VALLE AMBULANCE DISTRICT
By: Bill Haggard
The Valle Ambulance District is one of
five ambulance districts in Jefferson County with the largest coverage area of
233 square miles. The district is a
third service paramedic agency that delivers critical public health and public
safety service on the front lines of the community health system. The Valle Ambulance District has been proudly
serving the citizens, visitors and communities since 1977. Currently, the Valle
Ambulance District employs over 35 individuals who serve the communities of De
Soto, Hillsboro, Victoria, Grandview, Hematite and Goldman. The district also serves the unincorporated
parts of Jefferson County 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The district operates out of three stations –
Station #1 at 12363 Highway 21 in De Soto, Station #2 at 1540 Hillcrest in De
Soto and Station #3 at 5479 Highway B in Hillsboro. The district headquarters is located at
Station #1.
The Valle Ambulance District prides
itself on being a clinically sophisticated and progressive paramedic
service. The implementation of numerous
clinical initiatives, including pre-hospital 12-lead ECG interpretation, drug
facilitated intubations and the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure
treatments have resulted in tangible improvements to the care delivered to the
community. In today’s age of overwhelmed
hospital emergency departments, the district also plays a critical role in
activating special resources before the patient arrives at the receiving
hospital. The district specializes in operating and delivering services at the
critical juncture of public health and public safety. The compassion and dedication of the Valle
paramedics exemplifies the district motto of “Your Life is Our Mission” 24
hours at a time.
The district’s mission extends beyond
emergency medical service. The Valle
Ambulance District has been actively involved in FEMA deployments to help out
our neighbors locally and nationally wherever help is needed.
The Valle District also provides public
information, injury prevention and education opportunities to keep our
community safe. The Valle Ambulance
District attends community events to deliver programs such as the Docu-Drama for high school prom night and the “Vial of
Life” program for seniors and those with special needs. The district’s CPR/AED First Aid training
program, Pediatric Advance Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support is
accredited as a Community Training Site by the American Heart Association
through St. Francois Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
The Valle Ambulance District also
provides medical support and coordination during major sports or special events
throughout the year. The agency has
coordinated the medical coverage of the Jefferson County Fair in addition to
other special regional events that take place at the Jefferson County Civic
Center. The district also participates
in standbys for high school events and dignitary protection details for local,
state and federal law enforcement agencies.