MUSCATINE, Iowa – For the past 29 years the Muscatine County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has welcomed the young and old for a day of fun and learning. The 2019 EMS Saturday event that kicks off EMS Week (May 19-25), will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 330 North Highway 61, Muscatine.
“This should be another great day of fun and learning for children, their parents, and for the general public,” Muscatine firefighter Tom Summitt said. “There is always something new to see and to learn.”
Summitt has been one of the organizers for the EMS Day for the past 27 years.
“We receive help from a variety of organizations that want to be part of this event,” Summitt said. “It just makes it even that much bigger and better for those involved and those attending.”
The event is held annually as part of National EMS with special presentations to recognize EMS volunteers throughout the day. Last year’s event was postponed nearly a month by weather but organizers are hopeful that Mother Nature will cooperate this year.
Those attending can have an up close look at a variety of apparatus including fire trucks, ambulances, and Med Force 1 (depending on availability). Tentatively MedForce1 plans to land in the parking lot at 11 a.m. for those in attendance to have an up close look at the helicopter.
The West Liberty Fire Department will be bringing their smoke house where children can learn fire/burn prevention tips through a fun, safe simulation. Several other area fire departments will be on hand to assist with a wide variety of activities that are sure to please everyone in attendance.
Other activities include:
Fingerprinting of and photography of children attending the event will again be offered to all residents.
The Muscatine Police Department will be sponsoring a medication drop off site for residents to bring unused or expired medications for safe disposal.
The Performance Class of the Canine Activity Center of Muscatine will be on hand to talk with children and adults about pet safety with live demonstrations on how to approach along with discussions on when and when not to approach a canine.
The American Red Cross will also be on hand demonstrating their services.
The Melon city Bike Club along with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition will be sponsoring a bike rodeo. Bring your bike for a safety check and ride in the bike rodeo to receive a free helmet.
There will also be a non-perishable food drive to benefit local food pantries.
A history of EMS can be located by clicking on the following link; MuscatineEMS.