Stratford EMS Opens Doors to Community

With a stethoscope around her neck and undivided attention given to the task at hand, Natalie Lizotte looked every bit the professional emergency service worker at the Stratford EMS open house Saturday morning. The fact that she’s only 6 years old didn’t really matter to her.

“I like bones,” said Natalie, who paused from painting at a crafts table to discuss her attendance at the open house. The event, which took place Saturday, was offered to display the new EMS building and attract new volunteers.

“She’s very excited to be here,” added Natalie’s mom, Janine. Natalie broke her arm when she was 3, and ever since she’s had a fascination with the way bones connect to each other. The youngster, whose dad, Steve, is a volunteer firefighter, plans a career in orthopedics.

It’ll be a few more years before Natalie can become part of Stratford EMS – the experience-providing Stratford Explorer Post 4911 is aimed at high schoolers ages 14 to 18 – but for those who are ready now to consider becoming volunteers, the open house provided literature, equipment demonstrations and the opportunity to talk with new and seasoned EMS providers.

“It’s an opportunity to recruit new volunteer membership,” said Stratford EMS Director Phil Onofrio about the event. Drivers, EMTs, EMR and paramedics are needed, he said. There currently are about 70 volunteers, which comprise about 65 percent of the personnel. The remaining are paid crew members.

Members’ tenure runs the gamut. While Horatio Hinds joined Stratford EMS last October, Bunnie McQuilton has been a volunteer for 25 years.

“I came from a family who always did good for the community and family members, and I just followed in their footsteps,” McQuilton said. “It’s a great feeling to be able to help people.”

In addition to satisfying his “adrenaline junkie” needs, 17-year-old Alex Lenches joined the Stratford Explorer Post at age 14 to get a jump start on his professional goals.

“I wanted to be a firefighter and a paramedic. I’m progressively going after that career,” said the Bunnell High School senior. “I’m very interested in the medical field,” he added.

Lenches, who is certified in CPR and EMR, said he has the qualities needed for the position. “I’m a very outgoing and a very calm person. I know I can react to a stressful situation without causing harm to anybody.”

Such traits are ideal for volunteers, noted Stratford EMS Captain Jon Best.

“We’re just looking for people who are committed and interested and willing to extend themselves a little bit,” said Best. “They’re putting themselves into situations that a lot of people can’t. They’re with people who are sick or dying. It’s a very high calling.”

Those interested in becoming a Stratford EMS volunteer who couldn’t make the open house are welcome to drop by the EMS facility, 2712 Main St., during business hours to speak with personnel and pick up an application, said Onofrio.