FAQs

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What is EMS, EMT and EMR?Washington EMS Seal
What can I expect when I call 9-1-1?
What should I do while I am waiting for the ambulance?
Where will the ambulance take me?
How much will the ride cost me?
I would like to make a donation, where can I send it?
I would like to become a member. How do I join?

 

What is EMS, EMT and EMDR

  • EMS stands for Emergency Medical Services. It is an umbrella term for practitioners who provide pre-hospital emergency care.

  • EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician. EMTs certified by the state of CT have to undergo a minimum of 150 hours of initial training plus re-certification every two years.

  • EMR stands for Emergency Medical Responder. EMRs certified by the state of CT have to undergo a minimum of 60 hours of initial training plus re-certification every two years.

 


What can I expect when I call 9-1-1?
If you are calling from Washington your call will automatically be directed to Litchfield County Dispatch (LCD) located in Torrington, CT. A dispatcher will quickly gather basic information from you including your location, the nature of the call, patient’s gender, age and symptoms. While you are still on the phone the dispatcher will notify the ambulance of the call (and possibly the fire department and state police, depending on the nature of the call).

What should I do while I'm waiting for the ambulance?
What happens from the time you call 9-1-1 to when the ambulance arrives will depend on the nature of the incident. If the patient is stable or if there is another person nearby the following greatly helps speed up the process

  • Make sure the door is unlocked
  • Have someone wait at the end of the driveway to help direct the ambulance
  • If it is a nighttime call please turn on outdoor lights
  • If there are pets in the house please put them in another room and close the door
  • If the patient is taking any medications please gather the bottles or make a list including the name of the prescription, dosage and directions.

One of the more proactive steps a homeowner can take is to make sure that the property/driveway is CLEARLY numbered. Large, reflective numbers posted at the end of the driveway helps us find your home faster.

If you are calling because of a cardiac arrest then LCD may instruct you to begin CPR (if you do not know CPR then they will try to talk you through it).

Where will the ambulance take me?
The majority of our patients are transported to New Milford Hospital. Depending on the nature of the incident patients may also be transported to Danbury Hospital, Charlotte Hungerford in Torrington or Waterbury Hospital. In certain situations the patient can request to be taken to a specific area hospital.

How much will the ride cost me?
Nothing. The Washington Ambulance Assocation remains a completely free service. We are one of the last non-billing emergency ambulane services in Connecticut. Our community supports our mission with voluntary donations. We also receive support from our founding sponsor - the Lion’s Club of Washington, CT. All donations are greatly appreciated.

I would like to make a donation, where can I sent it?
Donations can be mailed to the following address:
Washington Ambulance Association
P.O. Box 294
Washington Depot, CT 06794


Please click here for more details.

I would like to become a member - how do I join?
If you are interested in joining the Washington Ambulance Association you may contact any of our Officers to arrange an interview. You may download an application here