Commending The Emergency Medical Services Volunteers

Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps (NVAC) members had a few reasons to celebrate this week. First Selectman Pat Llodra opened the corps’ regular meeting Wednesday, May 9, with a proclamation announcing May 20–26 as Emergency Medical Services Week.

Standing with several corps board of directors members, Mrs Llodra presented a proclamation that read: “We encourage all citizens to recognize the efforts of Newtown’s Emergency Medical Services personnel  and commends the devotion, contributions, and services of the EMS.”

Tied in with National EMS Week, the meeting was also “a celebration and thank you to the corps,” said member Bob Virgalla.  “It’s a thank you to the corps and its 73 volunteers, and a reflection on 2011 and all that we have done.”

Corps Chief Chris Peterson confirmed that last year volunteers donated more than 30,000 man-hours and responded to 2351 calls.

Mr Virgalla has been an EMT for roughly a year and saw the effort “as opportunity to do something I have always wanted to do. I am giving something back to Newtown.” He said he is “having more fun at this in a sense of satisfaction and making a difference in people’s lives” than he had “in all of my professional career.” He added, “Everyone is motivated, and it’s not by money.”

Looking at members gathered in the Alexandria Room this week, he noted the different backgrounds and professions of the many volunteers, from students who also have full time jobs to semiretired personnel.

The ambulance garage is staffed all day and night, seven days a week.

The Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps will be hosting an open house at its 77 Main Street facility on Saturday, May 19, from 10 am to 2 pm. All are welcome to stop for a visit. Meet Newtown’s volunteer EMT team, tour the facility and ambulances, and receive information available on an upcoming EMT Class and Community CPR.

Guests can also learn about the “File of Life” blood pressure monitoring. For more information call 203-270-4380.