First Responders are medically-trained volunteers that respond from their homes directly to the scene of an emergency to bridge the time gap before an ambulance arrives. Responders Receive 59 hours of certified training through the Chippewa Valley Technical College and are state of Wisconsin licensed through the Bureau of Injury Prevention EMS Section. 50% of the members have continued their medical learning to be licensed as Emergency Medical Technicians. This would include another 156 hours or more to become licensed as EMT-basics, another 600 hours as EMT-Intermediates, or 1200 hours as licensed paramedics.
A critical difference is placement of life-saving equipment with responders in the rural setting. Each Responder carries medical supplies, an advanced airway kit, oxygen, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, blankets, and limited medications, such as glucose for diabetics, as well as reassurance for patients that the ambulance is on its way. In addition, town governments have purchased seven Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) that are strategically placed with Responders in the town areas. The American Heart Association States, "For every minute that passes without defibrillation following a heart attack, the likelihood of survival decreases 7% to 10%."
Through our affiliation with River Falls Area Ambulance, monthly training is provided in areas such as emergency scene management, medical protocols, patient assessment, use of medical equipment and devices, and continuous refreshment of skills.
Each Responder completes a bi-annual 30-hour refresher course.
The current Team Roster contains 29 Responders with 15 certified at the First Responder level, 13 EMT-B's and 1 EMT IV Tech.