MASSENA – The theme to this year’s National Emergency Services Week is Where Emergency Care Begins, and St. Lawrence Health (SLH) recognizes those who truly provide the initial care in so many emergent cases.

SLH officially acquired Seaway Valley Ambulance (SVA) in January 2023, and the celebration of EMS Week from May 21-27 is especially poignant this year to recognize the partnership of the EMS and hospital personnel.

SLH Director of EMS Mark Deavers pointed out a quality ​EMS system is important to communities throughout the world, and St. Lawrence Health is committed to improving and supporting the EMS system in all of St. Lawrence County.

“Often times we are the first access patients have to healthcare during their time of medical need. Having a robust EMS system on a county level improves the health of its communities,” he said. “EMS is no longer a ‘you call we haul’ business from years’ past. It is now a career with highly skilled individuals who are trained to provide multiple medications and treatments.”

The most frequent requests for SVA are for transports from one hospital to another, and the most common medical condition is abdominal distress, followed by respiratory and cardiac concerns. On average, the team responds to five calls each day.

Deavers noted there are multiple factors as to which of St. Lawrence County’s five hospitals a patient will be taken to upon a call to SVA.

“In a hospital-to-hospital transport case, it is pre-arranged by the sending facility, and based on the most appropriate hospital and bed availability. In a 911 situation, we typically take the patient to the most appropriate facility to care for their symptoms, or we take them to the hospital of their choice,” Mr. Deavers said.

He noted a career in EMS is extremely rewarding, and is a great industry to be part of because of its rapid evolution from what is was even a few years ago.

“The unique part of EMS is that patients call you into their house on their worst day, and it is an honor to help them in their time of need,” Mr. Deavers said.

There is currently a local, state, and nationwide shortage of EMS providers, and Deavers said the industry itself is at a crisis level.

For anyone considering becoming and EMS member, basics to consider include:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age

• Squad drivers need a valid New York State Emergency Vehicle Operator license

• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) provide patient care

• Paramedics provide EMT service in addition to more advanced patient care

Clarkson University in Potsdam offers EMT courses through its Department of Emergency Medical Services Education. For more information, email EMT@Clarkson.edu. To learn about Emergency services provide through St. Lawrence Health, visit https://stlawrencehealthsystem.org/Services/Emergency.

SLH and regional rescue squads will be partnering with Clarkson University to provide training for future emergency medical technicians and paramedics. The University will be developing an academic training program that will be subject to accreditation by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.