Spotlighting Honesdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps

HAWleY — For those stricken ill or seriously injured, there is nothing more important than immediate medical care. Ambulance care in northern Pike and Wayne County began in 1976 with the birth of the Honesdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps which could offer Basic Life Support (BLS) while transporting patients to the hospital. As valuable as that was, it was obvious that for the more seriously ill or injured, basic was not enough. In 2002, the Honesdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps assumed the responsibility of providing Advanced Life Support (ALS) to a larger area encompassing areas of both counties. ALS has licensed paramedics and emergency medical technicians staffed 24 hours a day to respond to serious emergencies. The service area exceeds 900 square miles, 200 of which are in northern Pike. In addition to the residents, the area covers camps, hunting grounds, vacation destinations, summer residents, and ski resorts. The corps is also well aware of the need to be prepared in the event of a major event affecting the citizens and visitors of our area. “Northern Pike County covers a large area and homes which are often in more remote areas. To have this service for these citizens is invaluable. The United Way believes strongly in the corps’ mission to provide the best care possible to every citizen in need of assistance, regardless of his/her ability to pay,” said Bob Kiesendahl, a United Way board member. Sharon Gumpper, executive director of Honesdale EMS, added that, “the financial support from the United Way of Pike County has aided our efforts to provide this critical level of service in rural Northern Pike County, both to residents and commercial business locations. By providing funds for needed medical equipment and EMS supplies, as well as operating expenses, United Way of Pike County assures that paramedics are staffed and ready to respond twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. We are extremely grateful for this partnership with our community and look forward to serving those in need in the future.” For additional information about the Honesdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, go to www.honesdaleems.com. For more information about the United Way of Pike County or any of its events, visit www.unitedwaypike.org, or call 570-296-9980.