By Julie O’Brien Deasy
Question: Can you tell me more about the New Canaan EMS and if there is a fee to use it?
Answer: New Canaan EMS (Emergency Medical Services) is a remarkable example of community dedication and diversity, and a valuable resource for the town. New Canaan EMS provides 911 emergency medical care and transport to local hospitals. They have been serving our town since 1975, and are staffed 100% by certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who volunteer their time to serve our community.
EMTs responded to over 1600 emergency calls last year, and are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Every EMT volunteers a minimum of 60 hours per month, and collectively contribute over 30,000 hours annually to our community.
In addition to the member EMTs, the Town of New Canaan provides a paramedic on location at EMS Headquarters. These paramedics are more highly trained emergency medical professionals who are able to provide Advanced Life Support interventions that may be necessary in emergencies.
New Canaan EMS is always staffed with at least one complete crew, including a minimum of two certified EMTs and a Paramedic. They operate three state-of-the-art ambulances and prepare and train throughout the year.
Using the EMS service is completely free for New Canaan residents. Funding is provided by the Town of New Canaan and through donations.
This year, New Canaan EMS was recognized as Connecticut’s Volunteer EMS Agency of the year!
New EMTs are always needed. Volunteers span the full spectrum of the community including many occupations, retirees, stay-at-home parents, and full-time students.
To become an EMT, you must complete a training class and pass an EMT exam, and then spend about 6 months on the job training shadowing more experienced EMTs. The minimum age to take the EMT test is 16.
EMT Training Classes are hosted at the New Canaan EMS Headquarters, and start in January every year. The class runs through early May, two nights per week and some Saturdays.
For more information about New Canaan EMS, to make a donation, or to become an EMT, please visit www.newcanaanems.org.
What do you want to know about living in New Canaan? Is there a resource you are looking for or something you need in our area? We want to hear from you! Send in your ideas or queries to Julie@NewCanaanSentinel.com and your question may be featured in a future column.
