Visiting Glenwood City’s Volunteer EMS Crew
Little things matter in a big way in the small town of Glenwood City, Wisconsin. Recently, the Community Foundation of Dunn County funded a new two-way radio for the main vehicle of the town’s Ambulance service.
Prior to receiving the grant money to purchase a two-way radio, their main ambulance was equipped with just one radio in the cab area, which only the driver could access. The back of the ambulance, where the technicians tend to the patients, had been equipped only with a speaker and microphone. While this may seem like a minor issue, it was a major safety concern for Julie Lee and Charlene Draxler. Julie and Charlene are directors of the local ambulance service. They are volunteer EMS technicians and put in long shifts during the winter months. The new two-way radio allows the technicians to switch stations to communicate with corresponding hospitals or service vehicles. This ease of access frees up the driver to focus on driving and traffic communications, creating a much safer environment for all on board the ambulance.
You may not know, is that the Glenwood City EMS team consists of volunteer citizens who have regular day jobs. They can be called on a moment’s notice to help save a life. The grant money has allowed these dedicated individuals to carry out their tasks effectively.
Due to the size of their town, the remote surrounding area, and the nature of the program, Glenwood City Ambulance Service relies on these types of grants to keep their medical equipment up to date and functional. The Glenwood City Ambulance Service covers an area of 126 square miles including the town of Glenwood City, Village of Downing, Town of Emerald, and portions of Tiffany, Springfield and Forest, accounting for a response area of roughly 3,665 citizens. Glenwood City is a 25-30 minute drive from a hospital in any direction, making their link in emergency care vital. Without the generous support of the Community Foundation, these individuals wouldn’t be able to complete their job successfully and in a safe manner.
(Photos and Interview by Laura Giammattei)