OVRS In Need Of New Volunteers To Serve

The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad (OVRS) is always looking for men and women to help serve the community in what some call the "ultimate community service organization."

"The rewarding experience of serving your fellow citizens in their time of need is unmatched. The Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad is always looking for new members," stated Kenneth J. Gardner, OVRS director of Operations.

Qualifications include being at least 18 years of age, a licensed driver and of good moral character.

"We will provide you with the opportunity to serve your community in a very rewarding way. We will provide you with the opportunity to become trained in CPR and pre-hospital emergency medical care. You will also have the opportunity to take training as a scuba diver, EMS instructor, and other rewarding areas of EMS," said Mr. Gardner.

The current OVRS roster includes 47 volunteers who have donated in excess of 24,000 hours to their communities in 2009.

"At the current average rate for paid providers, this represents a savings of over $323,232 to the communities we serve in salary. The volunteers of Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad receive no compensation for their service to their community," he stated.

Mr. Gardner said that a number of volunteers have been involved for a number of years. There are six volunteers with over 20 years of service, five with 15-19 years of service, one with 10-14 years of service, seven with 5-9 years of service and 27 with fewer than five years of service.

The volunteer membership consists of one paramedic, 10 Advanced Critical Care EMT's, two Advanced EMT's intermediates, 18 basic EMT's and 16 CPR certified drivers. OVRS also has a paid Advanced Life Support provider that is on duty 24 hours, seven days a week. Of this staff, there are two Critical Care paramedics, five paramedics and seven Advanced Critical Care EMT's.

"The members and employees of the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad maintain their skills and knowledge through a monthly training program supplemented by outside training courses. In 2009, OVRS hosted several courses including an advanced 12-Lead Course to help members be able to diagnose a possible heart attack quicker and transport to the proper cardiac facility," stated Mr. Gardner.

If you are interested in joining the OVRS, please stop by the rescue squad building at 101 State St., to meet the duty crew, tour the building and vehicles, learn more about the OVRS, and pick up an application.

More information and applications can be found on the OVRS Web site at www.ogdensburgrescue.org.