The Island's emergency medical service providers will host the emergency medical technician open house on Tuesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the regional high school culinary arts dining room.
The work of an EMT begins with basic training, and recruits are always needed. Classes begin in early January. An informational open house will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Edgartown fire station. All are welcome.
Although blue lights flashed at the Aquinnah police and fire station Saturday afternoon, there was no emergency. At Aquinnah's first ever public safety day, the biggest concern was whether the hamburger supply was low.
As the summer season gains momentum, Vineyard emergency medical crews are working overtime and drawing from off-Island resources in order to meet an increased demand for service. Fewer paramedics are available this summer for ambulance calls, leading to increased cross-town efforts.
Acting over strong objections from the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital emergency room director, Chilmark selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Paul (Zeke) Wilkins as permanent chief of the Tri-Town Ambulance Service on Tuesday night.
Dr. Jeffrey Zack, director of the hospital ER, said he had reservations about whether the new chief had enough paramedic experience to be able to lead the squad that serves Chilmark, Aquinnah and West Tisbury.
“This is about providing quality care,” Dr. Zack told the selectmen.
