08/04/2026
**Some days remind us exactly why volunteers matter. Today was one of those days.**
As of this post, we've responded to **three separate emergencies**.
The day began with a motor vehicle accident on Route 267 *(no additional information will be released)*. As Ambulance 6 was clearing Wilson Hospital, another call came in for a medical alarm at the Choconut Apartments, which fortunately turned out to be a false alarm. Before crews even had a chance to finish paperwork and reset for the next call, a third dispatch came in for a possible allergic reaction.
While three calls may not sound like much, each one takes people, equipment, and coordination.
The first incident brought together Montrose Minute Men, **Silver Lake Fire & EMS**,Forest Lake Volunteer Fire Company for the landing zone and fire police, Vestal EMS for a BLS ambulance, and a medical helicopter.
The second and third calls required assistance from **Silver Lake Ambulance** and our friends from the north at Superior Ambulance Service, Inc. for ALS coverage.
This is what mutual aid is all about.
More importantly, this is what volunteering is all about.
Every one of these responses depended on volunteers who stopped what they were doing—whether they were at work, having dinner with family, relaxing at home, or trying to enjoy a day off—to answer someone's call for help. They didn't know what they were responding to. They simply answered.
Without those volunteers, today would have been a much more difficult day. Instead, because people were willing to step up, our patients received the care they needed, our crews had the support they required, and our community continued to have emergency medical coverage when it mattered most.
To our mutual aid partners—**Montrose Minute Men ALS, Silver Lake Fire & EMS, Forest Lake Volunteer Fire Company, Vestal EMS, Superior Ambulance Service, Inc.,** and the flight crew—thank you for always answering when we call. Your partnership is invaluable, and we're grateful to serve alongside you.
If you've ever wondered whether volunteering makes a difference, today is your answer.
The need for volunteer EMTs, drivers, firefighters, and support members has never been greater. You don't have to be extraordinary—you just have to be willing to help. Your community is counting on people just like you.
**To every volunteer who answered a pager today: thank you. You are the reason this system works.**
