The errie whine of the ambulance makes people stop and look, knowing it could be matter of life and death. Providing emergency medical services is a vital public service. Access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rates of those who experience sudden illness or injury.
Ambulance crews and services have continually evolved and improved through excellent training programs and enhanced equipment. The First Care Medical Services Foundation has made the ambulance investment their fundraising project for the year. The Foundation has committed to raising 25% of the cost of an ambulance ($20,000) as their 2009 project.
The First Care ambulance crew goes on over 500 runs per year, 350 being emergency situations, an estimated average of one per day. It is critical to the health of patients that the ambulances in service be reliable. The goal is to replace an ambulance every five years.
Patricia Wangler, Chief Executive Officer at First Care, knows first hand that Emergency Services is responsible for a great many lives saved. "Our Emergency Services staff pride themselves on excellent response times and excellent outcomes. Save is a term most often used for cardiac arrest calls in which the patient's life was saved. Frequently, staff will pop into my office to hsare and celebrate another save."
Many local citizens have supported First Care in the past, and several have joined the growing list of consistent gift givers who believe it is important to help sustain our medical facilities on a regular basis. Many donors have given gifts in honor or memory of a family member.
The FCMS Foundation fundraising project for 2009. If you would like to donate toward this year's project contact Eileen Hegg, Mary Peterson or Mark Finstad at the information listed below or print a donation form.
Contacts
Eileen Hegg (218) 435-7632
Mary Peterson (218) 435-1133
Mark Finstad, Chairman, First Care Medical Services Foundation, (218) 435-2265
First Care Medical Services mailing address:
900 Hilligoss Blvd SE
Fosston MN, 56542