Every year, Wilton CERT offers a complimentary Disaster Preparedness Training, inviting citizens to learn how to assist family, friends, and neighbors during emergencies or disasters. After completing the course, participants are invited to join Wilton CERT. This multi-day course includes 20 hours of training, covering topics such as Disaster Preparedness, CERT Organization, Fire Safety, Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology, and Terrorism. The most extensive part of the course, spanning two days, is the Disaster Medical Operation unit. Each year, Wilton CERT enlists the help of members of the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps to teach this portion of the training. This year, WVAC Secretary and 10-year WVAC EMT, Brian McDermott, led this training along with support from several other WVAC members. Brian McDermott is also a member of Wilton CERT. The training covered several topics, including but not limited to: Identifying the Three Killers (Airway, Bleeding and Circulatory/Shock) and how to recognize and apply correct life-saving techniques for all three. Providing first-aid care for injuries such as burns, dressing and bandaging wounds, managing amputations, impaled objects, splinting fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains, managing heat and cold related injuries such as hypothermia and hyperthermia, treatment for insect bites and stings, and managing anaphylaxis. How to do a scene size-up Managing MCI (Mass-Casualty Incidents), and how to set up survivor treatment areas and perform head-to-toe assessments to identify injuries. Shout out to WVAC members, Aditya Gupta, Kevin Kelly, Betsy Wallon, Karen Seelert, Hans Wernke, Grace Todd, and Tom Klinga for also helping out with this training.

WVAC EMTs Esther Hilbers and Brian McDermott provided stand-by EMS coverage at the Wilton Chamber of Commerce's Wilton Carnival on Sunday February 2nd. The theme this year was Fire and Ice, as it featured live ice sculpture demonstrations as well as performers playing with fire. The danger did not stop there as there was also live wood carving demonstrations as well. While plenty of danger was present with chainsaws and fire, luckily there were no emergencies and Brian and Esther were able to stay huddled by the smore's fire pit, staying warm with hot chocolate from the Bubble & Brew truck and hot buttery lobster rolls provided by Cousin's Maine Lobster food truck. while engaging with the community.

WVAC celebrated ALL of our incredible volunteers who joined us for our annual holiday party on January 15th at Marley’s ! The evening was filled with laughter, great food, and cherished moments with our extended family and their loved ones. We’re so grateful for the time, dedication, and heart each of you brings to making a difference in our community . Here’s to a fantastic year ahead with this amazing team!

We had a great time showing members of the community around our ambulance. We unfortunately had to leave the fair for a bit due to a call that came in nearby and hope nobody was disappointed looking for us!

WVAC was honored to once again be part of the Town of Wilton Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll and tree lighting on Friday, Dec 6th, in partnership with Kimco Realty and the Wilton Fire Department. WVAC members Brian McDermott, Esther Hilbers, and Thomas Adams provided standby coverage for the event, and our very own Pete Vogric was once again taking those Christmas wishes as Santa Claus.

Dear Neighbors, First, I want to thank the residents of Wilton who have continued to support the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps for many years. I cannot begin to let you know how important your support impacts our day-to-day operations and long-term goals to serve the community. To the new members of our community, welcome to Wilton. I hope you turn into long term residents. Please know that the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps is always ready to respond to your call for medical assistance at any time of the day or night. The Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps has provided emergency medical services to the Wilton community since 1976. We are an independent 501(c)(3) non-for-profit charitable organization and are not a department within the Town of Wilton. In 2023, there were a record 1,713 calls for emergency service, a small increase over the prior year but a 16% increase over 2022. In 2024, we are trending well over 1,800 calls, representing a 22.8% increase for the last 3 years. Calls to the nursing homes and additional medical facilities in town are the main factors for the increase. With new multifamily housing on the horizon, that number will likely grow in the future. Our major source of funds to operate our organization is derived from billing Medicare and private insurance companies for our services, along with generous donations from our residents. While billing revenue has increased with the higher call volume, collections are not guaranteed, and not all calls result in billing. In addition, operating costs across the board have increased significantly, mainly labor, medical supplies, and other equipment. Let me demonstrate why your support is very important for our organization. Our service currently has 2 ambulances available to serve the community. If our call volume continues to increase, we will be on the verge of needing an additional ambulance and other resources to effectively serve the community going forward. We are looking to purchase a new ambulance to replace our 2017 ambulance in 2025 or 2026, and we have been alerted that the cost of a new ambulance would cost between $350,000 to 400,000, a 40 to 60 percent increase over our last purchase. I close this letter by thanking my fellow members for their hard work, dedication, and time commitment away from their families to serve their community. Your consideration in making a donation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, and all the best to you and your family. John R. Miscioscia President

We were honored to join other first responders at this year’s annual Halloween SEPTA Sensory-Friendly Touch-a-Truck and Treat event! It was a fantastic day connecting with families and bringing smiles to little ones who got a close look at our EMS vehicles. Thanks to our EMT's, Brian McDermott, Lynda Soltis, Saanvi Kakarlapudi, and Thomas Adams who came out to support this event!

The WVAC team had a great time at last week's Touch-A-Truck event held at the Wilton YMCA. EMT's Betsy Wallon, David Weinstock, Karen Seelert, and Laura Ketner loved teaching Wilton's youngest residents all about how an ambulance works.

When a Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps (WVAC) crew is dispatched to a 911 call, one of the first things the crew seeks to understand about their patient upon arrival are: a list of medications taken, an accurate medical history, existing conditions and allergies. Often the WVAC crew responds to a patient where this information is not readily available and critical time is spent to gather this information. Once it is gathered, the crew can then use the information in their patient assessment and care, as well as provide that information to the Hospital Emergency Department. The File of Life program assists emergency medical responders by providing this essential information and it is easy for patients to use. It is comprised of a card that records vital information about the patient’s medical history, medications, allergies, emergency contact information, doctor’s name, etc. The card is stored in a clear plastic envelope in a visible and accessible location for use by First Responders. One such location often used is a refrigerator door whereby the File of Life envelope is held by a magnet. A File of Life card can also be stored in a wallet or in a ladies handbag, or in a child’s backpack/school bag. Medical emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. The File of Life is an efficient and effective program that assists the WVAC crew and other First Responders to render prompt medical care. WVAC encourages all residents to consider using the File Of Life program. Wilton residents may send a request for a free File Of Life packet to Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps at PO Box 216; Wilton, CT 06897.  If you have previously received a File of Life kit but your information has changed, you may print our online fillable card and then print it out to replace your existing one. Stay Safe!

Meet Grace, a senior at Wilton High School who volunteers with WVAC as an apprentice in her spare time. Grace's goal is to become a nurse, and she is interested in gaining hands-on experience. She also says she gets a lot of satisfaction out of helping people in need and the community. ​ For any others who are considering getting involved with WVAC, Grace says, "Just go for it!" She said she's been pleasantly surprised by the experiences she's been able to receive through the apprentice program.

https://goodmorningwilton.com/wilton-volunteer-ambulance-corps-gets-variances-new-headquarters/