--- title: "Issue 2: Remembering Lou Oggiani — SBAS Newsletter" url: https://southernberkshireambulance.com/newsletters/issue-2 description: "Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad Newsletter Issue 2, September 2025: remembering Lou Oggiani, EMT training, Camp Hi-Rock AED, tick safety, and more." --- Newsletter — Issue 2 # Remembering Lou Oggiani September 2025 ## Remembering Lou Oggiani ![Lou Oggiani](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/lou.uFP_r488_RUtAH.webp) Lou Oggiani served on the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad board for many years. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Oggiani, a longtime friend and supporter of Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad. Lou served on our board for many years and was a steadfast advocate for quality emergency medical care in South County. His wisdom, his humor, and his commitment to this community will be missed. ## Upcoming EMT Training Class ![SBA Director of Training AJ Anderson](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/aj.po_fEc3A_1YfaIG.webp) SBA Director of Training AJ Anderson works with paramedics and EMTs when not on a call. Interested in a career in emergency medical services? Our EMT initial certification course offers hands-on training from experienced professionals right here in Great Barrington. Visit our [EMT Training page](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/education/emt-training) for details. ## This Guy Made Millions, Then Took a Job as a Paramedic ![From Wall Street to paramedic](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/wall-street-to-rookie.B8cI4uKC_WvYTg.webp) A recent article showcases a New York finance professional who became a paramedic and found it the most rewarding career of his life. A recent New York Times article profiled a finance professional who left a lucrative career to become a paramedic. His story resonates with many members of our team who chose EMS for the purpose it provides. We recommend it. ## Working with Local Camps: Southern Berkshire Gives Back ![Presenting an AED to Camp Hi-Rock](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/camp-hi-rock-edge.C4vqTaB7_Z2sFOEb.webp) Board member John Halbreich and COO Kevin Wall present an AED to Camp Hi-Rock. We were proud to present Camp Hi-Rock in Mount Washington with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) this summer. Camp Hi-Rock staff received training on how to use the device. AEDs save lives when used within minutes of sudden cardiac arrest. ## This Month’s Health Tip: Watch Those Tick Bites ![The Lone Star tick](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/lone-star-tick.CDJQQ1PF_ZmOvCl.webp) The Lone Star tick has arrived in Massachusetts and is the vector for several diseases. Tick season is extending earlier and later every year. Remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, call your doctor, and do a full-body check after time outdoors. In Berkshire County, most physicians will prescribe a preventive course of doxycycline if a tick has been attached for 36 hours or more — don’t wait for symptoms. ## “The Old Gray Rig Ain’t What She Used to Be” ![Vintage ambulance](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/57-chevy-dnu.D5rBO5E7_Z27ELBX.webp) Our old ambulances aren't nearly this old, but we thought these classics were worth sharing. ![1968 Pontiac Superior](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/68-pontiac-superior.xvD4Ud24_8gUOl.webp) 1968 Pontiac Superior. Time for a new one. ![1957 Fiat 1100](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/57-fiat-1100.BPNZqp3q_Z1gMxWI.webp) 1957 Fiat 1100\. Time for a new one. ![1957 Chevy](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/57-chevy.OD6u28pD_ZEluIG.webp) 1957 Chevy. Time for a new one. ![1937 Mercedes](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/37-mercedes.C_Xbc0HI_Zqe94J.webp) 1937 Mercedes. Time for a new one. Our ambulances have seen better days. We’ve launched a capital campaign to replace our two primary units with new Braun Type 1 4x4 ambulances. [Please consider a donation to the ambulance fund →](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/donate) Support our mission ## You can make a difference. Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We rely on community donations to keep our ambulances on the road and our crews ready. Every gift makes a difference. [Donate now](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/donate) [Our donors](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/donors) ![Great Barrington's First Congregational Church makes a donation to Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad](https://southernberkshireambulance.com/_astro/first.D02pd2TI_uhjLp.webp)