We represent the volunteer emergency medical service in the county, NOT the fire or police departments. Who are the Shannon County First Responders? It seems like the media calls everyone a “first responder” these days, but in Shannon County “First Responder” means a well trained volunteer who will come to your side to help in a medical emergency 24/7. The First Responders live and work in Birch Tree, Eminence, and Winona and have a support and training relationship with Mercy Healthcare. The fire departments provide logistical support and Mercy provides supplies and training. The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office dispatches responders through the same radio system used for law enforcement and fire response. All First Responders have at least “Emergency Medical Responder” training, which is the next training level below EMT, although some are trained and certified to the EMT level or higher as well. Some have taken the training course with the intention of becoming Shannon County First Responders, others have previous emergency medical training from careers in Law Enforcement, Firefighting, nursing, the military or Conservation and want to put that training to use serving their communities. There are First Responders with as much as thirty years’ emergency medical experience and others who are just starting out. Generally if you call 911 for an ambulance the operator will ask if you’d like First Responders also. They can often arrive before the ambulance and begin care. They do not administer medications, but can provide oxygen, splinting, check vital signs and even administer CPR in the unfortunate event that becomes necessary. They are trained to assist ambulance personnel and can summon additional medical resources such as a helicopter if necessary, as well as communicate with the ambulance by radio so they know what to expect and prepare for. Due to medical confidentiality rules, you won’t ever see a detailed account of the First Responders' actions on this page, and any postings containing such information will be deleted. However, they have pulled people from burning car wrecks, delivered babies, performed CPR, and treated everything from bee stings to heart attacks and from strokes to skinned knees. Their training is at their own expense and they are never paid a penny for their time. If you know one, you might want to say thanks. If you see a donation can around the county, you might want to donate to help purchase supplies. Also you can click on the "Shop Now" link at the top and donate some equipment. If you have medical training, you might want to join up. You might lose a little sleep now and then, but you’ll know you are serving your community.
