Why We Bought a Fly Car

Why We Bought a Fly Car

Southern Berkshire Ambulance joins New Marlborough's first responders on an intercept call.

You may have noticed a new vehicle in our fleet — a paramedic fly car. This is a rapid-response vehicle staffed by a single paramedic that can intercept basic life support ambulances en route to the hospital, providing advanced care without tying up one of our full ALS ambulances.

The fly car lets us cover more calls simultaneously. When a second or third call comes in while our ambulances are already committed, the paramedic fly car can respond immediately, assess the patient, and begin treatment while waiting for transport.

This is particularly valuable during our busiest periods and helps ensure that South County always has paramedic-level coverage available.

October Is EMS Month in Massachusetts

Our new fly car is a Ford Explorer with added lights, radios, and equipment.

October is Emergency Medical Services Month in Massachusetts, and we want to take a moment to thank our entire team of paramedics, advanced EMTs, and EMTs who keep South County covered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Their training, dedication, and professionalism save lives every month.

Flu Season Is Here

SBA Board member Ken Schumacher (second from right) with his family.

Flu season is underway. Our paramedics see firsthand how serious influenza can be, particularly for older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Get your flu shot if you haven’t already, and if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe dehydration — call 9-1-1.

ALS Intercept: What It Means for Your Community

Board member John Halbreich and COO Kevin Wall present an AED to Camp Hi-Rock.

Several of the towns we serve have basic life support ambulance services. When a patient needs advanced care, those services call us for an ALS intercept — our paramedic meets the ambulance en route or on scene and provides advanced treatment. This regional approach to EMS ensures that more communities have access to paramedic care than would otherwise be possible.

File of Life: Are You Prepared?

Lou Oggiani served on the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad board for many years.

The File of Life is a free program that helps first responders quickly access your critical medical information in an emergency. A magnetic pouch attaches to your refrigerator — the first place EMS looks when responding to a home emergency. Visit our File of Life page to request yours.