Opheim's Redfield Recognized For 40 Years Of Service

Alice Redfield, of Opheim, an emergency medical technician (EMT) for North Valley Ambulance was recently recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for achieving 40 consecutive years of National Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Certification. This distinction is an honor held by few EMS professionals as it's a rare achievement that an EMT maintains this many years of continued national certification.

To maintain her status as a Nationally Registered EMT, Redfield completed, on a biennial basis, the most comprehensive recertification program for EMS professionals in America. By maintaining her National EMS Certification and completing regular continuing education courses, she has demonstrated her commitment over the years to providing exceptional prehospital emergency medical care to the area.

Since 1970, the National Registry has registered more than two million EMS providers. During this time, the field of EMS has continually evolved and improved, which Redfield has seen first hand. "When I first started we didn't even have an ambulance! The community came together and purchased an ambulance barn and in 1982, purchased the first ambulance," said Redfield. In a letter informing Redfield of this honor, Executive Director of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians William Seifarth stated, "...You have been an integral part of those changes in your community. EMS would not be where it is today without your direction, dedication and service."

Redfield is nationally registered as an EMT B – Basic, which means she does not perform IVs when out on runs. "We don't enough runs that require IVs in order to obtain the medical endorsement," explained Redfield. In addition to responding to calls as needed, the North Valley Ambulance also brings first aid and CPR courses to seventh through 12th graders alternating the trainings every year. "Students have used the training they received later in life," stated Redfield.

In addition to receiving the letter from Seifarth, Redfield also received a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for 40 years of National EMS certification for serving the community by providing care to fellow citizens in their moment of need. The certificate states "The Board of Directors, and the entire EMS community, appreciates and commends this extraordinary contribution."

The National Registry of Emergency Medial Technicians serves as the National EMS Certification organization by providing a valid, uniform process to assess the knowledge and skills required for competent practice by EMS professionals throughout their careers and by maintaining a registry of certification status.