. Each crew going out responds to each situation with the caring, competency and dedication that people have come to expect from the VARS group. When asked about why he continues to serve, Steve Fleming responded with certainty, “It is a commitment, one that includes dedication, willingness to learn, serve and it makes a difference. VARS saves lives.” Currently the organization is looking for three or four new members to help join the ranks as VARS enters its 40th year of service to the community. Interested community members should obtain applications from Chuck Welch at (802) 877-3683 or see any VARS member. The group provides all of the training, protective gear to respond to and treat patients, worker compensation, a $75,000.00 accidental death insurance policy, and the pride of serving your community.

    Everyone at the Valley Voice salutes those who serve and put their own lives on hold so that any time of day or night, 365 days of the year, professionals respond to community members in crisis. There is no way to measure the impact of this organization and we want to thank you for being there.   

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