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The EMS division began back in November 1993 when five community members (Randy Bonnett, Crystal Bortell, Kenny Bortell, Chris Harris, and Patrick Cornwell) got together for the creation of an organization that would assist the ambulance on calls in the Green Mountain area. The group approached the Marion Township Board of Trustees at the time and met some resistance. The Trustees recognized the need for the specific training, but didn't feel comfortable allowing public funding for the group, but were willing to provide the necessary insurance coverage.
The group continued to organize and responded to the first call in February 1994, and we have existed through the years with the help of the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center, and most importantly, by the donations of area businesses and residents. In 1997, with help from the MMSC Foundation and the Green Mountain Lions Club, we were able to purchase our first Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) which is a Physio-Control Lifepak 500. To this date, it has yet to deliver a shock, but is a very essential piece of our equipment.
Members of the EMS division are required by state law to complete 24 hours of continuing education training every two years. This training includes but is not limited to; CPR, trauma, child birth, vehicle ops, etc. The EMS division holds four trainings and four meetings every year locally, and members usually attend EMS conferences sponsored by Iowa Valley Continuing Education in Marshalltown and Iowa Falls or Mary Greeley of Ames.
Through the years, as training improved and grants were more readily available, new members began training at the Emergency Medical Technician level, so the organization applied to the State of Iowa and recieved approval to operate as a conditional EMT service. We maintained our non-transport level since we didn't have a vehicle, and the fact that Marshalltown Paramedics were about 10 minutes away.
Then in 2006, the Green Mountain First Responders, Inc. learned of an opportunity to purchase a used and retired ambulance from Mahaska County Hospital. We placed our bid of $1,000 and won. Once again the group faced resistance from members of the fire department and Board of Trustees. After nearly eight months of debates and meetings, the Green Mountain First Responders received the go ahead to put the "squad" into service. It can be seen on the apparatus page.
In February 2007, the Board of Trustees allowed the Fire Chief to create an EMS division. This decision allows the first responders to benefit from a budget, be it a small portion, it's more than we had in prior years. The division currently has seven members trained to the EMT-B level and we are a group dedicated to protecting the health of the community. We are neighbors helping neighbors!
