Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

When a call comes in to Plover EMS, Paramedics from the Portage County Ambulance respond, too. Medics are trained to provide Advanced-Life Support (ALS) services, such as administering intravenous (IV) fluids and other cardiac drugs. All Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are under orders from the State of Wisconsin EMS Medical Director, Michael Clark, MD, MPH. Plover also works closely with Spirit Air Transport, Life Link III and Aspirus MedEvac. Helicopters are used for certain cases that need additional resources not provided in Stevens Point, Plover and surrounding areas.

History

The Village of Plover EMS Department was initiated in September of 1984. Twenty members from the Plover Fire Department and the community were trained in the forty-hour Department of Transportation First Responder Program.

Strictly a volunteer effort in 1984, First Responders were on call for twelve-hour shifts with 24-hour coverage each day. With only a few dozen calls during that first year, the Responders expanded emergency care to include auto accidents, seizures, heart attacks and strokes. The number of calls increased to 85 for the year 1985 and up to 700 for 2011. 

In 2002, the unit upgraded its skill level to become EMT-Basics. With this step up, the EMTs can deliver glucagon, epinephrine, aspirin and albuterol. EMTs can also insert combi-tubes and assist with prescription nitroglycerin.