Ambulance Service Called 'Understaffed'

In the 35 years since its founding, the Ledyard Ambulance Association has responded to countless emergencies, representing a vital piece in the health and safety of town residents.

More recently, however, the association’s staffing level has become a topic of concern for town and ambulance officials.

Bob Scialabba, assistant director of the ambulance association, said the service has two paid EMTs, and about 20 volunteers, including 10 active volunteers who regularly respond to calls.

Frankly, he said, that’s not enough.

“We’re incredibly understaffed,” he said. “We do a pretty good job considering the hours we have to cover and the number of volunteers we have.”

But Scialabba said he would like to have 20 active volunteers – about twice the number that can be counted on now.

The association has two ambulances, both based at the Ledyard Center emergency services building. The two paid Emergency Medical Technicians work four 10-hour days, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One works Monday-Thursday, and the other Tuesday-Friday.

By state law, an ambulance cannot respond to an emergency without at least one EMT and one MRT (Medical Response Technician – now called ERTs). That means on Mondays and Fridays, the lone paid EMTs on duty must have either a per diem EMT or a volunteer before the ambulance can leave the building.

Evenings, overnight and weekends are entirely covered by volunteers, Scialabba said.  If Ledyard is unable to respond to a call within five minutes, the call automatically goes to mutual aid. 

Poquetanuck, Preston, the Submarine Base and Mystic River Ambulance serve as Ledyard’s backup. Scialabba said they respond to a small percentage of calls in Ledyard – maybe 20 percent. “It’s still higher than we want,” he said.

The training required to become an ERT is approximately 50-60 hours, Scialabba said. EMT certfication training is approximately 150 hours. He said the association will reimburse volunteers who complete the training and serve for at least six months.

Those interested in learning more about the ambulance association or volunteering may call Membership Officer Stephane Eaton at 860 464-8017, or Bob Scialabba at 860 536-4728.