By Mari Radtke
After several years of struggling to meet state staffing requirements the Paullina Ambulance is again ready and able to serve. Neighboring services from Granville, Primghar and sometimes Sutherland or Sanborn have provided backup for the lifesaving needs of the community when seconds matter.
Going from a staff of just 2 members to now 17 strong the future looks brighter for the crucial service than ever before. Each of the new members fill a variety of positions from drivers to EMTs to officers. All are necessary and more are welcome.
An O’Brien County funded grant assisted with the cost of the required training to certify individuals as EMTs or to provide a bridge class for licensed nurses to work as EMTs. The class was held in Paullina.
The ambulance and some of its staff will participate in the Gemboree festivities this weekend. They will be in the parade on Saturday and make themselves available around the downtown and city park area randomly. They invite the public to stop and see the “rig,” which they are in the process of replacing. It has been 13 years since the city has purchased an updated ambulance.
A watermelon feed at Mill Creek Park on Saturday evening during the canoe/boat races and before the fireworks at dusk. Again, the public is invited to join them, ask questions or learn how to help strengthen the service on behalf of the Paullina public.