Pownal Rescue Squad

05/28/2026

🚨 ANAPHYLAXIS: RECOGNIZE IT. RESPOND FAST. UNDERSTAND THE RESPONSE. 🚨

Warmer weather means more time outside—cookouts, hikes, and outdoor activities—but it also means increased exposure to potential allergens.

Allergic reactions can escalate quickly into a life-threatening emergency. Knowing the signs of anaphylaxis can save a life.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can develop within minutes. It can affect the airway, breathing, and circulation—and rapid recognition and treatment can save a life.

Common triggers include foods (such as peanuts or shellfish), insect stings, medications, and other allergens. In some cases, people may have a known allergy—but anaphylaxis can also occur unexpectedly.

⚠️ SIGNS & SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR:

🫁 Trouble breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
😣 Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
🧴 Hives, rash, or widespread itching
❤️ Dizziness, weakness, or fainting
🤢 Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
⚡ “Something feels wrong” / sudden anxiety or panic

🆘 WHAT TO DO:

📞 Call 911 immediately—do not delay
🪑 Keep the person calm and seated upright if breathing is difficult (or lying flat if feeling faint)
💉 Use an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed—early use is critical
👀 Stay with the patient and continuously monitor them
🚫 Do not wait to see if symptoms improve

🚑 WHAT EMS DOES ON ARRIVAL:

When EMS arrives, care focuses on rapid stabilization and preventing further deterioration:

👨‍⚕️ Rapid, thorough patient assessment + medical history
📊 Obtain vital signs and continuous monitoring
🫁 Listen to lung sounds to assess airway and breathing
❤️ Perform a 12-lead EKG to evaluate heart rhythm
💉 Start an IV if needed
💊 Administer medications (including epinephrine when indicated)
🫧 Provide oxygen and airway support if required
🚑 Continuous monitoring + rapid transport to the hospital

Anaphylaxis is not something to “watch and wait.” Early epinephrine + immediate EMS activation can be lifesaving.

05/19/2026

🚑💙 National EMS Week 2026 | May 17–23 💙🚑

During National EMS Week 2026, WWHAC EMS proudly honors the dedicated EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and emergency medical personnel who serve our communities with courage, professionalism, and compassion.

To our own team—thank you for showing up day and night, answering the call no matter the circumstances, and providing lifesaving care when it matters most. Your dedication, skill, and commitment do not go unnoticed.

We would also like to recognize and thank our mutual aid agencies and regional partners for their continued teamwork and support. EMS is truly a community effort, and we are grateful to work alongside such dedicated professionals.

Your service makes a difference. Every call. Every patient. Every time.

05/14/2026

Have you gotten your car washed yet? 🚗✨

Looking for an awesome gift idea? 🎁

Grab a Hoffman’s Car Wash Voucher today and help support the Pownal Rescue Squad at the same time! 🚑💙

Get yours here: https://hoffmanfr.washassist.com/fundraiser/campaign/pownalrescuesquad

05/07/2026

🚑 Why don’t ambulances always use lights & sirens?

It’s a question we get a lot — and the answer might surprise you.

Lights & sirens are not always the safest or fastest option for every patient.
Here’s why 👇

🔹 Patient condition matters
Not every patient is experiencing a life-threatening emergency. Many are stable and do not require emergency driving.

🔸 Safety comes first
Lights & sirens increase the risk of crashes for EMS crews, patients, and the public. If it’s not absolutely necessary, we avoid that added risk.

🔹 It doesn’t always save time
In many cases, lights & sirens only save a few minutes — and those minutes may not change the patient’s outcome.

🔸 Patient comfort
A calm, smooth ride can be better for stable patients who may be in pain or anxious.

🔹 We can upgrade at any time
If a patient’s condition changes, we can immediately switch to lights & sirens.

💡 Bottom line:
Every decision is based on the patient’s condition, safety, and best medical judgment.

So if you see an ambulance without lights & sirens — rest assured, care is still happening every second inside.

❤️ Thank you for helping keep our crews safe by staying alert and yielding to emergency vehicles when needed.

05/05/2026

Congratulations to our friends at Pownal Valley Fire Dept.!!!! 🎉🎊

POWNAL — A ceremonial “big check” with a lot of federal funding behind it for a new Pownal Valley Fire Department firehouse was delivered Tuesday afternoon by U.S. Rep. Becca

05/01/2026

🚑 Employee Spotlight: Congratulations to Our Newest Paramedic! 🚑

Please join us in congratulating Ethan Arnold, who has officially earned his Paramedic certification! 🎉

Becoming a Paramedic is no small accomplishment. Ethan completed a rigorous program involving extensive classroom instruction, along with countless hours of hospital clinical rotations and ambulance ride time, all designed to develop the advanced knowledge and critical skills needed to provide high-level emergency medical care.

Ethan has been a dedicated member of the Pownal Rescue Squad team and has consistently demonstrated the qualities that make an outstanding provider—strong clinical judgement, a calm presence under pressure, and a commitment to doing what’s best for every patient.

Ethan has begun our Field Training Process as he transitions into his new role as a Paramedic.

👏 Congratulations, Ethan, and thank you for your dedication to our patients, our crew, and our community! 🚑💙

04/30/2026

🚨 FUNDRAISER ALERT! 🚨

Pownal Rescue Squad is partnering with Hoffman Car Wash for an easy fundraiser that gives back to local EMS. 🚑💙
Purchase a car wash voucher and a portion of every sale goes directly toward the equipment and resources our crews rely on every day.

🧽✨ Clean car, great cause — it’s a win-win!

Get your voucher here: https://hoffmanfr.washassist.com/fundraiser/campaign/pownalrescuesquad

04/30/2026

At Pownal Rescue Squad, our crews complete rigorous ambulance checks at the start of every shift—going through gear bags, medications, and critical equipment to ensure everything is stocked, functioning, and ready to go.

Depending on call volume and crew changes, our trucks may be checked multiple times throughout the day so nothing falls through the cracks, even on the busiest shifts.

We also take pride in keeping our equipment clean, organized, and ready for use—because when you call 911, every second matters.

Always prepared. Always ready to respond. 🚑

04/09/2026

🚑 Support Our EMS Week Staff Appreciation Campaign 🚑

During EMS Week, we take time to recognize the dedicated EMS professionals who respond to emergencies at all hours of the day and night—often in the most stressful and critical moments of
someone’s life.

At Pownal Rescue Squad, our staff provide lifesaving emergency medical care to our community 24/7. Our team is always ready to respond with skill, compassion, and professionalism.

This EMS Week, we are raising funds to support and appreciate our hardworking staff. Donations will go directly toward EMS Week meals, refreshments, appreciation items, and wellness support for our crews who continue to serve our town and surrounding communities every day.

EMS work is demanding—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and our staff deserve to feel valued for the critical role they play in keeping our community safe, not just this week, but everyday.

Your donation helps us:

-Provide meals and snacks during shifts throughout EMS Week
-Support staff morale and wellness
-Show appreciation to the team members who show up for our community every day

Every contribution—large or small—helps us recognize the people behind the uniform and say thank you in a meaningful way.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign to help us celebrate EMS Week.

Use the link to donate today!
https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=GT8J4V5XC54TQ

Together, we can continue “Improving Outcomes, Together" (2026 EMS Week Slogan).