By BENNIE GRIEB
Every day, millions of people suffer from life-changing events. Thousands of people have quick life-threatening moments including heart attacks, cardiac arrest, strokes, or even car crashes.
Bellefonte Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) save countless numbers of lives both day and night. BEMS is directed by Scott Rhoat and their deputy director is Brent Meckley. However, do people ever really stop to consider how much they do for the community?
Being an EMS is never an easy task, and yet, the community doesn’t often consider how much they impact Bellefonte and neighboring towns.
In 2020, the world was left in utter shock as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down parts of our lives. Society was stopped at the time, but the work of an EMS didn’t pause. The pandemic had lowered EMS staff members throughout the spikes of disease.
“I feel like the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant life changer for me on many levels at work, as well as at home. While everyone took a break to change life in many ways from the daily routine, we continued working. It was extremely stressful in the beginning with so many uncertainties,” Brent said.
The pandemic did not just leave staff short-handed, as it also impacted the BEMS’ financial economy.
“The financial impacts that have had a dramatic impact on the economy and our communities is something that will continue to impact us,” Brent said.
Being an EMS proves to be a job where you need to be on your feet. The job has slow-paced and fast-paced moments. Driver’s Education teacher Mr. Michael Wilson is an EMS first responder.
“Some instructors I have had over my career have described our jobs as: ‘Long periods of boredom, interrupted by sheer terror and adrenaline!’ Ultimately, you learn to rely on your training, preparation, and skillset to get you through any situation you are faced with. There is no one else to call or rely on. You are it, and you have to get through whatever it happens to be,” Mr. Wilson said.
Although it may seem it, being an EMS is not all terror and bloody scenes. Using education and work can bring favorable moments for EMS workers.
“My favorite memory of my career… I would have to say that I have had a few memories that have stuck with me over the years. One call I can remember responding to a call in the Penns Valley area many years ago. The call seemed relatively ordinary until I had walked through the door and identified an issue that was extremely critical with a patient,” Brent said.
Mr. Wilson also had good memories when working for BEMS.
“My best memory happened about a year ago, when I was able to assist a Bellefonte family with the birth of their healthy baby boy. He just decided to be a few days early, so we delivered him at their house! I have a blue stork pin on my EMT Badge from that call,” Mr. Wilson said.
Nonetheless, being an EMS is a tough task with little recognition. Every day, they are hardworking individuals who are able to save hundreds of lives. BEMS, and many EMS staff, are truly miracle workers for our communities.
