P.C. Ambulance Holds Fundraiser

A beautiful day greeted the Phillips County Ambulance crew as they hosted their main fund-raiser of the year on Saturday. A constant and steady stream of supporters filled the Fire Hall as head burger flipper, Vince Mace, along with his main side-kick, Riley Abrahamson, prepared good ol' Montana beef burgers, to the guests likings.

Mace and Abrahamson were assisted by Carli Olsen, EMT in Whitewater, William Hofer, Coleen Kraut, Lori Abrahamson, Wyomi Katterman, and volunteers from the East Malta Colony. Serving up hot and delicious burgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fried onions, baked beans and delicious coleslaw, they met and fed the needs of a nice turnout. Hot coffee and lemonade topped off the selection of choices.

Mace said, "This is our main fund-raiser (free-will donations), along with concessions at football games."

Asked about volunteers, Hofer responded, "What you see is what you get..."

The crew of EMT's includes, "Besides myself, Diana Robinson and Nolan Harris of Zortman, Olsen, and Abrahamson, Kautt, Caleb Meisdalen all of Malta, and Crystal Korman in Saco. John Kautt serves as a driver," stated Mace.

Mace said once things are lined out for taxes, the entity will be applying for a non-profit status with the IRS. Until that time, they gladly accept donations toward the expenses of their daily operation. They are not funded by the county or state.

At this time, the ambulance crew is tentatively planning a new EMT training class in the fall.

"It involves about 240 hours of training and commitment," Mace stated. While there are often quite a few who take the course, not all of them follow through and take the state board tests afterwards to become licensed. The monetary investment is one thing, as is the time commitment, and it seems the weak point is the follow-through...which requires both a dedication and drive.

When the word is out this fall about the upcoming classes, consider signing up. If you yourself can't do the training, contact the EMT's - you could always sponsor someone who is being held back by the financial aspect of becoming an EMT.

The need for EMT's is always ever present. Volunteer to help make a difference and save a life. You'll be glad you did.