County Ambulance Service

⏱️ Every Second Counts in a Stroke! ⏱️

We're proud to share that EVERY suspected stroke patient our County Ambulance team encountered in August had a timely stroke alert activated at Berkshire Medical Center! 🚑💨

Why is this so important? An early stroke alert means immediate CT scans upon arrival, fast-tracked treatments like clot-busting tPA and clot retrieval, and—most importantly—better recovery for patients! 🧠⚡

Your quick action, and our rapid response, can make all the difference in saving brain cells and lives. 🙌

Have you or a loved one experienced the power of fast stroke care? Tell us your story in the comments below! 💬👇

For many years, County Ambulance has been a key part of the safety planning and emergency coverage for the Josh Billings RunAground and 2024 will be no exception. While extensive planning goes into the athletic components of the event, ensuring the safety of participants is equally important. County Ambulance is proud to partner with all the organizations involved in making this event safe and successful.

Picture courtesy of Paramedic Austin White

Our team member, Trish Carlo, organized a heartfelt breakfast in memory of Tommy Andrews on the 5th anniversary of his passing. Here, Kevin and Brian Andrews express their gratitude to Trish for her touching initiative.

🚑🌟 Shoutout to Our County Ambulance Heroes! 🌟🚑

We’re thrilled to recognize our amazing County Ambulance staff for their outstanding performance with 12-lead EKGs! Last month, they achieved the incredible feat of performing 12-lead EKGs in 10 minutes or less—well ahead of the Heart Association’s recommendation. ⏱️💓

This swift response is crucial for our chest pain patients, ensuring they receive timely and efficient care during heart attacks. Thanks to their dedication, we’re not only maximizing survival chances but also reducing the risk of long-term disability. 🙌👏

A huge THANK YOU to our ambulance team for their commitment to excellence and for making a real difference in the lives of our community members. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, and we’re grateful for your unwavering dedication! 🚑❤️

EMS Providers sign up soon. This is the event of the year.

https://berkshireplanning.org/6287-2/

Public Health Planner/Senior Planner (Substance Use Disorders) The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Public Health Program is seeking either a Planner or Senior Planner to work on Behavioral Health/ Substance Use Disorder (SUD) projects. The role will help […]

🎉🚑 Exciting News from County Ambulance Service! 🚑🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that County Ambulance Service has officially become a Massachusetts OEMS Accredited Training Institution at the Basic Life Support Level! 🏅✨

Our previous accreditation had lapsed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as we focused on critical testing and vaccination efforts. But after a rigorous year-long process, we are proud to have regained our accreditation and are ready to resume our EMT Basic Classes!

This is more than just a milestone; it’s our commitment to ensuring that we continue to provide top-notch training for future EMTs. 🌟🚑 Whether you're looking to start a career in emergency medical services or enhance your skills, our certified courses are designed to help you achieve your goals and make a difference in your community.

Stay tuned for class schedules and more information on how you can get involved. Thank you for your patience and support throughout this process. Here’s to new beginnings and continuing our mission to save lives and provide exceptional care! 🙌💪

County Ambulance recognized by American Heart Association

Pittsfield: County Ambulance recognized by American Heart Association County Ambulance Service has been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association for its commitment to quality care for heart attacks and strokes.

Today we received another note from an appreciative patient:

"This is a much belated note of thanks - especially directed at Jim (Welcome), Tiffany (Hartlage and (I'm sorry unnamed driver woman extraordinaire (Hilary Hart).
You were my ride from Berkshire Humane to BMC the day after X-Mas 2023 after I broke my wrist and then passed out (not proud of that!)
Anyways, it was a pretty severe set of fractures & nerve damage - can't say I've ever had that level of pain. Thank you for your professionalism and skill getting me stabilized & pain controlled.
Had never been in an ambulance before - but I feel lucky you were the crew that helped me out that day. Thanks for the well timed bit of humor here & there Jim. It all helped keep me focused and in a (relatively) more coherent state to deal with being in the ER.
Don't know how often you find out what happens to folks. I'm glad to say a surgery and rehab later and I'm good to go. Back to normal stuff including volunteering with the critters. I just don't work the big dogs anymore! :)
Anyway. Thank you again - Keep doing what you do. "

We received a heartwarming call from a patient's wife who praised one of our crews for their exceptional care. Last evening, our team, consisting of Supervisor Dakota Schaefer and Derek Struwing, responded to a report of altered mental status.

The patient's wife was deeply appreciative of how thoughtful, caring, and respectful Dakota and Derek were while attending to her husband. Her gratitude was evident, and she felt a great sense of relief knowing her husband was in such capable hands.

It’s employees like Dakota and Derek who make County Ambulance stand out. Their dedication and compassion truly set us apart! 👏💙

President Brian Andrews will be joining host Shawn Serres on WTBR's Morning Drive at 7:30 am. They'll be talking about planning that goes into a Vice President visit, our national Mission Lifeline Award recently presented by the American Heart Association and whatever else comes up.
Listen on WTBR at 89.7 FM
Online at WTBRFM.COM
Or simulcast on PCTV on Pittsfield cable at channel 1301 or on the PCTV Select app.

On July 27, County Ambulance Service, a locally and family-owned provider of mobile and on-site emergency medical services, had the honor of supporting the visit of Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris to the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. This was not our first experience providing EMS for a national VIP; we had previously been involved in events for former Vice President Dan Quayle, First Lady Hillary Clinton, and others visiting Berkshire County.

When Pittsfield Police Chief Thomas Dawley asked for our assistance in planning, we were eager to contribute to a successful event. As a 9-1-1 provider for Pittsfield, we take our EMS responsibilities very seriously.

During the final planning session, there was a brief discussion about the hair salon behind the Colonial Theatre being available for bathroom use. Although I didn’t focus on this detail at the time, a colleague later confirmed it was discussed. On the morning of July 27, I reported to the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office mobile command post, located in the parking lot on Wendell Avenue behind the Colonial Theatre and adjacent to the Four One Three Salon. As EMS command for the event, I worked within a unified command structure to ensure consistent communication among all agencies.

By 11 a.m., our ambulances had joined the Vice President’s motorcade en route to Pittsfield. Shortly after setting up the command post, two female team members from Berkshire Health Systems asked about bathroom facilities. I overheard someone outside the command post informing them that the salon was available. I was busy with radio communications and did not see who authorized the use of the bathroom.

When the motorcade arrived behind the Colonial Theatre, our ambulance staff, who had been on duty since 10 a.m., needed a bathroom break. The County Ambulance supervisor assigned to the motorcade asked about bathroom facilities and was again directed to the Four One Three Salon. The female staff members went to the salon, used the bathroom, and left. They saw a bowl of mints on the receptionist's desk and one staff member took a single mint, not a handful, contrary to some media reports.

On July 30, I received an email from Chief Dawley, noting the salon owner’s dissatisfaction and including videos of the incident. The lead USSS Agent had contacted the owner to address her concerns. Due to a busy schedule, it took me a few days to draft a letter to the salon owner, explaining that we were informed the salon was available and apologizing for any inconvenience caused. We also offered to cover any costs related to the incident.

Soon after, local media inquired about the salon bathroom use. I was surprised and explained that we had been told the salon facilities were available, and I was unsure where the miscommunication occurred. The situation quickly escalated, leading to extensive media coverage.

We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to Four One Three Salon and understand their desire to find out who is responsible. It is my understanding that the USSS has taken responsibility, issued an apology, and offered compensation for any costs incurred. However, I am dismayed that the video of our staff has been prominently featured in media coverage, leading to undue stress for them. They were not the first to use the salon, and it is unfair that they have been singled out.

Our staff are highly trustworthy and would never engage in illegal or improper behavior. I want to apologize for the distress caused to our staff by this situation. We would never knowingly use a business without authorization, and I regret that this incident has been used to cast a negative light on our service.

Proud partner with Berkshire Community College

https://www.iberkshires.com/story/76331/BCC-s-EMT-Training-Course-Fills-Need-in-Berkshire-County-.html

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH 617 IN
EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN CONNECTICUT THIS WATCH INCLUDES 1 COUNTY

IN NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT

LITCHFIELD

IN MASSACHUSETTS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 1 COUNTY

IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

BERKSHIRE

IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 15 COUNTIES

IN EAST CENTRAL NEW YORK

ALBANY COLUMBIA DUTCHESS
GREENE RENSSELAER SARATOGA
SCHENECTADY SCHOHARIE ULSTER
WARREN WASHINGTON

IN EASTERN NEW YORK

FULTON HAMILTON HERKIMER
MONTGOMERY

IN VERMONT THIS WATCH INCLUDES 2 COUNTIES

IN SOUTHERN VERMONT

BENNINGTON WINDHAM

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALBANY, AMSTERDAM, ARLINGTON, ATHENS,
BEACON, BELLOWS FALLS, BENNINGTON, BRATTLEBORO, BREAKABEEN,
CAIRO, CAMBRIDGE, CAROGA LAKE, CATSKILL, COBLESKILL, COXSACKIE,
DALTON, DOLGEVILLE, FLORIDA, FORT EDWARD, FRANKFORT, GILBOA,
GLENS FALLS, GLOVERSVILLE, GRANVILLE, GREENWICH, GUILFORD CENTER,
HANCOCK, HERKIMER, HOFFMEISTER, HUDSON FALLS, HULETTS LANDING,
ILION, JEFFERSON, JEFFERSON HEIGHTS, JOHNSTOWN, KINGSTON,
LITTLE FALLS, LIVINGSTONVILLE, LONG LAKE, MIDDLEBURGH, MOHAWK,
NEW LEBANON, NEW PALTZ, NORTH ADAMS, NORTH BLENHEIM, PITTSFIELD,
POUGHKEEPSIE, POWNAL, ROTTERDAM, SABATTIS, SARATOGA LAKE,
SARATOGA SPRINGS, SCHENECTADY, STAMFORD, TORRINGTON, TROY, WELLS,
WEST BRATTLEBORO, WEST GLENS FALLS, WHITEHALL,
AND WOODFORD STATE PARK.

Our condolences go out to the Massachusetts State Police on their loss of retired K9 Bijou. Thank you to Bijou and her handler for the important work she did. Our hearts go out to all the troopers touched by Bijou.

Very proud day for County Ambulance Service today. We were tasked by our great City and the US Secret Service to provide EMS for the visit of Vice President Kamala Harris to the Colonial Theatre. We had two ambulances that were assigned to her motorcade that accompanied her from Barnes Airport in Westfied to the Colonial and back to Air Force 2. We had field teams inside the Colonial to provide EMS to the invited guests and VIPs and we had an ambulance assigned to the crowd of onlookers on South St. We were in the Unified Command Post providing incident command with Pittsfield Police Department , Pittsfield Fire Department, Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, BHS and the US Secret Service. It was amazing teamwork that ensured the safety of all. Our staff demonstrated a high level of professionalism and federal officials remarked how well prepared and organized we were. While this was happening we also were providing EMS to Tanglewood Music Center like we do every summer and maintaining our 911 responses. Proud to be a member of this team.

PROUD DAY HERE AT COUNTY AMBULANCE

County Ambulance’s dedication to ensuring heart attack and stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care has earned us a Mission: Lifeline EMS Bronze award. Learn more at http://bit.ly/TU8daL

🚨 Exciting News from County Ambulance Service! 🚨

We are thrilled to announce the recent appointment of Cody Schaefer and Matt Wilson as our newest Shift Supervisors! 🎉

After receiving multiple applications from highly qualified and interested candidates, Cody and Matt were selected to share supervision responsibilities within our company operations.

Both bring a wealth of EMS experience and diverse backgrounds to our team. Their expertise and commitment to excellence will bring stability and continuity to our Sunday shifts, helping us achieve our goal of full staffing on weekends.

Please join us in congratulating Cody Schaefer and Matt Wilson on their new roles! 👏👏

Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work.

Dangerous Heat Continues

Please be aware of NWS alerts

Event extended (area): Heat Advisory for Berkshire County, MA
Sent via email and SMS at 117 pm EDT, Jul 10th 2024

Radar valid at 120 pm EDT, Jul 10th 2024

MAZ001-NYZ041-043-049-050-083-084-VTZ013-110000-
/O.EXA.KALY.HT.Y.0004.000000T0000Z-240711T0000Z/
Northern Berkshire-Northern Saratoga-Northern Washington-Eastern
Schenectady-Southern Saratoga-Southeast Warren-Southern
Washington-Bennington-
Including the cities of West Glens Falls, Saratoga Lake, Burnt
Hills, Middle Falls, Fort Edward, Stamford, Hudson Falls, Dalton,
Huletts Landing, Saratoga Springs, Greenwich, Cambridge,
Whitehall, Ballston Spa, Schenectady, Glens Falls, North Adams,
Pownal, Woodford State Park, Mechanicville, Bennington, Clifton
Park, Hancock, Florida, Waterford, Rotterdam, Granville,
Pittsfield, and North Easton
117 PM EDT Wed Jul 10 2024
..HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heat index values from the mid 90s to near 100.

* WHERE...In Massachusetts, Northern Berkshire County. In New York,
Eastern Schenectady, Northern Saratoga, Northern Washington,
Southeast Warren, Southern Saratoga, and Southern Washington
Counties. In Vermont, Bennington County.

* WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Please be aware of changing weather today.

The following National Weather Service Alert has been issued:

*** The information in this email pertains to the following areas only:***
- In Connecticut: Litchfield County
- In Massachusetts: Berkshire County
- In Vermont: Bennington & Windham Counties
- In New York: Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Ulster, Warren and Washington Counties

The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WATCH through 9 PM this evening for portions of eastern New York including the Capital District, Lake George-Saratoga Region, Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys, and southern Adirondacks.

The primary hazards are expected to be damaging winds up to 70 mph and a few tornadoes.

Scattered to numerous power outages from downed trees and wires are possible.

Additional information about the Watch can be found at:

Storm Prediction Center Tornado Watch 517 Severe weather, tornado, thunderstorm, fire weather, storm report, tornado watch, severe thunderstorm watch, mesoscale discussion, convective outlook products from the Storm Prediction Center.

We are proud to be the EMS provider for Tanglewood Music Center, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for well over 30 years. Under the leadership of Brian Sears our crews work closely with Tanglewood Public Safety staff, Massachusetts State Police and the Berkshire County Sheriff's Department to provide for the safety and health of patrons and staff of Tanglewood.

This hot weather can be dangerous to everyone especially those with underlying health conditions.
Please read this info from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

https://countyambulance-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/bkandrews_countyamb_com/EVgZWeVCuVNFpSawiDOcw0YBSij4x8dNYgKFUYBUIpfw2A?e=ctMQ1J

Understanding Performance Measures in Healthcare

At County Ambulance, we're dedicated to providing the best care possible. One of the ways we ensure top-notch service is by tracking key performance measures. But what exactly are performance measures?

IBM defines healthcare performance measurements as "aggregated, quantified, and analyzed data on a particular healthcare-related activity. Their purpose is to identify opportunities for reducing costs, improving quality of care, and increasing efficiency of care delivery."

A crucial performance measure we monitor is the Average Scene Time for Trauma Patients. Studies show that scene times of 20 minutes or less generally lead to better outcomes for trauma patients. We're proud to share that 89% of the time, we're able to transport trauma patients within this critical timeframe, with our average scene time being just 13 minutes and 28 seconds.

At County Ambulance, we're committed to continuously improving our services to provide the best care for our community. Stay tuned for more updates on how we're working to enhance healthcare delivery.

At County Ambulance, we take data seriously to ensure we provide the best care possible. By monitoring specific measures, we can identify variations that impact patient outcomes and delve deeper into those findings.

One critical measure we track is the application of bystander CPR. While we don't have direct control over this factor, it helps us identify potential healthcare disparities in bystander assistance. Additionally, it allows our training division to assess the effectiveness of our public CPR education programs.

Your involvement and awareness are crucial. Together, we can make a significant difference in emergency response and patient care. Thank you for your continued support.

We saw a increase in opioid related calls in May. This was very concerning since we had been seeing reducing numbers. Thanks to ESO Solutions and the analytics we can keep a close eye on this trend and see if it continues.

Sunday was a busy day but fortunately crews had enough down time to get Ayelada Inc. froyo