Gowanda Ambulance

holds annual meeting  

     On Jan. 23, the Gowanda Ambulance Service held its annual meeting.      Service was provided to 1,078 patients in 2005. This was done with six drivers, 16 EMTs, six EMT-Is and one EMP-P. Stand-by services were provided for Pioneer Days, the Harley Happening, Little League and high school football games, and the Gowanda High School Wrestling Tournament. The squad participated at area schools during EMS and Fire Prevention Week as well as area parades.

     Members of the squad have undergone many hours of continuing medical education through the New York State Pilot Re-certification Program. In-house training has been ongoing throughout the year. Mutual aid and Advanced Life Support intercepts were provided to Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, Cattaraugus, South Dayton, Leon, Little Valley, Conewango, Otto and North Collins. The service has worked collaboratively with the area fire departments of Collins, Collins Center, Dayton, Gowanda, Perrysburg and Versailles.

     Patients were transported to eight different hospitals as well as Gowanda Nursing Home. Two different helicopter services were utilized for trauma and stroke patient transport.

     Two ambulances are maintained with state-of-the-art equipment. Most recently, the purchase of two inflatable car seats for the safe transport of young children have been effectively utilized.

     Financially, the service is supported by the donations and memorials from the community as well as support from the municipalities of Collins, Dayton, Perrysburg and Persia. The service operated at a loss of over $6,200 in 2005.

     A few people from the community attended the meeting to thank the squad and board of directors for the service provided throughout the year. The board of directors and squad are thankful for the support of the community.

     The next annual meeting will be the fourth Monday of January 2007.