From the desk of the Augie Bamonti, President

All too often, EMS responders feel we are taken for granted. No matter what the time of day, the weather, or even how we are feeling, when the tone goes off, we respond. It doesn’t matter whether dinner is on the table (a REAL bummer at the holidays!), you just got back from running the errands that happen in your life, or you just finished working your other job(s), you KNOW you have to go.

The next time you are taking care of a patient, doing the unending tasks of continuing education, at a squad or department meeting, or cleaning up the ambulance after a call, I want you to remember you DO matter! You ARE important! What you do IS important! There are literally THOUSANDS of people walking around today who wouldn’t be if it weren’t for EMS responders just like you. I know I owe my life to several EMS responders who did just what you do everyday, respond to those in need.

And while patient care is the most important thing we do, a very close second is caring for those we share this EMS bond with. I’m not talking about the other members of your squads or departments, or even your neighboring communities. I’m talking about EMS responders you may not even know. I’m talking about an association that is strong. An association that has a voice. An association designed to improve education, legislation, and provide the things needed to protect those who serve. An association that will help the future of EMS in Illinois.

There are over 50,000 EMS responders of all levels in Illinois. Certainly, you know more responders than are on your squad or department. Contact them, get them to join our association. Twenty dollars a year is a small investment in the future of your association. Yes, that’s right, it’s YOUR association!

My goal is to have over 1000 members by the end of 2010. Currently, we are at 250. Will you help me? Will you help the Board to achieve this goal? I am hoping that the professionalism and zeal shown on every ambulance in the state carries through to helping us recruit new members. With 250 members, if every one brought in just THREE new members, we could reach our goal! And if those 3 brought in 3 more, and then 3 more, well, you do the math!!!!

The Board and I are here to serve you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or the Board member in your region (the region map is available on the website).


Augie Bamonti

bamonti@aol.com