VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF EVERY COMMUNITY
Author: Barbara Mutter, Three Forks Ambulance Service
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF EVERY COMMUNITY
Barbara Mutter
Three Forks Ambulance Service
Many folks don’t think about all their neighbors that put their heart and soul into so many different facets that make a community their HOME.
Volunteers make up most of the community-based social services.
Volunteers are found in everyday places you may not be aware of:
Your Local Fire Department, Your Local Ambulance Service, Churches, Local Libraries, Food Banks, Meals on Wheels, Animal Rescue and Shelters, Hospitals, Museums, Habitat for Humanity, Coaches for all the youth sports in town, County Fair Volunteers, the Red Cross, and Veteran Programs. And there are so many, many more!
90% of all Fire Departments in the United States are served by VOLUNTEER Firefighters. These folks leave their families on holidays, on their days off, and in the middle of the night to answer emergency calls. Firefighters don’t think “What’s in this for me?” Firefighters go through hours of various training to meet the emergency needs of their neighbors. Many fire departments train in-house to prepare for emergencies.
Many Ambulance Services in Montana's small towns are made up of All-Volunteer Staffing. These folks must have a medical license to be in an ambulance to perform quality medical care. These EMTs must pay out of pocket for a license to volunteer.
The National Registry Emergency Medical Technician license can cost anywhere from $1000 to $1500.
Volunteer EMTs leave their families on holidays, on their days off, and in the middle of the night to meet that medical or trauma emergency and don’t think “What’s in it for me?”.
Society has been changing over the years and volunteerism is going away in our communities across this great country. People are working hard to make ends meet. The everyday stress of raising their children and putting food on the table, not to mention any outside activities they participate in leaves no time to volunteer.
WHO IF NOT YOU?
Montana has seen many small independent ambulance services close their doors over the last 5 years. The rising cost of medical supplies, housing ambulances, medical equipment and education has skyrocketed. Ambulance Services are not considered essential services, so Ambulance Services do NOT receive any funds from property taxes. Three Forks Area Ambulance (TFAA) is funded by insurance payments if TFAA transports a patient to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital that has insurance. We also receive a few donations that come our way.
The Three Forks Area Ambulance needs more people to step up to serve. We have an EMT class starting in September. There is financing available so if you are interested in becoming an EMT, reach out!
We Need Drivers as well! Training will be provided by TFAA.
The Three Forks Volunteer Fire Department needs more people to join. TFVFD meets every Tuesday night. Show Up, they will be happy to see you.
Any amount of time a person can give to volunteer makes our community stronger.
It could be you or your family member that needs medical care or your property that’s on fire. Who will come in your time of need?
WHO IF NOT YOU?
Three Forks Area Ambulance
3fkamb@gmail.com
406-404-7396
