Want to help in emergencies? If so St. John Rescue needs new members.
"In Coral Bay, we’re particularly shorthanded during the day," chief training instructor Bob Malacarne said.
However, St. John Rescue also needs volunteers who live in other areas of St. John. While Malacarne said that people trained in emergency skills are preferred, those with enthusiasm and a commitment to attend meetings and come out for calls are welcome.
"We can train people," he said.
The all-volunteer group recently wrapped up a 40-hour First Responder Training Course in which 10 members learned new skills. To get their certification, they had to demonstrate proficiency in the proper use of airway equipment such as nasal cannula, oxygen masks and manual and power suctioning devices.
They had to show they could take vital signs, properly assess trauma patients, demonstrate splinting skills, and show cardio pulmonary resuscitation skills. And they had to pass a 50-question written exam.
Students who successfully completed the course include Rudell Callwood, Gilly Grimes, Steve Slade, Richie Penn, Mark Lima, Jamie Irving, Kela Brathwaite, Preston Pollock, George Cline, and Alfredo Alejo. All are members of St John Rescue.
Malacarne, an emergency medical technician, was the lead instructor with assistance from another St. John Rescue member, Terry Rogeczewski.
Those who assisted with the tests included nurses Chris Jordan and Holly Mattern, Dr. Joseph DeJames, EMTs Clarence Stephenson, Mike Jordan and John Fitzgerald, V.I. National Park Service EMT Pete Hassen, park ranger Dave Horner, and first responders Dustin Prudhomme and Brent Lynn.
Those interested in joining St. John Rescue can call Malacarne at 626-5118.
