County Ambulance Service

08/31/2026

🎒🚑 SCHOOL IS BACK—PLEASE SLOW DOWN

As Pittsfield students return to school, our streets will once again be busy with school buses, crossing guards, young pedestrians, bicyclists and families adjusting to new routines.

County Ambulance Service reminds drivers to:

🚌 Stop completely when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop sign—it’s Massachusetts law.

🚸 Slow down and remain alert in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

📵 Put the phone away and keep your attention on the road.

👀 Check carefully before turning or backing up, especially near crosswalks and bus stops.

⏰ Leave a few minutes early so increased traffic does not become a reason to rush.

Children do not always move predictably, but responsible drivers can. A little extra patience can prevent a tragedy and help everyone begin the school year safely.

County Ambulance Service wishes our students, families, teachers, school staff and bus drivers a safe and successful year!

08/29/2026

🎶🚑 **LONG BEFORE THE GATES OPEN, THE PREPARATION HAS ALREADY BEGUN**

Long before fans begin lining up at the gates for tonight’s **Carrie Underwood concert at Tanglewood**, County Ambulance crews are already on site—preparing equipment, coordinating resources and standing ready to protect the health and safety of the performers, Tanglewood staff and everyone attending the show.

An event of this size does not happen safely by accident. It requires tremendous planning and close collaboration among **Tanglewood Public Safety, County Ambulance Service, the Massachusetts State Police, the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office** and many other public-safety and operational partners working behind the scenes.

Most guests will never see the preparation—and that is exactly the point. While the audience enjoys an incredible evening of music, a dedicated team will be watching, coordinating and ready to respond if needed.

County Ambulance Service is proud to be part of the team helping make Tanglewood a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

**Enjoy the show—and welcome to the Berkshires, Carrie Underwood!** 🎤

08/28/2026

💊🚑 IN AN EMERGENCY, COULD SOMEONE SPEAK FOR YOUR MEDICATIONS?

When illness, injury, or confusion makes it difficult to answer questions, an updated medication list can give emergency responders and hospital staff valuable information quickly.

Your list should include:
- Prescription medications, including the dose and when each is taken
- Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements
- Medication and other serious allergies
- Major medical conditions
- Your healthcare providers and preferred pharmacy
- An emergency contact

Keep a copy somewhere easy to find at home and another in your wallet, purse, or phone. Review it whenever a medication changes—and make sure a trusted family member knows where to find it.
A bag full of pill bottles can help, but a clear, current list is much easier to review when every minute matters.

Take ten minutes this weekend to create or update yours. It could make an unexpected emergency a little easier to manage.

🚑 County Ambulance Service—helping our community prepare before the emergency.

08/26/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Floyd Jacobs Sr., Stephanie McDonough

08/26/2026

💙 WOMEN IN EMS: LEADING. SERVING. SAVING LIVES.

Women’s Equality Day is observed each year on August 26, commemorating the day the 19th Amendment became part of the United States Constitution in 1920. It was an important milestone that expanded voting rights, although many women continued to face barriers at the ballot box.

Today is also an opportunity to recognize the women whose skill, judgment, leadership, courage, and compassion strengthen emergency medical services.
Women serve throughout EMS as EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, educators, clinicians, administrators, supervisors, and executives. They care for patients, guide organizations, teach future responders, and help shape the future of our profession.

Equality in EMS means ensuring that every qualified person has the opportunity to train, advance, lead, contribute, and be treated with professional respect.
To the women of County Ambulance Service—and women serving throughout healthcare and public safety—thank you for everything you bring to your teams and communities.

🚑 County Ambulance Service—proud of the professionals who answer the call.

08/25/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to our weekly engagement list! 🎉 Dinomedic Tremblay, John Cebula, Erik Hollick, Shell Dowling, Joe Carpenter, Cody Schaefer, David Carmen, Shea Lj, Sandra Baker, Sandra Thomson, Scott Haviland, Gypsy Anne, Constance Jardine, Julie McMahon, Theresa A Monterosso, Stephen Hyde, Raymond F Ferrin Jr., Donna Prendergast, Debbie Galvagni, Chuck Margarites

08/25/2026

🥾 HIKE SMART. RETURN SAFE.

Today marks the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, created on August 25, 1916.

Whether you are visiting a national park, exploring a Berkshire County state forest, or enjoying a local trail, a little preparation can help keep an outdoor adventure from becoming an emergency.

Before heading out:

Research the trail, terrain, distance, and current conditions.

Check the weather and be prepared to turn back.

Tell someone your route and expected return time.

Carry water, food, extra clothing, rain protection, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and a whistle.

Bring a map and do not depend entirely on cellphone service.

Stay on marked trails and keep your group together.

Choose a route appropriate for everyone’s ability.

If an emergency occurs, call 911 when service is available. Provide the trail name, nearest marker or intersection, direction of travel, and phone coordinates if possible. Conserve your battery and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

The best outdoor memories end with everyone returning home safely.

🚑 County Ambulance Service—proud to serve a community surrounded by places worth exploring.

08/24/2026

We have plenty of room in our upcoming class and would like to fill a few more seats! If you’re interested in a career in EMS or a different skill set and knowledge now is your time!

Classes are held Monday and Wednesday evening, 6p to 10p, and every other Saturday 9a to 3p. Class will wrap up just before the holiday season!

Now enrolling students!

Announcing our Fall of 2026 EMT Training program, scheduled to start September 9th, running through December 5th!

Classes will be held Monday and Wednesday evenings 6PM to 10PM, and every other Saturday 9AM to 3PM. 100% attendance is required for successful completion of the program. Seating is limited, register soon.

More information and course registration can be found at the link or QR code below.

https://bit.ly/4wHINyA

08/24/2026

🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL WITH AN ASTHMA PLAN
As families prepare for a new school year, children with asthma need more than notebooks and pencils—they need a current plan that follows them to school, sports, clubs, and other activities.

Before the first day:

Ask your child’s healthcare provider to update their written Asthma Action Plan.
Give current copies to the school nurse and other appropriate caregivers.
Make sure prescribed quick-relief medication is unexpired and accessible according to school policy.
Review common triggers and early symptoms with your child.
Encourage your child to tell an adult as soon as breathing becomes difficult.
Update emergency contacts and medication authorizations.
Asthma symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Call 911 when a child is experiencing severe breathing difficulty, cannot speak normally because of breathlessness, develops bluish or gray lips, or is not improving after following their emergency plan.
Preparation helps children participate confidently—and helps adults respond quickly when every breath matters.

🚑 County Ambulance Service—helping Berkshire County families start the school year safely.

08/23/2026

🏈⚽ READY BEFORE THE FIRST WHISTLE

As fall sports practices and preseason activities get underway, athletes are preparing to play—but parents, coaches, officials, and volunteers should also be prepared for an emergency.

Before the season begins:

• Know the exact address of every practice and game location.
• Identify where the nearest AED is located and make sure it is accessible.
• Keep gates, driveways, and emergency access routes clear.
• Decide who will call 911 and who will meet responding crews.
• Make sure coaches and volunteers are trained in CPR and AED use.
• Share important medical information, allergies, and emergency contacts with the appropriate team personnel.

If someone suddenly collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as one is available.

An emergency plan only works when people know it, practice it, and are ready to act.

🚑 County Ambulance Service—helping our community prepare for the moments that matter.