Lyme Ambulance Association, Inc.
News
SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH AT 10AM : LEARN CPR
Get the skills to save lives with our FREE Hands-Only CPR Class hosted by Lyme Ambulance Association! Join us for an empowering session and learn the lifesaving technique of CPR.
When: March 30th, 2024
Time: 10 AM
Where: Tiffany Room, Lyme Emergency Complex, 213 Hamburg Rd
No cost, just courage! Whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher, this class is for everyone. Spread the word, bring a friend, and let’s make our community safer, together!
– Learn quickly
– Act confidently
– Save lives
Spaces are limited, so make sure to secure your spot!
Call (860) 434-7225 to register!
See you there,
Your Lyme Ambulance Team
2023: CPR Hands Only sponsored by Lyme Library
2023: CPR Training for the Lions Club
Lyme Ambulance Association sponsored a CPR/AED Class on July 15th at the request of the Lyme/Old Lyme Lions Club. The class was taught by EMSIs Doug LoPresti and Colleen Atkinson.
And Bob from Old Lyme said. “I’m hopeful that more people will take part in future CPR courses and that Lyme Ambulance continues to offer this educational benefit. I feel much more secure in undertaking CPR Hands-On should the situation arise. Thank you all again.”
2023: The Future of EMS
5th- and 6th-graders had fun exploring inside one of our ambulances on Bay Day, a quarterly event for local students. Parked in its bay at the Hamburg Station and full of fascinating equipment, the ambulance is the perfect way to introduce the future generation of prospective emergency medical service volunteers to Lyme Ambulance. The students even got to try out a Stryker power stretcher.
In Memoriam
Ronald “Ron” Rose (1940-2023)
Everyone in town knew Ron. He personified the spirit of Lyme: Volunteer service in support of the community. We were all warmed by his infectious grin and deeply grateful for his longstanding commitment to public safety. Whether as an EMT and later Chief of Service and member of the Board of Directors for Lyme Ambulance, as the Chief of the Lyme Fire Company, or as Lyme’s Building Inspector, Ron was always watching out for us. He will be dearly missed.
Ron passed away at home on March 17th, 2023. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.
You can read his obituary here.
2023: Congratulations, Dan and Heather!
Heather Bannister and Dan Labriola, active EMRs with Lyme Ambulance for the past few years, have successfully completed more than 150 hours of training and passed both the state and national exams required for qualification as Certified EMTs. Lyme Ambulance’s Training Officers, Doug Lopresti and Colleen Atkinson, EMTIs with Critical Skills Education & Training, LLC of Old Lyme, provided the instruction.
2022: Lyme Ambulance training with the Life Star crew
In operation for more than 35 years, Life Star is Harford Hospital’s critical care 24/7 air medical service. Trained crews, including medical personnel flying out of Midstate Medical Center in Meriden and William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, transport more than a thousand trauma and emergency patients each year. Given the life-or-death nature of their mission, Life Star helicopters have air space priority over virtually every other plane in Connecticut.
This training session was planned by Lyme Emergency Management and attended by members of Lyme Fire Co. and Lyme Ambulance.
2022: LAA attends the annual EMSPRO Expo
October, 2022: Off-duty EMTs and EMRs from Lyme Ambulance attended the 2022 EMS PRO Expo, New England’s largest EMS conference. Featuring speakers, classes, and more than 100 exhibitions, the Expo provides both educational and networking opportunities. Sponsored by Hartford Health Care, Yale New Haven Health, and St. Francis Hospital, among others, it’s a chance to learn about the latest in lifesaving equipment and techniques — and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow first responders.
2022: The LAA stars turn out for the parade
2022: Lyme Ambulance is now seeking reimbursement from insurance companies
To ensure we can continue to provide the lifesaving support the Lyme community relies on, Lyme Ambulance will be pursuing reimbursement from insurance companies for some of our services. Click HERE to learn more from Chief of Service, Steve Olstein.
2022: Lyme Ambulance first responders assist a mock ‘patient’ simulating respiratory distress
Photo on left: Jason Howell, Tracy McKee, Carie Tonovitz
Photo on right: John Vilcheck, Heather Bannister, Paul Ahnell; with instructor Doug Lopresti (center of photo, in back) calling out ‘symptoms’
2022: You know him. You love him. Wish him Happy Retirement!
2022: Lyme Ambulance and Camp Claire
Community service is a core value in Lyme and residents and local organizations work collaboratively for the common good. That’s why we at Lyme Ambulance are honored to help with safety planning and emergency medical coverage for local events such as the Hamburg Fair, Tour de Lyme, and the Hunter Pace at Lord Creek Farm, and we are particularly proud of our longstanding support for Camp Claire.
Established in 1916 and overlooking beautiful Hamburg Cove, non-profit Camp Claire is a rustic, old-fashioned co-ed summer camp accommodating 600-700 children ages 6-16 over the summer season. Lyme Ambulance provides emergency medical care for the camp when needed and Lexi Bardos, Director of Camp Claire, Steve Olstein, Chief of Lyme Ambulance, and John Evans, Chief of Lyme Fire Company, work together to ensure a cohesive and well-coordinated plan for any emergency.
To learn more about Camp Claire, visit their website or call: (888) 582-2622.
2022: Lyme Ambulance and Lyme Fire Company conduct ice rescue training
Use the menu below to ‘jump’ to news items from 2021 and earlier
2021 – Dan Labriola joins LAA as an Emergency Medical Responder
2021 – Lyme Ambulance and Lyme Fire Co. team up for Safe Futures
2021 – Jason Howell is certified as an Emergency Medical Responder
2021 – Tour de Lyme
2021 – Heather Bannister is certified as an Emergency Medical Responder
2021 – Lyme Ambulance 2021 Top Responders
2021 – LAA is featured in Lyme & Old Lyme Neighbors magazine
2021 – Ed McCusker is certified as an EMR
2021 – Tracy McKee is certified as an EMR
2020 – Paul Ahnell shares why he volunteers with Lyme Ambulance
2020 – Brownies Girl Scout Troop 67974 learns about first aid
2020 – Erik Eisensmith named Driver Training Officer
2019 – New ambulance fundraising
2018 – EMT Carter Courtney receives award for 30 years service
2018 – LAA gifts AED to Lyme Library
2017 – LAA barbecue and square dance a big success
2015 – Power stretchers upgrade
2021: Dan Labriola joins Lyme Ambulance as an Emergency Medical Responder
For Dan, public service is a family tradition. His father was a police officer and Deputy Fire Chief. Dan is married, with three daughters, and works as a CT-certified security officer. He was certified as an EMR and joined Lyme Ambulance in 2021. In his free time Dan enjoys boats, motorcycles, cars — and helping people.
2021: Lyme Ambulance and Lyme Fire Company team up to collect donations for Safe Futures
Safe Futures provides shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence in Southeastern Connecticut
2021: Jason Howell is certified as an Emergency Medical Responder
Certified in 2021, Jason was motivated to train as an EMR after being first on the scene of an accident: He wanted to learn how to do more than just call 911 and provide what comfort a bystander could. A master carpenter, avid hiker, and organic gardener, Jason credits his early training as a lifeguard with teaching him the importance of staying calm and knowing the steps to take in an emergency.
2021: Lyme Ambulance at Tour de Lyme
From the start to the finish line, Lyme Ambulance was there to provide first aid, if needed. Some of the crew on hand to help:
Jason Howell, Colleen Atkinson, Doug LoPresti, Tracy McKee (see inset photo)
2021: Heather Bannister is certified as an Emergency Medical Responder
Heather Bannister earned her EMR certification in May and has been an active responder with Lyme Ambulance ever since. She and her husband and three dogs have lived in Lyme since 2018. An attorney specializing in labor and employment law, Heather quipped, “It’s far better to drive an ambulance than chase one.”
2021: Congratulations to Lyme Ambulance’s 2020 Top Responders
2020 was tough. It was rough on everybody, including first responders at the Lyme Ambulance Association. Demand was high and conditions were challenging to say the least, but our volunteer crew rose to the occasion, selflessly providing access to lifesaving care 24 hours a day. Every day. All year long.
Three crew members in particular deserve special recognition as our Top Responders. They exemplify the level of commitment and depth of caring that make Lyme Ambulance beloved in the community.
Paul Ahnell: Paul, a 10-year veteran EMT, personally responded to 87 calls; that’s almost half of all emergency calls for the year! The picture speaks to Paul’s dedication and LAA’s mission: No matter the hour or the weather, if you have a medical emergency, we’ll be there for you.
Ed McCusker: Ed joined LAA as a driver in 2009 and more recently was nationally certified as an EMR. Ed responded to 53 calls last year; handling well more than double the number of calls for an average shift.
Will Bartlett: Will joined in 2018, training first as an EMR then as an EMT. He handled more than twice the average number of calls: 47. His photo in full PPE captures some of the reality for first responders in the time of COVID-19.
2021: Lyme Ambulance is featured in Lyme & Old Lyme Neighbors magazine
2021: Ed McCusker is certified as an Emergency Medical Responder
Ed McCusker’s belief in service has guided his life choices. He was an educator and administrator for 45 years, has been a member of the Lyme Fire Company for 38 years. Upon his retirement from education, Ed joined the Lyme Ambulance Association as a driver in 2009 and is always one of the first to call in to respond. This year he took the Emergency Medical Responder course, and is now certified with the state and the nation as an EMR. He and his wife, Marie, have lived in town for 50 years and raised their children Amy, Ted and numerous furry companions, as well as having the pleasure of two grandchildren grow up in Lyme. They have volunteered in town for many years. ‘It is what makes this town work,’ Ed says
2021: Tracy McKee is certified as an Emergency Medical Responder
Tracy joined Lyme Ambulance in 2020 as a Driver and completed her EMR certification this past fall. Her experience on the Foundation Board of Overlook Medical Center and her own experience with the healthcare system as a mother and patient motivated her to become involved in EMS.
2020: Paul Ahnell shares why he volunteers with Lyme Ambulance
A while back I received a donation appeal from LAA which also asked for volunteers. As a (then) new Lyme resident who had recently retired, I had some time on my hands. I also had some prior medical and rescue experience, so I saw it as an opportunity to stay busy and to lend a hand in this wonderful little town.
I checked the box and was quickly enrolled in an EMT class and driving an ambulance. What an experience! Besides having a new group of friends, I was charged with giving pre-hospital medical aid to needy residents and others passing through town. Although it always makes me feel good, I am humbled by the thanks our grateful patients, young and old, pass on to us. Whether they just needed some handholding with soothing words and a little oxygen or more involved treatment for a serious injury or illness it’s always a great feeling to know I have helped someone in need and to see and hear their smiling thanks.
Pictured from Lyme Ambulance: Ariana Eaton, Paul Ahnell, Ed McCusker. Photo credit: Skip Hine.
Autumn 2020: Brownies Girl Scout Troop 67974 from Lyme-Old Lyme meets with members of Lyme Ambulance to learn about first aid
The girls learned about first aid, 911 calls, and how to act in case of emergency. They got a first-hand look at an ambulance and learned about the equipment on board, as well as the significance of the colored lights on different emergency vehicles. The educational session contributed to the girls earning their First Aid Badge.
Pictured from Lyme Ambulance: Ariana Eaton and Erik Eisensmith
2020: Erik Eisensmith named Lyme Ambulance Driver Training Officer
As an executive of Overland Experts, LLC, Erik is uniquely qualified for this important position. He and his company have taught specialty driving skills to military special forces, utility company personnel, and aid workers in the U.S. and abroad. Erik exemplifies the professionalism of Lyme Ambulance Association volunteers. A graduate of Wheaton College, Erik has lived in Lyme for fifteen years.
Spring 2019: New Ambulances Fund-raising, Womens Club Bingo, Top 10 Local Charities.
This year has been a whirlwind for Lyme Ambulance. Both of our new ambulances, custom built to serve our community better were put into service and the community jumped in support. Two major donors offered matching funds to donations through the new year and nearly half of the cost has been covered by generous donors. (Pictured: New F350 and F450 4WD ambulances)
In addition, Lyme Ambulance Members and the community have been actively raising funds, through traditional mailings, this website, and our social media page (Lyme Ambulance). That stated, the hard working women at the Lyme/Old Lyme Junior Womens Club picked up on this effort and hosted a night of Bingo at Hamburg Station in support. Over 120 played and thousands of dollars were raised.
Finally, each year at Essex Savings Bank a yearly vote is held for the ‘Community Investment Program’ to determine how allocated funds are to be distributed to local charities, based on the number of votes received for each organization. Lyme Ambulance has placed in the coveted ‘Top 10’.
Pictured: Essex Savings Bank C.I.P. check being presented to Betsy Dill (AVP & O.L. BM) to Adam McEwen (LAA Treasurer) and Andrew Smith (LAA President) with Jeff Stever (VP, CLO)
2018: EMT Carter Courtney receives award for 30-years of community service.
We recognize our most frequent responders once a year at our May meeting. However, there are some accomplishments that deserve recognition amongst a larger group than just those in our organization.
If you’ve had a chance to read our newsletter, you know Lyme Ambulance is a completely volunteer organization. We don’t currently have any paid staff nor do we pay people on a per call basis like some other organizations in the area.
Carter Courtney has given his time to provide EMS services to the people in the Town of Lyme for 30 years, answered over 2,000 calls for help, and is consistently the top responder each year. He has also held several officer positions in Lyme Ambulance.
The award reads:
Lyme Ambulance Association
Honoring
Carter Courtney, EMT
For 30 years of dedicated service
2018
2018: Lyme Ambulance Association gifts an AED to Lyme Library.
LYME AMBULANCE Board of Directors President, Andy Smith presents an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) device to Jack Sulger, President of the Library Association. AED’s are now found in most public buildings as they are simple to use and can prevent sudden cardiac death. This donation program is part of the Ambulance Association’s commitment to the Lyme community.
Any Lyme resident interested in learning CPR or AED instruction should contact Lyme Ambulance at 434-7225.
2017 BBQ & Square Dance a big success!
More than 150 people attended the 2nd annual BBQ & Square Dance held in Hamburg on July 7. Young and old danced to the music of The Reel Thing, led by caller Bob Livingston. Thanks to the support of community volunteers, all proceeds went to benefit the Lyme Ambulance Association.
November 2015 Upgrade: Power Stretcher
In late November 2015, we installed the Stryker Power Pro stretcher and the Stryker Power Load system in both ambulances. The Stryker models are the most widely used power stretchers in the United States because of the way they reduce injury to ambulance crews and ensure patient safety. The purchase was made possible thanks to generous donations from the estate of Trudy Emerson, and Lyme resident Sandy Mulligan. (Pictured: EMT’s Sherry Block, Ed Vidou, and Emily Lewis unloading the stretcher from its anchored base on the ambulance floor.