Harwinton EMS

04/07/2026

Harwinton EMS is proud to recognize two of our incredible members for their dedication and service over the past 20 years, James (Mark) Hilton and Jennifer Hilton. Throughout their time with us, they have shown commitment not only in the field but also behind the scenes.

Jenn reached her 20-year milestone this February. She held the role of Captain, Lieutenant and currently serves as our Supplies Chairperson and Quartermaster, ensuring our team always has what we need to serve the community safely and effectively.

Mark also celebrates 20 years of service and continues to play a vital role as our Vehicle Chairperson, helping keep our fleet ready to respond to emergencies. Mark assisted with the project of our ambulance build, ensuring it was reliable to serve the community.

During their time with Harwinton EMS, Jenn and Mark have spent most of their Friday nights on call, showing an incredible commitment to the organization and the community. As Field Training Officers, they’ve also taken pride in mentoring new EMTs and helping shape the next generation of providers. Their dedication has left a lasting impact both on the team and the people they serve.

Please join us in celebrating Jenn and Mark on this outstanding milestone!

03/12/2026

Tonight we had the pleasure of hosting the HWSFD Explorers for CPR training, with some of our own members joining in as well. These young adults are taking the initiative to learn and are the future of public safety. Training opportunities like this help build the teamwork we rely on at every scene and reinforce the importance of providing high-quality patient care. We’re excited for many more opportunities to train together in the future.

Did you know?
HWSFD First Responders respond to serious medical calls in town alongside us. Across the country, Fire/EMS co-response has become the industry standard, ensuring patients receive care as quickly as possible with the right number of trained providers on scene.

Why having additional trained responders on scene matters:
1. High-quality CPR – More trained hands allows providers to rotate compressors frequently, maintaining strong, effective CPR which is critical for cardiac arrest survival.
2. Faster patient care – Additional responders allow lifesaving interventions to begin immediately while EMS prepares transport.
3. Patient movement – Extra personnel help safely move patients, especially in tight homes, stairwells, or difficult environments.
4. Early arrival – On many calls, HWSFD arrives on scene first on their side of town, allowing care to begin sooner.
5. Better outcomes through teamwork – Coordinated response between fire and EMS ensures efficient care and improves patient outcomes.

We appreciate their partnership and the opportunity to train together.

02/28/2026

Around 3:00 PM, we were notified of a motor vehicle accident that required two ambulances. While both units were operating at the scene, we received a third call in town. About three minutes later, we were dispatched to a fourth call.

With the assistance of the Harwinton Westside First Responders, Harwinton Fire Department and our dedicated volunteers, we were able to staff three ambulances and successfully handle all four calls. We were also assisted by Hartford Healthcare Northwest Medic 1, Burlington Fire Department Paramedic, and Litchfield Ambulance, who stood by to provide additional coverage and support.

Days like today highlight how important it is for our community to have three ambulances available to ensure continuous coverage. This is a true testament to the dedication of our volunteers and their commitment to serving the residents of Harwinton.

Thank you to all responders who answered the call to serve today.intonp

02/12/2026

Harwinton Ambulance staffed all three ambulances (with paid and volunteer staff) on scene to provide medical care and firefighter rehabilitation. Our firefighters made a quick stop and did an excellent job.

We are fortunate to have such strong working relationships with our fire departments, mutual aid partners, and the Connecticut State Police.

Thank you to our residents for their continued support of our public safety agencies.

🔥🔥🔥Last night just after 9:00 PM, both Harwinton Fire Departments and Harwinton Ambulance responded to Breezy Hill Road for a reported residential structure fire.

HWSFD Car 2 arrived on scene within five minutes and reported a working fire in a single-story residence, assuming Incident Command. Engine 12 arrived nine minutes from dispatch with four certified firefighters and began fire attack within two minutes of arrival, extinguishing visible fire in the garage and attic space above.

Rescue 7 arrived shortly after with four additional certified firefighters, stretching a backup hoseline into the living space and gaining access to a separate attic area to assist with full extinguishment.

HVFD Engine 2 established a water supply to the scene and crews assisted with fire suppression and overhaul operations. HWSFD and HVFD worked together to secure water supply should the fire have extended beyond the area initially found.

Harwinton Ambulance responded promptly with multiple ambulances to assist the residents. Their presence allowed fire crews to remain focused on suppression and property conservation efforts.

The Torrington Fire Department was requested to provide a Rapid Intervention Team. That is a team of firefighters that stands by on scene and is ready to assist firefighters if they encounter a Mayday situation inside of the building.

Once the fire was brought under control, crews transitioned to salvage and overhaul operations to protect areas of the home not damaged by fire. The scene was later turned over to the Harwinton Fire Marshal’s Office for investigation.

We are grateful for the coordinated response between all agencies and proud of the teamwork displayed last night. As always, we encourage residents to ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home and to review their family fire escape plans.

🚒 In total, HWSFD responded with 21 firefighters, 14 of whom are certified/trained interior firefighters.

01/28/2026

***Thomaston Structure Fire Mutual Aid***

Overnight, our crew responded on mutual aid to the Town of Thomaston alongside the Harwinton West Side Volunteer Fire Department to assist Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Corps with firefighter rehab and warming at the scene of a large structure fire.

While that crew was operating in Thomaston, our two other ambulances were staffed here in Harwinton, ensuring we maintained coverage for in-town medical emergencies and were ready to assist the Harwinton Volunteer Fire Department in town if needed.

Mutual aid is a critical part of emergency response. No single town can handle every large or complex incident alone, so neighboring communities work together to share resources and support one another. Just as we help other towns when they need it, they are there for us when Harwinton faces major emergencies.

Our ambulance service also provides both in-town and out-of-town support to care for our own firefighters during incidents, helping keep them safe, healthy, and ready to continue protecting our community.

Thank you to our crews and mutual aid partners for their teamwork and dedication, and thank you to the community for your continued support.

01/26/2026

As we clean up from the storm, please remember to check on your neighbors, clear driveways and access to your home, and make sure house numbers and fire hydrants are visible. Clear access helps ensure emergency services can reach you quickly if needed.

Please take breaks while shoveling and pace yourself, your safety comes first.

Harwinton Ambulance continues to monitor the situation closely and is working alongside our Emergency Management team and Fire Departments to ensure a safe and timely response if needed.

***Dial 911 for ALL emergencies***

Stay safe, Harwinton! 💙🚑❄️

01/25/2026

Harwinton EMS crews are prepared for the storm. Both ambulances are fully staffed, with first responders available throughout town. We have been working with our emergency management directors for the last three days leading up to this event, and are coordinating with fire departments to ensure fast, safe response and effective scene management.

Please stay home and off the roads so our DPW and DOT crews can keep the roads clear.

Important reminder: For any fire, police, or medical emergency, dial 911. Please do not call our headquarters!

10/21/2025

Harwinton Ambulance is proud to once again host a Blood Drive with Connecticut Blood Center! 🩸

When: Thursday, November 14th from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Where: Harwinton Ambulance Headquarters - 166 Burlington Rd.

Every donation makes a life-changing difference for patients in need. By partnering with Connecticut Blood Bank, your donation stays local!

Sign up today to reserve your spot:

© 2025 Rhode Island Blood Center / Connecticut Blood Center Privacy Policy. Terms HemaConnect © 2025 InVita Healthcare Technologies

10/03/2025

We have tickets still available! Reach out to us to purchase!

Please support Harwinton Ambulance by purchasing Jimmy’s grinder tickets!

Tickets will be available at Harwinton Ambulance, through any of our members, and at the Harwinton Fair!

09/11/2025

Please support Harwinton Ambulance by purchasing Jimmy’s grinder tickets!

Tickets will be available at Harwinton Ambulance, through any of our members, and at the Harwinton Fair!

09/04/2025

Attention golfers!

Harwinton West Side Volunteer Fire Departmentis hosting their annual golf tournament September 12, 2025!

Grab some friends and join us at this great event!

08/13/2025

We are very excited to participate in another drill with Burlington Volunteer Fire Department and our mutual aid partners!

Send a message to learn more