MVEMS Newsletter - December 2024 Edition

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season is upon us, we at Moshannon Valley EMS want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. This has been a year filled with growth, service, and connection, and we are honored to be your trusted emergency medical care provider for the Moshannon Valley area. 

Introducing Our New Executive Director - Chief Fredrick Ferguson

As we enter this season of new beginnings and reflection, we are excited to announce a change in leadership at Moshannon Valley EMS. Please join us in welcoming Chief Fredrick Ferguson as our new Executive Director!

Chief Ferguson brings with him a wealth of experience, a passion for emergency medical services, and a deep commitment to health and safety of our community. With over 35 years in EMS, Chief Ferguson's leadership and vision are sure to strengthen our mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care to the Moshannon Valley. 

Under Chief Ferguson's guidance, we look forward to expanding our educational programs, enhancing community outreach, and improving our operational excellence. His dedication to teamwork, innovation, and community engagement will undoubtedly lead us towards an even brighter future. 

To reach Chief Ferguson, email: fferguson@movalleyems.com

A Heartfelt Thank You to Wes Cartwright and Shelly Tormey

As we welcome Chief Ferguson, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to Wes Cartwright and Shelly Tormey for their leadership and incredible dedication during their many years as co-managers of Moshannon Valley EMS. 

Wes and Shelly's commitment to our organization, their tireless efforts, and their unwavering passion for service have left an indelible mark on our team and the people we serve. Together, they navigated challenges, fostered growth, and had an enormous part in what our service and programs are today. 

Through their leadership, Moshannon Valley EMS has become stronger, more resilient, and more connected to the community. Their compassion and vision have been instrumental in helping provide exceptional emergency services and programs. 

Though they step down from their management roles as Chief Ferguson takes over, Wes and Shelly's legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire us for years to come. We are truly grateful for their contributions and look forward to their continued involvement in our EMS family. Congratulations to both of you, and thank you for all you have done. 

MVEMS Programs

As the demand for highly trained EMS and Public Service professionals grows, so does the need for accessible, high-quality education. We aim to bridge that gap, proving opportunities for individuals to pursue careers in emergency services and for current providers to stay up-to-date with best practices. 

This year, we completed 2 Emergency Medical Responder courses and 2 Emergency Medical Technician courses, along with numerous other public safety trainings. We congratulate those who have successfully completed our training, and thank those who have taken the step to use the certification to help in their communities. 

If you have an interest in these courses, or would like more information on other community outreach programs, feel free to contact our Education Director by emailing tthomas@movalleyems.com

2024 - The Year of Growth and Expansion

As we close out the 2024, we want to take a moment to reflect on how we have enhanced our capabilities with the addition of 2 brand new ambulances and new advanced equipment such as new LIFEPAK 35 Cardiac Monitors. These investments are part of our ongoing commitment to provide the highest level of care and service to the Moshannon Valley and beyond.

Welcoming New Team Members

To support the improvements and expansion, we are proud to welcome several new EMS professionals to our team. These dedicated individuals bring fresh skills, enthusiasm, and a passion for serving the community. Their addition strengthens our ability to respond quickly and provide high-quality care when it matters most. 

MVEMS Building Project

As our call volume increases and services expand, our current facility is no longer meeting our needs. To continue providing timely, life-saving care, we need your help to make this project a reality. Although we have secured some grant funding, this is only a fraction of the funds needed to complete this project. 

Why a new building?

Our current facility has served us well for many years, but as the demands on our team have grown, including our programs outside of emergency response, space constraints and outdated infrastructure have made it difficulty to operate at the highest ability. A new building will provide increased space for ambulances and equipment, a modern training facility, modern living quarters for our crew members who work up to 24 hour shifts, and enhanced maintenance and storage area. 

How You Can Help:

Building this new facility is a significant investment, and we are seeking support from the communities and businesses we serve. Your contribution made towards our building fund will go directly towards building a modern, efficient, and sustainable headquarters that enable us to respond to emergencies and train new and existing providers more effectively and efficiently. 

Ways to support the project:

- Donations: Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to making this goal a reality. 

- Sponsorships and Partnerships: Businesses, municipalities, and organizations can show their commitment to public safety and community health through sponsorships. 

Invest in the future of MVEMS and the health and safety of the community

Your support ensures that our service can continue to provide high-quality emergency care and training to the area. Together, we can build a facility to meets today's needs and prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow. 

Behind the Scenes: What Happens When I Call For Help?

When an emergency strikes and you dial 911, help arrives quickly - but have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes before help shows up? Here's a glimpse into the intricate process that ensures Moshannon Valley EMS, or any public safety agency, gets to you when you need them the most:

Step 1: The call comes in

When you dial 911, your call is answered by a well trained dispatcher who immediately gathers crucial information. Every second counts, and dispatches work calmly and quickly to gain information and assess the situation

Step 2: Dispatching the Appropriate Resources

Once they have enough information, the dispatch center alerts the nearest available units. Thanks to advanced communications systems, our crews receive details about the emergency, respond, and are updated along the way to prepare mentally and gather the right equipment. 

Step 3: On-Scene Care

Upon arrival, first responders jump into action, assessing the situation and providing life-saving interventions. 

Step 4: After the Call

After the call is completed and treatment and transport has been provided, the crew restocks supplies, cleans the ambulance, and completes detailed documentation of the call. This ensures readiness for the next emergency and accurate records for patient care. 

Every step in this process, from the 911 call to post-call clean, is essential to providing fast, effective emergency care. It takes a dedicated team - disptachers, EMTs, Paramedics, and support staff - to make sure we are always ready to serve you! Next time you see an ambulance racing by, know there's a well-coordinated effort behind the scenes to protect and care for our community.

Thank you for your continued support

As the year comes to a close, and we send out this first ever MVEMS Newsletter, we want to give a thanks to all those who support us everyday. Without your help, we would not be the service we are today. THANK YOU! We wish you all the best this holiday season, and a happy, safe, and healthy New Year!

Next Newsletter: January 2025. 

Author: Tyler Thomas - MVEMS Director of Education and Outreach