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EAST WATERFORD -- Lack-Tuscarora Emergency Medical Services is gearing up for a unique EMS Week celebration, marking 50 years of unwavering service to the community. While EMS Week traditionally honors first responders, The EMS is flipping the script this year, focusing on community engagement and education.
"This year, because it's the 50th anniversary, we've decided to swing it in a different direction and use it more as a tool for community outreach," said Chris Yarnall, Lack-Tuscarora Emergency Medical Services operations chief. "It's important we recognize those who put their lives on the line that are out there saving lives every day, whether they're a career or volunteer, and to have national
recognition of that, I think is very important. In these times, people are all about commending the fire department and the police departments, but a lot of times, EMS is kind of left out."
The week kicks off on Sunday, May 19, with a bingo fundraiser at the station. The proceeds will go toward purchasing a refurbished ambulance, a significant investment for the all-volunteer organization.
"We're actually getting ready to purchase, probably within the next month, we will be purchasing a rechassis ambulance which is to the tune of $175,000," Yarnall said. "So, that's a brand new chassis, but the same box that was on one of our old units. So, they take the box off, and we finish the box, put it on a brand new truck, repaint it, rewire it, run all new air conditioning, all that stuff. Then it'll come back to us, and it'll be ultimately like a brand new truck, which for our organization is the first time we've ever done anything like that."
Tuesday, May 21, is "Save a Life Day," featuring a presentation by Coffee with Friends, a senior group partially sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging. The presentation will cover stroke awareness, heart awareness, fall prevention, and free blood pressure checks. That evening, LTEMS will offer free community CPR and "Stop the Bleed" classes at the station.
"People, you know, it's not common knowledge that this symptom may lead to this diagnosis," Yarnall said. "And so, by having that awareness of strokes, how they can prevent falls in the home, how they can recognize what's going on with a cardiac event… when they're pressed with that situation, then maybe they'll sit and think, 'Oh, I remember hearing about this. This could be a stroke.'"
Wednesday, May 22, is "Kids Awareness Day," with LTEMS visiting the Juniata County Head Start program. The visit aims to familiarize children with EMS and alleviate fears associated with emergencies.
"It's important that our children are aware. There may be a time when they need EMS. They're going to be in a lot of pain. They're going to be scared. They're going to be in a situation that's not comfortable for them," Yarnall said.
On Friday, May 24, LTEMS will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 12 to 5 p.m. The event is part of LTEMS's "Giving Back Day," emphasizing the importance of community support.
The week concludes on Saturday, May 25, with "Meet the Crew Day" at the East Waterford General Store. The community is invited to meet the crew, tour an ambulance, and receive free blood pressure checks.
LTEMS's commitment to community outreach extends beyond EMS Week. They offer free funeral meals, host a twice-weekly Coffee with Friends program for seniors, and even operate a crime scene cleanup business.
"We kind of joke that we'll do anything to make money," Yarnall said. "Because ultimately, we will. We've done food sale stands. We've done catered weddings. We've reached out and catered different events."
The organization's dedication to service is evident in its all-volunteer staff.
"Volunteers are the backbone of what we do, especially here in South Juniata County," Yarnall said. "We need those volunteers because we don't have the call volume to sustain a paid staff."
LTEMS's innovative approach to EMS Week reflects a broader trend in emergency services toward community engagement and education. As healthcare evolves, EMS providers are increasingly recognizing the importance of building relationships with the communities they serve.
"We have always had a presence known in our community," Yarnall said.
LTEMS's community-focused EMS Week is proof of that presence, celebrating 50 years of service and looking ahead to many more. The organization is already preparing for its 25th anniversary next year, promising continued dedication to the community it serves.