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NEMSA FEATURED SQUAD

Merna Rescue

NEMSA would like to introduce you to one of its Squads: Merna Rescue The year 1977 brought a change in the lives of many people in the Merna Community. Mr. Bill Schlotfeldt, a fire and emergency medical technician instructor, introduced the community to its first 81-hour volunteer emergency rescue training course of study. An organizational meeting was held in August of 1977 and training was taken by 17 charter members. Sadly, none of these charter members remain with our service.
The original ambulance was a 1961 Oldsmobile donated to the Merna Fire Department in the early 1970’s by the firemen and several local families.

In October 1978 the Squad joined the Nebraska Rescue and Emergency Care Association, a statewide organization of Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. They also began the search for a newer ambulance to re-place the white ’61 Olds, christened the “Spruce Goose” by its caretakers. The beginning of 1979 saw the separation of the Rescue Squad and Fire Department into two independent, but cooperative organizations. 1979 also saw the purchase of a 1971 Cadillac ambulance to replace the olds.

Training was provided to the squad by Dr. Chaloupka, who was very supportive of the Emergency Medical Technician Ambulance (EMT-A) concept.

Additional training was provided by Jane Royale in the form of a new 81-hour course in which current EMT-A’s could be trained.

In October of 1981 a Ford Van-type ambulance was purchased. The squad was somewhat saddened to see “Old Bertha” go as we had affectionately dubbed the huge siren on the Cadillac. We were, however, no less thrilled with the new, roomy, well-equipped ambulance we had purchased through many donations and sizable assists from the Rural Fire Department and Merna Village Board.

In 1988 the squad was facing a shortage of EMT’s with only 9 remaining. A concentrated effort by the squad members resulted in a new 81-hour training course, instructed by Jim Rempe of Oconto. Through many donations from the community and a sizable contribution from the Rural Fire Board, 20 new volunteers became certified and joined the squad in 1989. Of these 20, 6 still remain active today. The last two years we have seen the addition of 7 First-Responders to our service.

In 1995 a new Ford Econoline Ambulance was purchased with funds from the Merna Rural Fire District, the Village of Merna, and Anselmo Rural Fire District. This is our current ambulance. We also partner with the Merna Rural Fire Department in operating a Gator XUV for off road rescue.

Our Rescue Service coverage area is 390 square miles and includes the Merna and Anselmo areas. We average 30-35 runs a year transporting to Broken Bow and Callaway hospitals. We also provide stand-by coverage for sporting events in our area. We are members of Custer County Mutual Aid Association and provide services anywhere in Custer County when requested.

Our Rescue Service has sponsored a Pancake feed in March for a number of years now. The community supports us very well with this.

We hold in house trainings, as well as attending classes sponsored by surrounding Rescue Services, and attending EMS Statewide conferences.

Our Rescue Service currently has 16 EMT-B’s, and 7 First Responders, from the Merna and Anselmo areas. Our ambulance is based out of the Merna Fire Station.
Current officers are: Sharon Beals-President, Mickey Solomon- Vice-President, Kathy Fiorelli-Secretary-Treasurer, Joann McDermott-Training officer.

EMS has seen many changes since the beginning of our Service in 1977, but one thing remains the same, wanting to be there for the people of our communities, whatever their needs may be.

Thanks Merna Rescue for being NEMSA’s Featured Squad and for all you do in your community
 

Just a reminder, we are featuring several new items, NEMSA short and long sleeved t –shirts in navy and grey, NEMSA golf towels, and a new tan color in our hats and visors. We also have the First Responder Lapel Pins and if you would like one, or if you are an instructor and would like to present them to your classes, just let us know and we will get them to you, or you can pick them up at conference.