The members of Helderberg Ambulance wish the residents of Berne and Knox a Happy New Year.

The squad members responded to 396 calls in 2018. In December, there were 35 calls. Of those calls, 17 were medical, 6 trauma, 4 motor vehicle incidents, 1 standby, 8 non-transports, and 1 turnover. There were 27 calls in Berne and 6 in Knox.

Nine of the 27 members of the squad answered 50 or more calls in 2018. Thank you to all 27 members for all you do in the community.

On Jan. 9, eleven members of Helderberg Ambulance attended the Berne Town Board meeting to review the history of the squad, training for emergency medical technicians and drivers, and statistics from 2013 to the present. This presentation was well received by the town board members and those people in the audience.

Stephanie Carpenter and Carrie Murray will begin their training this week to become EMTs. Their classes will finish in June. The current training requirement for an EMT is 120 hours of class time. Good luck to you both in your studies.

Six members attended the Winter Symposium at the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill on Jan. 5. The classes were from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The staff at the college did a wonderful job in organizing the event and the speakers were very engaging.

On Jan. 12, Helderberg Ambulance volunteers Sharon Humes, Carrie Murray, Stephanie Carpenter, and myself conducted a blood-pressure clinic at the Senior Citizens’ meeting. Thank you to all the seniors who had their blood pressures checked.

On Jan. 26, the squad will hold an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you can donate, please call 1-800-RED CROSS to set up an appointment. We hope you will be able to help us out as there is a great need for blood after the holidays.

During 2018, there was a 2:1 ratio of calls during the day as compared to night. During the day most of our members are at work, so that leaves 4 members who are certified as emergency medical technicians to answer the calls.

We need your help. If you are interested, our next meeting is Feb. 14 at the Cole Hill Station. We look forward to seeing you.