By Madeleine SutherlandRecord Staff WriterThe Warren County Ambulance District devised a plan to improve the organization in early 2014 and wasted no time getting started on it.Last month, the district was honored as the 2015 Emergency Medical Services of the Year during the annual state conference.The event, which honors a variety of emergency service organizations from across the state, was held in Branson from July 28-31.The district won the award one other time 20 years ago.“I think this will boost the employees’ egos a little bit more,” said Ralph Hellebusch, district administrator. “It is a good honor for the district, both for Warren County and for the state.”In order to qualify for the award, a portfolio highlighting work throughout 2014 in all aspects of the organization had to be submitted.District employees, who respond to an average of 10 calls per day, are expected to contribute more than just medical service to the community.“They want to see you are involved in the community, that you do community outreach and public relations, and that you have a training program,” said Jackie Stewart, assistant to Hellebusch.Stewart was given the responsibility of compiling the portfolio. She submitted the final copy in June and the district received word of their award around July 4, according to Hellebusch.In her portfolio, Stewart stated that, “the addition of a new ambulance, cardiac monitors, truck computers, mascot, increased training and certification opportunities, wage increases for staff, and the district being able to maintain the benefit package for employees” had contributed to their positive year.Among improvements to equipment and benefits for employees, the district also established a greater presence on social media and increased their amount of community outreach. They set up CPR, safety, and first-aid classes and hosted a coloring contest and blood drive.“There were so many things over the year 2014 that we did well,” Stewart said. “We were prevalent in the community and did everything so well that it all came together.”The district has also found ways to reach out to local students. The Explorers Post 1599 Emergency Medical Responder program offers high school students the chance to train and perform as an emergency responder. “We’re going into our fourth year of the Explorers program and we are starting to see some results from that this year,” stated Hellebusch. Three program graduates are set to become EMTs in Warren County this year.To reach out even more to local families, the district also began the S.T.A.R.S. program, or Special Need Tracking and Awareness Response System. This program allows children with special medical needs to be registered with the district in case of an emergency. Responders hope that by having medical information for registered children already on file, patient care will be more efficient.Warren County Ambulance District administrators showcase their 2015 EMS of the Year plaque, which they were awarded in July. Pictured, front row from left, are Mike Eskew, Tim Flake, Stephanie Wahoski, Holly Whelchel and Jackie Stewart. Back row, from left, are Ralph Hellebusch, Darren Lenk, Jackie Johnson and Joe Vaughn. Not pictured is Roger Stewart.
