SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1977

                                             

Plain Emergency Medical Service was born in 1972 when three firemen, Louis (Louie) Nachreiner, Bob Schanke, and Bob Young took the Basic EMT course in Spring Green. They ran as first responders with the Plain Fire Department. A second group of firemen completed EMS training early in 1975. At the same time the federal government began making grants available to local communities for first ambulance purchases. Through the hard work of Louie Nachreiner and other community members, Plain's grant was approved. The Plain Fire District Board set January 1, 1977 as the in-service start date for the new ambulance, and then elected Louie Nachreiner as the first Chief of Plain Emergency Medical Services (a position that he held until he retired in 1985). Louie's next challenge was to have a trained crew by January 1. He completed that challenge with 17 licensed EMT's on the roster.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, coverage has been uninterrupted since January 1, 1977.
As a district we cover 144 square miles and average 100 to 125 calls per year.
Over the years the service has enhanced its training to include:

An Automatic Defibrillator with a heart monitor

Advanced Airway & CPR, Glucagon, Albuterol and Baby Aspirin

Epinephrine injection for allergic reactions

The Plain Ambulance Service is a volunteer organization. To volunteer by definition is, "to offer to enter into any service of one's own free will." In 1977, people in the Plain area offered to enter into service for the benefit of family, friends and neighbors. Some of these original volunteers are still at their posts today, almost 30 years later.

HISTORY OF THE STAR OF LIFE-The Emergency Medical Care Symbol

Designed by Leo R. Schwartz

The bars of the blue Star of Life represent the six system functions of EMS

1. Detection, 2. Reporting, 3. Response, 4. On Scene Care, 5. Care in Transit, 6. Transfer to Definitive Care