EATON ---áNational Emergency Medical Service Week kicked off Sunday at Norseman Park as the Eaton community gathered to enjoy a ring-toss game, dunk tank and face painting.
The week commemorates members in the emergency medical technician field.
"We've made a difference in many lives," Mike Foster, director of EMTs Inc., said. "Our service is needed and the rewards are serving the community."
EMTs Inc. is a nonprofit organization. In the past three years, EMTs Inc. added five ambulances, two wheelchair vans, a reconstructed building and a new station. Foster said the organization has grown because of the dedication of the community members, the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.
There are between 40 and 50 members who serve either as volunteers or certified EMTs. Some of the duties they perform include assessment of patients, assisting trauma patients, treating splints and bandages and CPR.
"There's so much to learn to be an EMT whether it's an emergency run or a more advanced life support," Foster, who has been certified for 21 years, said.
Given the population of Eaton, which resident Greg Fowler said is between 2500 and 2700, it's common for EMTs to know who they are helping when a call arrives.
"Nine times out of 10, you're going to know them," assistant director Kathy Hines said.
The difference between working as an EMT for a rural community versus the metropolitan area can vary in many degrees.
"In a small town you have more people wanting to serve the community," resident Tammi Culberson said. Culberson is an EMT instructor in Eaton and paramedic who teaches in Indianapolis.
Resident Cindy Foster described Eaton as the type of place where people leave their unlocked.
"I feel very safe in my community," Cindy said. "Sometimes I feel like we all live together."
The attendees shared food off the grill, bought raffle tickets donated by businesses such as Indiana Beach and Sybaris and cheered as individuals took their chances in the dunk tank.
"These people are my life," EMT and dispatcher Diane (Rainbow) Blazier Morgan said. "They are my friends and family."
Morgan's daughter has been in a "cadet" program designed for younger teens who are interested in learning about and assisting EMTs. Cadets can range between ages 14 to 18.
"I actually had a fear of blood," Hillary Morgan said. "But then my mom thought I should try working as a cadet to face my fear."
Morgan has been a cadet for three years and said she plans on working in the field of medicine when she gets older.
"I've learned that it's much more than just being a cadet," she said. "It's about helping people out."
People who are interested in becoming an EMT can take a class in Eaton this fall, Culberson said. The class costs between $600 and $700 and meets every Sunday for 16 weeks.
"This is a chance to get certified and have a possible career," Culberson said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
