 Bryan Condra
Honoring Hanover’s Emergency Medical Services The American College of Emergency Physicians states that this celebration exists to “honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s ‘front line.’”
This year, Emergency Medical Services Week is being celebrated May 18 through May 24.
The American College of Emergency Physicians states that this celebration exists to “honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s ‘front line.’”
Here in Hanover, that service is provided by Hanover Fire/EMS, by both volunteers and career officers.
“I love it,” says Jim Benjamin, a volunteer EMT officer with Ashcake Rescue Station 13. “It’s rewarding, and the people I work with here are people of all kinds— we may not have a single thing in common.”
At least on the surface. Because one thing they all share, says Benjamin, is that, “We don’t do it for money, we do it because we all choose to.”
“Compassion and a giving, caring nature are typical traits of EMS providers,” said Cris Leonard, Volunteer Membership Coordinator for Hanover Fire/EMS, who has been with department for almost 10 years. “EMS providers are world class public servants who have a great sense of civic duty… we often hear from folks who seem just ready to give back to the community.”
There are about 1,000 Hanover Fire/EMS providers, all of whom receive extensive training.
“In the Commonwealth, the training classes and certifications are the same for volunteer and career personnel,” said Leonard. “The role of EMS providers is vital to our emergency responses and the safety of our citizens… All of our members make a very significant contribution towards our goals.”
Brian Nesselrodt, a full-time career officer with Hanover Fire/EMS, says that he appreciates the contact he has with people in the community. “You see them at their worst and help them at their worst. You get them the help they need to become better, or to relieve the pain they’re in.”
Nesselrodt says that a lot of the patients he helps are affected by heart or breathing issues. “On the way to the hospital, you get to know them, find out their stories.”
Nesselrodt’s empathy has impressed those he serves, as well as his colleagues. “He is currently at our Chickahominy Fire Company in the airpark, and has run many, many, many shifts on an ambulance lately,” said Leonard. “Brian’s compassion, bedside manner and calming demeanor make him a great firefighter-medic.”
Benjamin, whose father was an emergency services provider, started volunteering when he was 18. After serving as a fireman in New Jersey for six years, he decided to work with EMT when he moved to Hanover.
He gives about 20 hours of his time to the community every week, and says that people may not always understand what EMT services involve.
“There are misconceptions, it’s not all gore,” he says of the cases he sees. “Many involve chest pains and illness, or car accidents with neck and back pain.
And we provide the same level of care every day.”
When asked why he volunteers, Benjamin said, “For the camaraderie, the self-gratification and satisfaction of helping other people, the less fortunate or the ill. I like it here, and I’ll stay as long as I can.”
For information on volunteering, call 365-6195
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