Mass. Services Step Out to Greet Public
May 13--ROCKPORT -- The manner in which cities, towns and other agencies provide emergency medical services, along with the equipment used by responders, has changed over the last two decades.
What hasn't changed is the ability for skilled responders to take on a variety of different emergencies and protect the public -- and a fascination with what they do and the equipment they use.
Most residents of the public, thankfully, don't have encounters with EMS services on a regular basis, but the 19th annual Rockport EMS Day provides anyone interested an opportunity to meet these public servants and a chance to see the different tools they use.
Scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, on T-Wharf and around Rockport's downtown, the event provides the public a chance to mingle with various EMS departments and check out their equipment.
This year's focus is on the marine aspect of EMS, according to Rosemary Lesch, one of the town's two harbormasters.
"Each year we do something different," she said, noting that the Boston MedFlight helicopter was there one year, while veterans were honored a different year.
This year, instead of holding the event at the Department of Public Works, as in the past, part of T-Wharf will be closed off to display fire trucks and ambulances, according to Lesch. The two harbormaster boats will also be out, while the U.S. Coast Guard plans on bringing in one of its vessels to display, as well.
Members of the departments, including firefighters, EMTs, police and harbormasters will also be on hand.
"It's just fun to have the community come and see what is offered for emergency services," Lesch said. "It's taken off. People want to be included. ... They don't want to be left out."
A couple of cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes are also planned at the ambulance headquarters on Broadway, Lesch said, one of which is set for noon. Another could be held dependent on demand.
EMS Day is free and open to the public, Lesch said.
"We want people to come and see what the town has to offer," she said.
During the same time frame that day, the town's Police Department will be holding its annual bicycle auction, also at the ambulance headquarters. Police will also be auctioning off random yard sale items that officers have amassed.
Arianna MacNeill can be reached at 978-675-2710 or at amacneill@gloucestertimes.com. Follow her on Twitter at @GDTArianna. Check for her blog posts in Cape Ann Chat on the GDT's website.
Copyright 2014 - Gloucester Daily Times, Mass.
