Ellington Volunteer
Ambulance Corps
EMERGENCY: Dial 911
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How much duty time will I have to commit to Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EVAC)?
EVAC active operational members are required to ride a minimum of 24 hours per month. Shifts are typically 6 to 12 hours: 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM (1800 - 0600) on weeknights or 6:00 AM - 6:00 AM (0600 - 06:00) on weekends. Other shifts can be arranged by request. While on duty, active operational members are not required to be at EVAC but have be in the Primary Service Area (town of Ellington).
What other committments are there?
EVAC holds one general meeting/training (approximately two-hours) on the second Monday of each month. Active operational members must also follow EVAC's training policy and maintain current state of Connecticut prehospital certification.
Do I have to pay for a uniform?
No. EVAC will provide you a full dress uniform, extrication suit with helmet and day uniform (trauma pants and polo shirt) and four season jacket. EVAC also provides their active operational members with full trauma/medical/oxygen bags, AED and flashlight.
What if I'm not strong enough to lift patients?
EMTs are ordinary, everyday men and women in good health and of average strength. For difficult lifts have the dispatcher call for more EMS or fire department personnel.
What kind of calls can be expected?
While calls can involve motor vehicle accidents, fire and trauma, over half of all calls are for medical situations.
Do I have to be an active operational member or can I do something else to help EVAC?
EVAC has a great need for volunteers who can perform a variety of tasks that require no medical training: clerical, computer support, maintenance work on the building, etc. Retirees, disbabled persons, and anyone else who can devote a few hours a week can help keep EVAC running smoothly and know they are serving all people in the community in an important way.
Do I have to know all the streets in town?
No. The ambulance is equipped with maps and GPS (Global Positioning System) to plot your position and route to the call. In addition, you may ask the dispatcher for directions over the radio.
What are the risks for exposure to blood borne pathogens and commuicable diseases?
The ambulance responds to a variety of situations in which exposure to blood borne diseases (e.g. hepatitus-b, hepatitus-c, AIDS/HIV) and airborne pathogens (e.g. tuberculosis) is possible. In keeping with state and federal regulations, EVAC provides innoculations against hepatitus-b and provides riding members with personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, masks, face shields, etc.) to protect against these hazards. In addition, procedures are in place to provide aggressive and immediate treatment in the event of an actual exposure.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please feel free to call us at 860.870.3170 for any additional questions or to find out further information. Its a good idea to call ahead to make sure we are not on a call before stopping by and visiting us. Feel free to browse the website or email us as well.
