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LEWISTOWN -- Chief Deputy Eric Howell of FAME EMS presented the Mifflin County Veterans Organization with a check for $1,000 during their monthly meeting Thursday evening.
FAME EMS holds a variety of raffles to raise this money.
Howell shed some light on what FAME emergency responders do for the community.
"We average around 12,000 calls a year with only 54 employees," said Howell.
"We are currently lacking EMTs, and if we could get six or seven people we would be set,"
The big difference between an EMT and a paramedic is the level of training and the scope of practice each provides.
"An EMT comes in and starts patient care for the paramedics, from delivering oxygen, to performing certain cardiac things," Howell added.
EMTs respond to 911 calls and other emergencies, assess injuries and illnesses, and provide basic medical care including administering CPR, controlling bleeding, delivering oxygen, informing the hospital of the patient's condition and splinting or bandaging fractured bones.
If you or anyone you know may be interested in a career helping others, contact Deputy Chief Eric Howell at FAME or Chief Patrick Shoop at (717) 248-5553.
Howell also shared that a FAME membership is now $75 for an entire household and covers every person in that home.
These memberships allow individuals to receive a discounted rate when traveling by ambulance.
The Mifflin County Veterans Organization consists of veterans and spouses from every branch of military both past and present. This group was started to give veterans a place to come together, to support each other and hear community updates.
After Howell's presentation, the organization discussed regular business. Members learned that an unnamed Vietnam era veteran reached out regarding electricity bills.
Due to unforeseen circumstances the man and his family have been able to pay some but not all of the bill. The members of this organization were eager to pay for this service.
"We are here to help veterans, and I think that's what we should do," said President Ed Mann.
The Mifflin County Veterans Organization meets at 6 p.m. on the last Thursday every month at St. John's Lutheran Church, 120 N. Main St., Lewistown, beginning each meeting with a meal.