"Our Best Today for a Better Tomorrow"
Come by the Village Ambulance Service Explorer Post 911 Booth at Live on the Lake at Onota Lake, Pittsfield, every Wednesday evening in July and August 2010!
Click here for pictures of the extrication demo held on June 13th at the Williamstown Fire Department.
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What is an Explorer Post?
Exploring is part of the Boy Scouts of America’s Learning for Life Program. An Explorer Post helps young people, aged 14 (and have completed the 8th grade) through 20, to mature and prepare to become responsible, caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities. They are ready to begin exploring who they are and what they want to become. Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their community.
A well-rounded Post Program not only provides career information and experiences, but also includes five other experience areas. These include mental and physical fitness, social, citizenship, service and outdoor activities.
What is our mission?
The mission of our Village Ambulance Service (VAS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Explorer Post is to provide the youth of our community an insight into the field of Emergency Medical Services. It is also our purpose to help these same young adults mature and prepare them to become responsible, caring, and productive adults who will become the future of Village Ambulance Service or become an integral part of another agency offering emergency medical services.
What are our goals?
The goals and purposes of the VAS EMS Explorer Post are two-fold. One is to assist high school aged youth in defining their present and future roles as individuals within their society. The post will also provide an opportunity for them to gain exposure to certain aspects of emergency pre-hospital medical care and other related fields prior to entering their choice of secondary education.
These goals will be achieved through an extensive and varied program. This includes an Ambulance Observation Program available to interested VAS EMS Explorers upon meeting the requirements for admission.
How do we accomplish this?
We will achieve these goals through voluntary association, ethical decision-making, and group activities. We encourage continued participation by recognizing the achievements of our youth, utilizing a democratic process for problem solving, curiosity, exploring, and adventure.
Requirements
The current guidelines for participation in the VAS EMS Explorer Post are as follows:
1) Membership shall be open to young adults between the ages of 14 (and have completed the 8th grade) through 20 enrolled in school or interested in pursuing a medical career.
2) A scholastic average of "C" or better (in all academic subjects) throughout participation in the program.
3) Displays maturity and obvious of interest in the program.
4) Successful completion of a Post sponsored training program and field evaluation period.
5) Determination by the Advisors of the Explorer's mental and physical ability to participate in the program.
6) Attendance of periodic continuing educational programs and Post meetings.
The Ambulance Unit Observation Program would be available to those interested Explorers who meet the following guidelines:
1) Active membership in good standing with the Post.
2) Successful completion of all of the following:
- 8-hour CPR course including adult one and two-man CPR, infant CPR, and airway obstruction management for both.
- First Responder course as authorized through the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services.
- In-service of equipment on VAS ambulances not covered in other training (i.e., immobilization devices, oxygen therapy devices).
3) Initial observation under the direct supervision of one of the Advisors in a Village ambulance with the Explorer displaying maturity, knowledge, and a working ability of basic first aid, CPR skills, and an interest in continuing in the program.
Have Questions? Call our office at 413-458-4889.
Downloadable Explorer Documents:
About the Program
Application for Acceptance
Post Bylaws
Youth Leader Guide
Adult Leader Guide
Explorer Post 911 April 2010 Newsletter
Explorer Post 911 April 2010 Newsletter #2
Explorer Post 911 June 2010 Newsletter #3
2010 First Responder/Float Building Calendar | 
