Visitor's Page

unioncountyems.com

04/07/08

Union County (Iowa) EMS Association

This page is designed to help you - our visitors - understand what EMS is, what the purpose of the Association is, and how you can help if you have a desire to do so. Feel free to explore the website, and contact the Coordinator or any of the board members for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions - Click HERE for answers to the following questions: What is EMS? What is the difference between First Responders, EMTs and Paramedics? How long does it take to become an EMT? Is there continuing education required for EMS providers? Where can I take a FR or EMT class? What opportunities are there in EMS?	Mission Statement of Union County EMS Association:To promote and enhance the quality of care, professionalism, and teamwork of those who deliver emergency medical care throughout Union County.
	Our members: The Greater Community Hospital Ambulance, Creston Fire Department, Afton Fire & Rescue, Lorimor Fire & Rescue, and the SWCC EMS Training Program are members. The department heads, or an appointee, serve on the Board of Directors, as well as two at-large members elected by the general membership.
	Grant funds: The Association has been fortunate to receive several grants over recent years. Currently, we are in a state 5-year grant period that is helping to provide assistance in System Development. In 2005 the Association received $7676 for disaster preparedness from the federal HRSA program. This year, $4021 has been designated for this use, with an additional $3000 available after certain conditions are met. County Associations receive state training funds that help pay for new or continuing education of EMS providers. This helps, but considering the cost of initial education, individuals or departments are still left with funding a significant amount of educational costs. All grant funds are dispersed through the Union County Auditor, our fiscal agent.
Other Funds: Currently, the Association has very little in monetary assets. One of our goals is to become self-sufficient, and not be solely dependant on grants, which come with strict and specific guidelines for spending, and are not guaranteed funds year to year. Equipment, public education, meeting expenses, recognition of members, and other projects require funding, and the Association will be looking for sources of financial support. One project that is underway is our printer cartridge recycling project. Envelopes and drop boxes are located throughout the county for used cartridges to be placed in. For more information on how you can help, visit our home page. You can find a link there to register to receive collection materials as well, and join UC EMS as a partner in the recycling project.
Donations are accepted, including memorial funds and estate proceeds. Whether it is $5, $20, $50 or $500, all donations are accepted to this non-profit organization. Please contact the Coordinator or Treasurer for details on how you can make a donation.

Upcoming Events

Next meeting date of the Association will be Wed., April 16, 6:30 p.m. at the Creston Fire Station in Creston. An agenda will be posted soon.

Visit www.iemsa.net for details on what's going on with EMS in Iowa, classes throughout the state, and for legislative bills regarding EMS and Fire services.

Take a look at the upcoming classes being offered.

Last modified: 04/07/08.