History of the Stanton Fire and Rescue Department

Emergency Medical Service 1934-1994

EMS HISTORY 1994-   E Mail: stanton-fire@postmark.net

EMS - BORN FROM TRAGEDY Stanton's EMS Service started in a small way in July of 1934 with the purchase of a first aid kit. Up until 1955, that, along with a World War I vintage canvas stretcher, was the only rescue equipment available for the Stanton area. The nearest ambulance at that time was in Red Oak. There was no service in either Clarinda or Shenandoah. As so often happens it is tragedy that points up the need for emergency services. The tragic loss of the Gene Winchester family in an auto accident in 1955 started a fund for an ambulance for Stanton. It had been a long time dream of Fire Chief Winchester and Department President P.O.Swanson for such a service. The original Winchester memorial fund of $400 was enriched to a total of $2000 with contributions from the REA's and other contributors. The Fire Department also started out with $250 of their own funds to begin fund raising for the remaining $4000 of the $6000 required to buy the ambulance. A house to house solicitation began, asking $10 from everyone and by November 1955 the fund had grown large enough to purchase a vehicle. Fire Chief Lyle Wistrom went to Richmond, Indiana to drive home a 1955 Chevrolet with a Wayne built body, the smallest school bus model made, It had a V-8 engine; and was all white with red trim. The interior of the ambulance was built by seven or eight firemen under the supervision of P. O. Swanson . An article in the newspaper said "the wood covered interior contained limed wood cabinets covered with clear varnish. The compact cupboard and bunk space resemble the tiny cabin of a millionaire's yacht or cabin cruiser. Also available was emergency wrecking equipment - pry bars, torches, saws, etc., a 1500 watt generator, a two way radio, oxygen resuscitators, and a rolling stretcher. There was room for three accident victims. In November of 1955 Stanton's emergency rescue unit was ready to roll and the units resuscitator was put to use for the first time when Lydia Olseen, a victim of bronchial asthma, made use of the apparatus as a breathing aid. In 1958 a $3 per member fund raising was done for insurance and truck maintenance. That same year a more powerful resuscitation unit was purchased for $486 which could handle two patients at one time. The drowning of two people in one week at Viking Lake revealed a need for additional equipment. The Department has worked continuously to keep up with the state of the emergency medical arts. In 1972 the original rescue unit that had served Stanton for many years was replaced by a Ford Econoline based Ambulance built by Superior. This unit also served the community for many years. Smaller than the original Cheverolet School bus chassis, the Ford featured efficient use of space througout. A squad bench on one side of the patient compartment made access to the patient cot handy. Onboard oxygen, supplemental 12 volt lighting, and a seperate radio for contact with the hospital reflected a change in emphaisis in emergency medical care toward pateient stabilization rather than simply transportation ot the hospital. The Rescue Unit also featured high visibility emergency lights outside and air conditioning inside . Increased training for EMS personnel was also undertaken througout the 70s. Experience in emergency medical procedures learned through combat experience in the Veitnam war was brought into play on the home front. EMT certification and First Responder programs were begun. A fund raising effort was begun in 1990 to purchase an additional and more modern ambulance. In 1991 a used 1986 Ford ambulance built by Life Line was purchased. In subsequent years Hurst Jaws of Life, air pressure lifting bags, a cardiac defibrillator, and many other medical and rescue items have been purchased through department fundraisers.   EMS HISTORY 1994-