The Killingworth Ambulance Association answered a record 550 calls in 2022, eclipsing the previous high of 496 set the year before and an increase of 180 over 2020.

That’s a 50 percent hike in two years, which might be alarming were it not for the outbreak of COVID in 2020. But there’s more to this picture than the pandemic, said KAA president Dan O’Sullivan.

“I think the increase in cases in Killingworth is attributable to two things,” he said. “Some of the towns around us are not as successful right now in getting crews for runs. That means we’re doing more mutual-aid calls to neighboring towns. That balances out over time and is one of the strengths of the mutual-aid system.

“The other factor is a great many healthcare professionals have left the field since the start of the pandemic. It seems much harder now to make doctor’s appointments — especially timely ones. Unfortunately, it seems the emergency room is picking up part of the slack. It’s a real tribute to all our volunteers that we continue to have great coverage on calls.”

As in years past, victims of falls led the list of KAA responses. They were responsible for 119 emergency responses last year, or 21.6 percent of the total, and that’s typical. Falls annually lead all KAA emergency responses, with 117 – or 23.6 percent of the total – in 2021.

What isn’t typical is what happened next. Sick patients followed, and that’s no different from the past. It’s the third consecutive year that category was second. What is unusual, however, is the volume of calls. Sick patients were recipients of 104 responses last year – or 18.9 percent of the total. That represents an 83.8 percent jump from 2021 (62) and near-200 percent leap over 2020 (36).

Want more? Here, then, are the Top Five for ambulance calls in 2022, with percentages of the overall total in parentheses:

1. FALL VICTIMS …. 119 (21.6)
2. SICK PERSONS … 104 (18.9)
3. TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS … 51 (9.3)
4. BREATHING PROBLEMS… 41 (7.5)
5. PSYCHIATRIC/ALTERED MENTAL STATUS … 40 (7.3)

What’s intriguing about these numbers are the number of responses for traffic accidents. The 51 calls are twice the number of 2021 (25) and by far the most in recent years — topping 35 responses in 2019 when they ranked third and represented 9.9 percent of the total.

For a comparison, we offer the Top Five sources of ambulance calls in 2021:

1. FALL VICTIMS … 117 (23.6)
2. SICK PERSONS … 62 (12.3)
3. BREATHING PROBLEMS … 36 (7.3)
4. CHEST PAINS … 26 (5.2).
5. PSYCHIATRIC/ ALTERED MENTAL STATUS … 25 (5.5)

Two items of note: Where chest pains ranked fourth in 2021 with 26, they dropped so significantly that they didn’t make the Top Five one year later. There were 12 responses for chest pains in 2022. By contrast, unconscious patients — or those who fainted — jumped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, there were only five … then 12 in 2021 … and 16 one year later.

All figures are kept by the KAA, with calls recorded electronically on patient-care reports by EMTs on the scene.

There is still time to apply for the 2023 Killingworth Ambulance Association scholarships, but please be advised: The clock is ticking: Completed applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 14.

Or within one week.

Each year the KAA offers scholarships to graduating seniors enrolled in private or public high schools, with one proviso: They’re available only to Killingworth residents who plan on continuing their education at two-or-four-year institutions.

In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria: 1) Major in the medical, emergency services (fire, police, etc.) or other allied fields; 2) engage in community service and 3) maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their high-school careers.

The KAA awarded 16 scholarships over the past five years, including nine in the last three.

Applications are available at Haddam-Killingworth, Mercy and Xavier High Schools, as well as on the KAA’s website. But remember: They must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 14.

For more information, please contact the KAA at (860)663-2450 or log on to killingworthambulance.org.

Pictured above: (L-R) KAA President Dan O’Sullivan, Chief of Service Mike Haaga, Don McDougall, Vice President Marguerite Haaga and board member Pat Miller.

When a member of the Killingworth Ambulance Association’s board of directors voluntarily steps down, it’s usually no big deal. But it was this week.

That’s because Don McDougall was that member.

McDougall on Wednesday retired not only from the board; he left the KAA after nearly 52 years of service – raising the bar for longevity to such an extraordinary height that it may never be eclipsed. One week short of his 89^th birthday, he said physical limitations provoked him to make a difficult decision.

“This was a tough,” he said at his last monthly board meeting. “When you do something for a long while, it becomes part of you. But I couldn’t climb the stairs when we were having meetings (at the KAA’s headquarters). So it was more because of physical problems than anything else.”

One of the KAA’s founding members in 1971, McDougall first began when the Association’s ambulance was a used 1964 Cadillac, emergency calls were relayed by telephone and EMTs were first-aid trained. Only two years ago, he was honored at the KAA’s 50^th anniversary dinner in October for – what else? — his 50 years of service.

“Fifty years?” said an incredulous Charlie Smith, first president of the KAA. “That’s got to be some kind of record for continuous and faithful service.”

It is. Only now it’s 51 years, eight months and five days. McDougall first began on July 17, 1971.

A mechanic who in 1971 worked nights at Pratt and Whitney, he joined the KAA after answering a knock one afternoon on his front door. Standing in front of him was Marge Gaylord, a board member of the newly formed ambulance association.

“She asked if I could help out with the ambulance,” McDougall said. “They were looking for somebody during the day, and I said, ‘OK.’ There was a need at the time, and I felt I could help with that need. I never really thought about how long I’d be doing it. I just did it.”

Which pretty much sums up McDougall’s adult life. He spent part of the next 52 years as an EMT and most of them (by his count, an estimated 47 years) involved with the KAA’s board of directors. But that was then, and this is now … and now Don McDougall is retired from both positions.

“Don has a legacy of service to Killingworth that is amazing,” said Dan O’Sullivan, president of the board. “He has served the town in many capacities, but just his service via the ambulance association is enough of a legacy. From being a founding member, serving as an EMT for many years and sitting 47 years on the board of the association, he has left a permanent impact on the town.”

“Don has a true volunteer spirit. He is not just on the board; he is willing to perform whatever task is needed to move forward. He will be sorely missed at some point, but in the near term we know he will stay involved and help as long as he can.”

For the past 30 years, McDougall taught the KAA’s CPR course. In fact, he stood in front of four classes last year, all with the help of former EMT Pat Miller, one of three new directors named to the board Wednesday. Miller had served on the board seven years ago before stepping down.

“He was a mentor for me in teaching CPR,” Miller said, “and we worked together as a team for a number of years. We complement each other well. I’m going to miss him (on the board), but I hope he’s not planning on leaving me.”

He’s not. He and Miller are scheduled to head a CPR class in Killingworth next weekend.

“I’ll probably help with the paper work,” McDougall said, “and get everything set up if she needs help with the CPR.”

McDougall also will continue to head the KAA scholarship committee. Other than that, however, a life largely spent in and around the Killingworth Ambulance Association is about to change.

“What will I miss the most?” he asked. “The companionship, I guess. The people there do a lot, and I enjoyed it.”

As happened two years ago when he was feted at the KAA’s 50^th anniversary celebration, McDougall was presented with a cake – this time a yellow half-sheet cake – that he shared with board members. It included depictions of an ambulance, the KAA logo and an inscription that read:

“We could never thank you enough for the countless ways you have served your community with the KAA for over five decades. Your commitment and dedication to this organization will remain legendary. You have been an inspiration to so many who have come after you. While we are sad to see you step down, we certainly hope you are not leaving us. You will be missed, and you know you will always be a part of our ‘family.’ Please accept the heartfelt gratitude and best wishes from your many friends.”

We keep hearing how important CPR training and education is. Now the message has been reinforced by an unexpected source.

The National Football League.

It’s collaborating this week with the American Heart Association and American Red Cross to promote CPR awareness by offering free CPR classes in the days leading up to Super Bowl LVII: https://www.azfamily.com/2023/02/03/nfl-will-offer-free-cpr-training-phoenix-during-super-bowl-week/

The move comes in the wake of a harrowing experience by Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin in a Monday Night, Jan. 2, telecast involving the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. With just over six minutes left in the period, Hamlin made what appeared to be a routine tackle of Bengals’ wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Except it wasn’t.

Immediately after regaining his feet, Hamlin fell backward, landed on the turf and did not move. He’d suffered cardiac arrest and was immediately surrounded by EMTs and the Bills’ training staff, all of whom knew how to administer CPR.

And did.

By now, Hamlin’s story is well known. He could’ve perished were it not for immediate sideline assistance … but he didn’t. He not only recovered; he launched a campaign in partnership with the American Heart Association, to increase CPR awareness and education. With a three-step video entitled “3 For Heart CPR Challenge,” Hamlin challenged LeBron James, Tom Brady and Michelle Obama to spread the word.

Hamlin’s message … as well as that of the NFL … has been echoed for years by the Killingworth Ambulance Association, which annually conducts CPR training to local and area residents. In fact, its last course was completed on Dec. 17, 2022, the third CPR class in seven months taught by KAA board member and former EMT Don McDougall.

“People ask: Why should I take it?’ “ McDougall said of the CPR course. “The great percentage of heart attacks happen at home, and you could be the only person there. If you call an ambulance, it could be 10-15 minutes before somebody gets there. In the meantime, you could be saving a loved one or family member.”

Damar Hamlin was lucky, and he knows it. That’s why he and the NFL are promoting CPR awareness and education. They understand it could save a life.

And just did.

Attention, high-school seniors: The Killingworth Ambulance Association is accepting applications for its 2023 collegiate scholarships … with one stipulation.

All applicants must reside in Killingworth.

Each year the KAA offers scholarships to graduating seniors enrolled in private or public high schools. But they’re only available to residents of Killingworth who plan on continuing their education at two-or-four-year institutions.

In addition, applicants must meet the following criteria: 1) Major in the medical, emergency services (fire, police, etc.) or other allied fields; 2) engage in community service and 3) maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their high-school careers.

The KAA awarded 16 scholarships the past five years, including nine in the last three.

Applications are available at Haddam-Killingworth, Mercy and Xavier High Schools, as well as on the KAA website, and must be postmarked no later than Friday, April 14. Recipients will be named in June when they’re awarded scholarship certificates, with checks issued upon completion of their first semesters of secondary school.

For more information, please contact the KAA at (860) 663-2450 or log on to killingworthambulance.org.

For the third time in seven months and the last of 2022, the Killingworth Ambulance Association is offering a CPR/AED class to the public. It will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at the KAA’s Route 81 headquarters at 9 a.m.

The class, which typically lasts approximately three hours, is the second in two months and the third since a May 6 course that attracted eight students, all of whom passed. It is open to all those over the age of 15 and is free for Killingworth residents.

Non-residents will be charged a $20 fee.

The course will be taught by KAA board member and former EMT Don McDougall, who this summer marked his 51^st year with the Ambulance Association. McDougall normally teaches three to four CPR classes a year, but that schedule was interrupted by the COVID outbreak in 2020.

This was the first year the course was resumed.

“When someone has a heart attack,” said KAA president Dan O’Sullivan, “it is imperative to keep oxygen through their system … and as soon as possible. This is what CPR does. If there is someone on the scene to start CPR immediately, the chances of the patient to not only survive … but to retain… all mental functions are much better. Applying CPR until the first responders can get there and take over is truly a life-saving act. You may very well save a life.”

Because space is limited, interested persons are urged to pre-register by contacting McDougall at donmcdougall2@comcast.net.

For more information, please contact the KAA at (860) 663-2450.

For the second time in seven months, the Killingworth Ambulance Association will offer a CPR/AED class on Saturday, Nov. 12, at its Route 81 headquarters. The session begins at 9 a.m. and is expected to last approximately three hours.

The class follows a May 6 CPR course, which was the first time in two years – or since the outbreak of COVID – that the KAA offered it. Eight persons attended, and all passed.

As it was then, the class will be taught by KAA board member Don McDougall, who this summer marked his 51^st year with the Ambulance Association. McDougall normally teaches three to four CPR classes a year, but that schedule was interrupted in 2020 by COVID.

Now the class is back and open to all persons over the ages of 15.

The course is free to all Killingworth residents. Non residents will be required to pay a $20 fee.

“People ask: Why should I take it?’ “ McDougall said of CPR. “The great percentage of heart attacks happen at home, and you could be the only person there. If you call an ambulance, it could be 10-15 minutes before somebody gets there. In the meantime, you could be saving a loved one or family member.”

Because space is limited, interested persons are urged to pre-register by contacting McDougall at donmcdougall2@comcast.net.

For more information, please contact the KAA at (860) 663-2450.

(Pictured above, L-R): Lisa Barbour, James Fretz, Mary Robbenhaar-Fretz and Dan O’Sullivan)

When the Killingworth Ambulance Association (KAA) held its annual dinner Sunday night, it followed a familiar script in recognizing its top three responders of 2021-22. Except this time there was nothing ordinary about what it celebrated … and not so much because of the people involved.

Because of the calls they answered.

Dan O’Sullivan, president of the KAA, responded to 283 of them from October, 2021 through September, 2022 … and if that seems like a lot, it’s because it is. Not only was it more than half of the 538 responses answered by the KAA during that period; it was nearly twice that of runners-up James Fretz and wife Mary Robbenhaar-Fretz.

They had 143 each, while Lisa Barbour checked in with 114.

O’Sullivan and Fretz were two of the top three responders in 2020-21, too, when 154 responses took first place. This time, however, O’Sullivan did more than lap the field. He set a KAA response record, breaking — no, obliterating — the previous gold standard of 207 set by Lisa Anderson in 2019-20.

“I don’t know how to describe it,” said Mike Haaga, the KAA’s Chief of Service. “What’s better than astounding?”

Answer: 283. Now the question: How did O’Sullivan do it?

“I just like helping,” he said, “and this is the most direct way because it involves people who are in immediate need. So it’s satisfying from that perspective.  I know it’s not for everybody, but it’s something I have the skills and inclination to do. So I make it a high priority.”

O’Sullivan typically is on call Wednesday days and Thursday nights. But, like other EMTs with the KAA, he often jumps in to cover absences when needed. That happened after Fretz underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year and missed over five months.

“For a while,” O’Sullivan said, “it looked like I might break 300 (calls). But in August and September things slowed down a little.”

(Mike and Marguerite Haaga)

O’Sullivan didn’t. One summer evening he responded when no ambulance was available for what turned out to be an automobile fatality on Route 81. O’Sullivan wasn’t on that evening’s schedule, but when he heard an urgent call for available EMTs and a request for Life Star, he voluntarily drove to the scene.

“Our ambulance had gone out (on another call),” he said, :”so I decided to go (to the accident). Sometimes I’ve done that, and I’m more in the way.  But this time I was glad I’d gone.”

O’Sullivan was able to assist with the victim who survived.

According to KAA information, responses in 2021-22 increased 19.3 percent from the 459 a year before …and that figure was up significantly from the 379 in 2019-20. When the KAA was first formed in 1971, there were fewer than 50.

Also recognized Sunday evening were Mike and Marguerite Haaga for their 25 years of service as Killingworth Ambulance EMTs. Mike is the KAA’s Chief of Service, and Marguerite is its Vice President. With 25-year pins, the Haagas are part of a select group. They’re two of only three active Killingworth Ambulance EMTs with 25 years’ experience. Board member Mark Clifton is the third.

“This is one of those things where it’s like: Where did the time go?” said Haaga. “It just goes so fast.”

Sandy Castlevetro was also honored with the Haagas Sunday. The managing member at Shared Response Health Systems, Castlevetro has been associated with the KAA for the past 25 years.

 (The following letter was submitted to the Killingworth Ambulance Association by Killingworth resident Elizabeth Proctor. With her permission, we are reprinting it … along with photos she provided … to demonstrate the value of first responders and how they can be of vital importance to their communities).

To whom it may concern,

My name is Elizabeth Proctor, and I delivered my daughter, Arabella Proctor, at home on April 25, 2022. She was born at 3:22a.m, and everything was wonderful and went as planned with my midwives.

But that changed 10 hours later when she started having aepnic episodes.

I called 911, and two Killingworth EMTs arrived shortly afterward to help. They were so wonderful and knowledgeable that I knew my daughter was in capable hands. However, when they transported her by ambulance to Yale New Haven Hospital, she had another episode … and my world began to fall apart.

Arabella started having full-body seizures and stopped breathing again. She had to be hooked up to a ventilator –which she was on for five days – as well as the necessary medical support to keep her alive. When she received an MRI, we learned that she suffered multiple strokes and was having continuous seizures that required three different medications to stop.

It took three days for that to happen. She spent 28 days in the NICU before she was allowed to go home.

She has lost her vision due to the strokes, and we don’t know if her vision will come back. She has motor delay, too, and we won’t know until she’s 2 if that has something to do with cerebral palsy. She sees the chiropractor three times a week to do craniosacral therapy … she does physical therapy once a week … and she sees Birth to Three two times a month. She also sees multiple specialists every few months.

So she has a long road ahead with doctors and specialists, and we are taking it day by day.

A wonderful Killingworth woman named Jessica DeAngelo was so kind to start a GofundMePage for my daughter’s medical journey. If anyone is interested, this is the page link. The updates of her journey are on there as well: https://www.gofundme.com/f/liz-proctors-family?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet.

My daughter is a happy, snuggly baby and we are so thankful that she has pulled through. We are also grateful for the Killingworth Ambulance service and Yale’s NICU Hospital for their care. She wouldn’t be here without them.

For the second time in six weeks, the Killingworth Ambulance Association will conduct a “Stop the Bleed” class.  The course is scheduled for Saturday, Sept.24, at the KAA’s Route 81 headquarters.

It will begin at noon, is free and is open to persons 12 years and older. However, all those attending are required to wear masks and urged to complete RSVP forms that can be found here: (RSVP – Killingworth Ambulance Association).

“Stop the Bleed” is a nationwide awareness campaign (STOP THE BLEED – Save a Life | Stop The Bleed) launched in 2015 by the White House and Department of Homeland Security. It is designed to empower bystanders with the training necessary to deal with traumatic events and emergency bleeding situations before help arrives.

The KAA conducted several “STB” classes annually until the COVID pandemic emerged in 2020. Now it’s back, with its first class of this calendar year held Aug. 13 with 14 students.

The value of the course was underscored in October, 2019, when a state trooper responding to an accident at Middletown’s Vinal Technical High School implemented a “Stop the Bleed” kit to treat what was termed “a catastrophic injury” that involved profuse bleeding.

Officials later said quick thinking by the state trooper may have saved the victim’s life.

The KAA first offered “Stop the Bleed” classes in July, 2017, making Killingworth the first Connecticut town to have its citizens certified.  Since then, it has conducted 36 classes and had “Stop the Bleed” stations” installed at the Killingworth Public Library and Town Hall.

For more information, contact the Killingworth Ambulance Association at (860) 663-2450.