OVRS Answers More Than 2,300 Call In '09

In 2009, the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad (OVRS), consisting of 47 members, responded to a total of 2,302 calls for service, ranging from people choking or having seizures to car accidents and even incidents of assault, according to Kenneth J. Gardner, director of Operations.

The majority of those calls, according to Mr. Gardner in the squad's annual report to the public, were in the city of Ogdensburg. The OVRS responded to 1,628 calls in 2009 inside the city limits, with another 373 in the town of Oswegatchie, 108 in the town of Lisbon, 103 in the village of Heuvelton, 76 in the town of Morristown, 47 in the town of Waddington, 37 in the town of Hammond and 18 in the township of DePeyster.

"We also took calls in the towns of Macomb, Canton, Dekalb, Hermon, Madrid, Russell, and Rossie. We also responded to the village of Rensselaer Falls. In addition, we were available to many other agencies for ALS (advanced life support) intercepts. OVRS also made itself available for more transfers from hospital to hospital for the critically ill patients and transported 35 of those patients usually to Syracuse," stated Mr. Gardner.

The most incidents came from people having breathing problems, chest pains and those who were unconscious or fainting. The members responded to 197 traffic accidents, 47 traumatic injuries and three reports of drownings.

The response times to these incidents throughout its response area, according to Mr. Gardner, were "amazing."

"On average, Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad was en route to a call within 2.32 minutes and arrived on scene in less than 5.45 minutes of dispatch in the city of Ogdensburg. When you include all surrounding areas we service, our on scene time is an amazing 7.29 minutes," said Mr. Gardner in his annual report.

2009 Highlights

* In 2009, the OVRS continued "building" for the future by hiring Mitchell Associates as their lead architect on its new building project. The building committee, which is lead by Grover Katzman, continues to make progress on this project. A fundraising endeavor should begin in the near future.

* The largest purchase in 2009 was a new ambulance. With the amount of calls, the amount of miles and stresses placed on the vehicles makes this "absolutely imperative for OVRS" to continue to do so, according to Mr. Gardner.

"This ambulance allows OVRS the opportunity to continue delivering the latest innovations in the EMS field to our patients. We attempt to purchase a new ambulance to replace older ones every three years," stated Mr. Gardner.

* Took possession of three new battery operated hydraulic stretchers from Stryker products. These stretchers allow OVRS members to be free of any manual lifting from floor level to shoulder height and can lift up to 600-pounds. These will further patient care by making the lift much smoother for the patient and at the same time will reduce members back injuries from lifting.

* In 2009, OVRS members participated in many community events such as the Polar Bear Plunge; its annual icefishing derby that saw over 250 participants take to the ice on Wheathouse Bay; as well as a spaghetti dinner, chicken barbecue and other events.

* Volunteers and paid staff continue to make early education a top priority.

"We participate with our local school systems to make children aware of why and what we do. Our members work with different fire departments by participating in training drills that include live fire exercises as well as mock DWI drills at local high schools to bring awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving," said Mr. Gardner.

Community Support

"The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad continues to enjoy tremendous support from the individuals and organizations within the communities that we serve," stated Mr. Gardner, "The membership thanks everyone in the community who has supported the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad during the past year by donating to the annual letter drive, making a regular donation, making a donation in memory of a loved one, or leaving a bequest in their will. This support is very important to us. The funds that we receive from the municipalities and through billing are not enough. Your donations allow us to purchase improved equipment and keep the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad responding to your calls for help."

Mr. Gardner said that each and every member of the communities that the OVRS serves is important to them.

"The continued support of people in the communities that we serve make it possible for the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad to exist, obtain the best quality equipment and training, and provide you with ambulance and rescue service. Thank you," Mr. Gardner stated.