Community Organizations
Stamford EMS inside ambulance 12-09-17

Consider a Contribution to Stamford EMS, Where Darien’s Paramedics Come From

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The Stamford EMS annual appeal is currently underway.  This local nonprofit works closely with other emergency services in the city of Stamford, but is an independent, private organization that has been serving our community for over 25 years. “Most people don’t realize that we’re a nonprofit,” said Patricia Squires, Stamford EMS chief and C.E.O.  “We’re a critical part of the community that is dedicated to its protection, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards so that we can deliver the best care possible.”

Indeed, Stamford EMS is ranked among the top 1 percent of emergency medical service organizations in the country earning the prestigious C.A.A.S. accreditation. It responds to more than 14,000 calls per year as it serves the city of Stamford and provides contracted paramedic response to the town of Darien. “Our ability to provide exceptional care is connected to donations,” said Squires. “Ambulances cost more than $150,000.

Parents & Kids
Babysitting Course Stamford EMS

Summer Course Prepares Babysitters with First Aid, Rescue and Child Care Skills

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Stamford Emergency Medical Services congratulates Gianna Olavarria on graduating from their inaugural Safe Sitter Babysitting class. At age 11, Gianna is the first graduate from the program offered by Stamford EMS.
“We’re thrilled to offer this course to the community, said Stamford EMS Lieutenant and Academy Training Coordinator Jessica Anderson. “Preparing young teens safety skills, first aid, rescue and child care skills, creates better prepared babysitters and caregivers, as well as more confident parents leaving children in their care.”

The Safe Sitter Babysitting course is open to teens, ages 11 and up. The course is a medically accurate babysitting program that teaches life and safety skills, including nurturing child care techniques, behavior management skills, and appropriate responses to medical emergencies. Presented in one six-hour session, the course provides hands-on practice in basic first-aid, infant and child choking rescue, and other lifesaving techniques, as well as instruction on topics such as how a child’s age affects how to care for them, how to prevent problem behavior and how to run your own babysitting business. Stamford EMS will offer the next session of the Safe Sitter Babysitting course on Saturday July 22, 2017.  The course will take place from 9am-3pm at Stamford Emergency Medical Services, Inc., 684 Long Ridge Road in Stamford.

Healthy Living
File of Life card thumbnail 912-24-16

A Healthy Resolution: Have a ‘File of Life’ Card Handy for Medical Emergencies

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Here’s a New Year’s resolution that is easy to keep: stop by Stamford EMS to pick up a File of Life card.  Your File of Life card lists your latest medical information — including allergies, medications, contact persons and more — all in one safe place. If ever there is a medical emergency, a completed card hanging on your refrigerator could save your life. 
“Everyone should have a File of Life,” said Bill Ackley, EMS Captain, Special Operations and Preparedness Coordinator of Stamford EMS.
“Paramedics often arrive on a scene with little to no information about the person in need of help.  This card is the most efficient and effective way to tell medical providers what to look for in an emergency situation, and how to notify loved ones.  Updating the card in January provides current information.”
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— An announcement from Stamford Emergency Medical Services (SEMS), which now provides Darien with in-town paramedics
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While completed cards are especially important for seniors, many children are looked after by caregivers who may not be familiar with the child’s medical history. SEMS urges parents to complete File of Life cards for each of their children, which can be left on their refrigerator or with their caregiver. EMS and other first responders know to look for the card, and in cases when a patient is unable to communicate, it can save precious minutes. A completed card quickly provides an accurate medical history, as well as a list of medications, existing conditions and allergies — vital information needed by paramedics and EMTs to provide lifesaving care during a medical emergency.