Latest News
A new lease on life
August 8, 2023 | Tim Farrell
Meet retired Emergency Room physician Randy Heinle and his lovely wife Delores. We met them, though it wasn’t under the best of circumstances. Keep reading, there’s a happy ending.
Mr. & Mrs. Heinle have a love for antique wooden boats. They own and restore them, and they have traveled many summers from their home near Akron, Ohio to spend the week in Clayton for the Annual Antique Boat Show at the Antique Boat Museum.
About a year ago, on the evening of August 1st, Clayton Fire Department and TIERS were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident. Crews knew from the urgency in the dispatcher’s voice as she said “Head-On motor vehicle accident with entrapment and serious injuries” that this would not be a run of the mill call. As Fire and EMS crews arrived at the scene, they were met with a horrific and gruesome sight. It never slowed them down as they went right to their work. While TIERS crews began tending to the patients, Clayton Fire personnel began cutting Dr. Heinle from his vehicle.
Delores’s leg was nearly severed when EMS crews made it to her side, and she had several broken ribs. She was bleeding profusely, and soon became unconscious. A tourniquet was applied to stop the bleeding, and soon after, Delores regained consciousness. IVs we’re inserted, and she was then taken by TIERS Ambulance to the Clayton Fire Station where firefighters had set up landing zones for the air medical helicopters that would be transporting Mr. & Mrs. Heinle to Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, our closest Level 1 Trauma Center. Delores’s care was turned over the crew of LifeNet 7-10, an Air Medivac team flying out of the Watertown International Airport. During the flight to Syracuse, Mrs. Heinle was transfused with 3 units of blood, becoming one of the first patients in New York State to receive blood in a prehospital setting following the recent approval of pre-hospital transfusions by air-medical teams.
Dr. Heinle has treated thousands of trauma patients in his career, but found the roles reversed on that night. He was awake and alert, with the dash and steering wheel of his car pushed downward, pinning him in his seat with a shattered femur in his upper leg. Clayton Fire and Rescue personnel used the Jaws of Life to remove the roof from the car to gain better access. They then began the tedious process of using hydraulic tools to push the dash away from the seat enough so that Dr. Heinle could be extricated. Like his wife, he would be transported by TIERS Ambulance to meet a helicopter at the Clayton Fire Department. This aircraft would be Mercy Flight Central out of Rome, NY. Dr. Heinle’s care would be transferred to the flight crew and he was also transported to Upstate Medical University with his wife.
Randy and Delores both spent approximately three months in hospitals before both being transferred to a rehabilitation center in Akron. Eventually, they both made it home.
If you live in Clayton, then you know that it is Antique Boat Show weekend. And that means Mr. & Mrs. Heinle have made their annual trip. When they reached out and asked to meet those that, in their words, “saved our lives that night”, we knew that we had to make this a grand occasion. Today, just over a year later, Mr. & Mrs. Heinle WALKED into the event tent at Coyote Moon Vineyards, and met the 911 Dispatchers, Firefighters, Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, Flight Crews, and State Troopers that responded on that fateful night. Unfortunately, in emergency services we often never get to hear the final outcomes of our patients, especially when they live so far away. Today was a rare exception, and what an amazing day it was. We laughed and cried, enjoyed food and drinks, shared a few words and a few hugs. But most importantly we shared the presence of Randy and Delores. We were all just as grateful to see them happy and healthy, as they were to see us.
Also, a very special Thank You to Coyote Moon Vinyards for the beautiful venue and amazing food today!
New Providers at TI Rescue
June 27, 2023 | Tim Farrell
We’ve got a little bragging to do, and we couldn’t be more proud to be a sending out congratulations to these amazing EMS providers who have all passed State certification exams in the last few days!
Eli Kester, EMT
Eli is following in his fathers, footsteps and is planning to become a Flight Nurse and Flight Paramedic. He’s doing it the same way Rod did by becoming an EMT with TIERS first, and climbing his way up the ladder. Eli also just graduated from TI High School, as valedictorian.
Bree Shultz, EMT
Bree recently joined our Junior Program, and was hooked after her first shift. She enrolled in EMT class and developed a passion for helping others in their time of need. Bree plans to pursue a career in nursing.
Joe Lopresti, EMT
Joe is also following in the footsteps of family. His sister, Mary-Elizabeth, is a previous TIERS Critical Care Technician, and Joe brings with him the same love and passion of emergency services that she did. When not on the ambulance, he can still be found helping others as a member of the Town of Clayton Fire Department.
Sophia Devito, EMT-P
Sofia comes to us from Sackets Harbor, and was previously showcased on national news with a small group of teens that helped to save the ambulance service in Sackets Harbor. She is just a year out of high school, and at just 19 years old becomes the youngest Paramedic member in the history of TIERS.
Reuben Pruit, EMT-P
Former US Marine and personal trainer Reuben Pruitt stumbled into EMS after a student of his said he should come volunteer. He’s now made it a second career, and has excelled tremendously. Not only is Reuben a new Paramedic, he is also an EMS educator, and a regular speaker at EMS conferences.
Josh Reome, EMT
Josh recently completed his EMT course on Fort Drum as a new Firefighter with the Fort Drum Fire Department. Josh has always been a helping hand to TIERS when needed, but recently made it official and applied for membership. He also serves the Town of Clayton Fire Department as District Chief.
Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser
May 25 2023 | Nathan Peters
It's that time of year again. The annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at Foxy's Restaurant in Fishers Landing is on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The dinner runs from 4-8 PM Please RSVP by calling 315-686-3781. There will be a 50/50 raffle that night. Please come out and support the Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service. We hope to see you there.
Advocating for better EMS in the North Country
Mark Deavers | Senator Walczyk | Michael Bennett
April 9 2023 | ALBANY,NY
On 03/29/2023 Mark Deavers and Michael Bennett met with key legislators in Albany at an event hosted by the Legislative Committee on Rural Resources. Mark Deavers is the Director of the Gouverneur Rescue Squad (GVRS-EMS), the Director of Emergency Medical Services for the St. Lawrence Health System (SLHS) as well as the Vice President of the New York State Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Association (NYSVARA). Michael Bennett is the Executive Director of TIERS, Director for NYSVARA District 21 (North Country), and Chair of their Rural EMS and Youth Education Committees. Both had the opportunity to interact with over 50 elected officials and their staff to provide details on how their legislation can impact EMS across the state and the unique challenges that Rural Medicine faces. Thank You to all the legislators that were able to attend and advocate for EMS in the North Country and across the rest of NYS.
Please visit the NYSVARA website to learn more about us. (Link)
TIERS and GVRS are also associate members of the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN) which is another professional association that advocates for EMS in NYS. Please visit their website for more information. (Link)
Academic Allstar Award
EKester All Star.mp4March 29 2023 | WWNYTV
Congratulations to TIERS Member Eli Kester for being recognized as this week's 7 News Academic All-Star! Eli is a senior at Thousand Islands High School and has plans to follow in his father's footsteps and become an Emergency Flight Nurse. In the meantime, he is currently enrolled in the EMT course being held at TIERS. We're proud of you Eli! Read the full article on WWNYTV. (LINK)
Benefit Dinner at the Clipper Inn
March 17 2023 |
It's that time of year again. Wednesday, April 19, 2023 The Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service is holding it's Benefit Dinner at The Clipper Inn. It runs from 4pm to 11pm. All are encouraged to attend. It is a wonderful event that helps support the Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service.
Carry-Out available at 4:00PM - Please use the Lounge Entrance located on the right side of the building. Proceed to the back of the lounge and check in with our team and we will get right to work boxing up your meal. Feel free to have a beverage at the bar while you wait!
Dine-In Seating begins at 5:00PM - Reservations are appreciated by calling 315-686-3842. Don't forget to stop by the Lounge to check out our raffle offerings!
Academic Allstar Award
NWaterman Acadmic All Star.mp4March 15 2023 | WWNYTV
We couldn't be more proud of this week's 7 News Academic All-Star, our own Natalie Waterman! Natalie is a LaFargeville Central School Senior, and an EMT with TIERS that has a very bright future ahead! She also has an important message for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer EMT. Watch her interview with 7 News's Diane Rutherford (LINK)!
Meet our new emt's
January 6, 2023 | Nathan Peters
These two high schoolers have successfully passed their EMT course and you can currently see them on the ambulance. They both took the same class and they knew a little about each other prior to going to school. Once they started class Cooper decided to join TIERS. We are unsure if Natalie had something to do with it but she may have. While juggling high school classes they still managed to have the time to attend EMT class at night and they also found time to do their clinical time on the ambulance.
We have had the chance to work with these young providers. Please be on the lookout for them and be sure to congratulate them. We all are so very proud of all the providers we are able to get.
Cooper Antonson
Cooper came to TIERS as a junior member already enrolled in the EMT Class. Cooper is a senior in high school. His EMS career started when he was 16 years old and he fell in love with EMS. NYS changed the rules to allow enrollment at 17. Cooper jumped right on it and enrolled. He then wanted to get more involved in EMS so he chose to join TIERS. He has been a huge asset and he plans on attending Paramedic school in the future.
Natalie Waterman
Natalie joined TIERS when she was only 15 years old. When she started here she was very quiet and but she came out of her shell very quickly. Natalie is a senior in high school. She decided at age 17 to enroll in EMT school while she is still in high school. Natalie is looking forward to college in the fall and from what we can pry out of her she is looking into pursuing something in the medical field she is unsure of what she wants to do.
A year in review
January 1, 2023 | Nathan Peters
With the 2022 year coming to an end, Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service is proud of its members and all of their accomplishments.
In 2022 we were dispatched to 1398 incidents. That is an approximate 200 increase over the previous year. With COVID being over, we had the opportunity to have public events again in the Clayton and Orleans area. We have had several crews on over the summer helping with standby events to keep the citizens and visitors safe. We also had the return of our two yearly fundraising events at The Clipper Inn and Foxy's Restaurant.
We have three new EMT's. Maddison, Janet and Mandy are all cleared providers and now currently running 911 calls with us. We also have three new Advanced EMT's Ericka, Claire and Sophia are all cleared providers as well and you will be able to see all three of them on the ambulance running 911 calls. We also have four new Paramedics, two of which have been with us for years and the other two are new to TI Rescue. All four of these young ladies, Maddison, Julie, Paige and Jenna are currently cleared providers and running 911 calls. We also have three providers that went on to become EMS instructors, Reuben is a Clinical Instructor Coordinator, which allows him to teach a full EMS class, while Nathan and Tracie are Certified Lab Instructor, which allows them to teach all the lab (hands-on) portion of an EMS class.
Those are just some of the few accomplishments of our valued members. At TI Rescue we have received many donations that were crucial in helping us purchase a new ambulance. The new ambulance came with a new style electric stretcher. The stretcher will drastically cut down on work related injures.
With the 2022 year behind us, we all have accomplished so much. We all poor our blood, sweat, and tears into TI Rescue. Without our providers continuing to grow and all of the donations we receive, we would not be able to provide the service to this wonderful community. Thank you to everyone and have a wonderful 2023.
Out with the old & in with the new
November 11, 2022 | Nathan Peters
This week TI Rescue took delivery of our new 2022 Wheeled Coach Ambulance. It has been a long waiting game for a replacement of our old 2011 Ambulance. The 2011 Ambulance served TI Rescue well but its age started to show. With this new ambulance purchase we also purchased a Stryker stretcher and loading unit. The stretcher and loading unit will help keep our providers safe from the number one leading cause of on the job injury and that is a back injury. This stretcher will allow the providers to load patients into the ambulance safely.
ROBERT BARNES OBITUARY
September 19, 2022 | Published by Syracuse Post Standard
Robert Austin Barnes II
September 15, 2022
Robert Austin Barnes II died peacefully in his home on September 15, 2022. He was 73 years old. Born to Willard and Alice Barnes, Bob was a long time resident of Syracuse, NY. He served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Eastern Ambulance Service from 1973 until he retired in 1994. He was Co-Founder of Northeastern Rescue Vehicles. Bob was passionate about being a first responder as an EMT and Paramedic and loved working on the rigs and out in the field. Bob continued his commitment to the community as a volunteer firefighter for DeWitt Fired Department for over 25 years. He was also instrumental in the foundation of TIERS, (Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Services). He was passionate about boating on the St. Lawrence River. He loved to golf, ski, bowl, work in his shop, drive ambulances and fire trucks, a good practical joke and a good game of pinball. He is survived by his loving companion of 26 years, Helene Wallace, his 3 children Heather L. Barnes (Jonathan Read), Leslie M. Hale (Matthew), Robert A. Barnes III (Erica) and his 3 grandchildren Hadley M. Hale, George S. Hale, and Robert A. Barnes IV. He was predeceased by his sister Linda Yenawine. In lieu of flowers, please make donations American Heart Association, Syracuse Chapter (2 S Clinton Square, Ste 305 Syracuse, NY 13202. All family and friends are invited to gather for a reception on Friday, September 23, from 4:00-7:00 at North Eastern Rescue Vehicles, 10 Dwight Park Dr., Syracuse, NY 13209. Please leave Memories and Condolences on syracuse.com/obits
Meet our aDVANCEd EMT'S
July 26, 2022 | Nathan Peters
The Advanced EMT (AEMT) may be a new term to some. An AEMT is a credentialed EMT but they can do a little bit more. They have further training in airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), management of trauma patients, and many more skills within their scope of practice.
These young ladies took time to further their education and they developed much-needed skills for the residents of the Town of Clayton, Town of Orleans and the surroundings areas. With not having a hospital close by these individuals can help manage life-threatening emergencies while they await a higher level of care or by the time they reach the hospital.
Ericka Farrell
Ericka is a full time teacher at General Brown and she is a part time AEMT with TIERS. Ericka has been working in the EMS field for close to ten years. Ericka is a dedicated AEMT she is always looking to better her knowledge. Even though Ericka is busy with a full time job, part time job in EMS and her three young children she still manages to find the time to run ours juniors program.
Claire Ward
Claire (right) joined TIERS as an junior and she started to love the healthcare field. She obtained her EMT and decided to go right into AEMT School. Claire started to grow her knowledge while still juggling high school and college classes. She is going to be starting the process in the fall to become a Respiratory Therapist.
Sophia Devito
Sophia joined TIERS after she already completed her EMT as a member of Sackets Harbor Fire Company. She decided at 17yo to now enroll in the AEMT School as she still juggled high and college classes. Sophia is a dedicated EMT and she will make a wonderful AEMT. She has decided in the fall to start Paramedic School to help better her own community and the surrounding areas.
2022 Charity Poker Run
July 16, 2022 |
What a hugely successful day on the St. Lawrence! TIERS assists in creating the safety plan for the 1000 Islands Charity Poker Run, as well as provides EMTs and Paramedics to ride along in the safety boats during the run. Today, were happy to report that our personnel simply went for a boat ride, and nothing more. With over a 100 Charity Poker Run boats in the water, there was not a single incident. A great amount of time and work goes into creating the safety plan and doing our best to keep the participants safe, but we only do half the job. The rest is up to them, and their cooperation made this a safe and enjoyable event for all involved! Thank You!
MEET Our New Paramedic
July 12, 2022 | Nathan Peters
In August of 2021, during the COVID pandemic, Julie Burrows made the decisions enroll in Faxton St. Luke's Paramedic Program. She was truly unsure if she was going to be able to do it. With two young girls at home and a full time job it can be challenging, but her wife Justina, who is also a TIERS paramedic, made sure she was up for the challenge. After 11 long months, plenty of tears, and few "I'm over this. I can just be an EMT forever", she did it. She tested today and became a NYS Certified Paramedic.
I had the opportunity to help in her in her paramedic labs and she did plenty her student ride outs with myself and a few others at Tiers. Make sure you keep your eye out for Julie, she still has much to learn, but will undoubtedly mold herself into a wonderful paramedic. I know she is up to the challenge. Congratulation Paramedic Julie Burrows.
Meet our new emt's
June 15, 2022 | Nathan Peters
All three of these ladies have successfully passed their EMT course and you can currently see them on the ambulance. All of them come from completely different backgrounds but they have been able to adapt and overcome all the challenges that the EMT course put in there way.
We all have had the chance to work with each and every one of these ladies and they are extraordinary. Congratulations on your hard work.
Maddison cuppernal
Maddi started off as a Junior member with TIERS and she went on to become a EMT. She is a wonderful bundle of joy to work with. She is hard working and dedicated. In the fall she will be entering Paramedic School at Onondaga Community Collage in Syracuse.
Janet "Boo" Wells
Boo started off as a volunteer member looking to see what EMS is all about. She is the caterer for our Friends of TIERS events and she is looking to give back a little more. Boo is a dedicated hard working individual and has successfully passed her EMT class. When she is here, no one is left with an empty stomach.
Mandy Early
Mandy (left) joined TIERS after her oldest son convinced her it would be fun. Her oldest son, Jared (right) is an EMT with TIERS and thought his mother would love to be apart of our small but, growing family. She decided after riding along with Paramedic Jones and her son Jared that she would love to be an EMT.
Meet Our New PAramedic
May 17, 2022 | Nathan Peters
On May 8, 2018, this kid went on her first ambulance call as a junior member. At the time, she did not know the difference between a cardiac monitor and an oxygen tank. We have all watched her learn, grow, push herself, succeed, stumble, then dust herself off and push harder. Today, she became a Paramedic. As we watched her walk out of the test center with a smile ear to ear, we all could just tell she passed. It is so cool to watch young kids come into EMS, stick with it, and work their way to the top! We all could not be prouder of you Maddy! Congratulations!
Please be on the lookout for Paramedic Madison Calhoun as her first shift will be Friday May 20, 2022, with Paramedic Peters. She is such a bright young lady, and she still has much to learn to grow as a Paramedic, but we are all so immensely proud of her accomplishments.
Spaghetti Dinner at Foxy's
May 9, 2022 |
Please come out and support us at our Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser at Foxy's Restaurant in Fishers Landing. In is going to be a good night with some good food. 50/50 raffles all night long with a drawing on Facebook. Please stop by and get some excellent food.
Donation helps continue Watertown firefighter’s legacy of service
March 24, 2022 | WWNYTV
The Peyton S. Morse Legacy Foundation, along with the Northern New York Community Foundation, helped The Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service kick off a fundraising campaign Thursday. The goal is to raise enough money to allow TIERS to purchase a new lift stretcher
A check for $2,500 was donated by the foundation. The Morses hope that by helping to give back to first responders, they are honoring the qualities that made Peyton special to his community.
Please read the full article on WWNYTV website. (LINK)
Training above and Beyond
March 13, 2022 |
We may not be holding an in-house EMT Class this spring, but that doesn't mean that we've stopped learning! Multiple TIERS members are enrolled in some type of EMS Course!
Tracie Mason is a full time Paramedic with TIERS and has been with the organization since 2006. She has helped teach practical skills to countless EMT and Paramedic courses and is currently obtaining her Clinical Lab Instructor certification
Dan Lowe obtained his EMT certifications in 2005 and has spent most of the years since with TIERS. He is attending SUNY Canton and is working towards his Bachelors Degree in Emergency Management. Pictured with Dan is his son, Noah.
Pamela Jones (center) has been with TIERS since 2010 and is our Outreach Coordinator and is an EMT Instructor. She is currently completing her internship to advance her instructor certification to include the Paramedic Level.
Janet "Boo" Wells (right) is our newest member, and was enrolled in the EMT Class at Jeff. County Public Health by her second day. Boo runs her own catering service and catered our "Friends of TIERS" event last summer.
Tim Farrell is enrolled in LEAD 2022, a leadership development program specific to EMS. Tim is a paramedic with 16 years experience in EMS, and serves as TIERS’ Deputy Director Of Operations.
John Angus recently completed the five week EMT academy at Guilfoyle Ambulance Service. He is a new member of TIERS, and also volunteers as a firefighter with Clayton Fire Department.
Bayleigh Templeton came to us in October of last year from sunny California. She is currently back home, and is nearly completed with Paramedic School at the University of Bakersfield. She will be returning to the area following graduation and will be volunteering with TIERS. She is pictured here with her son Brady.
Ericka Farrell has been with TIERS since 2017 as a Basic EMT. She is currently enrolled in the Advanced EMT course at South Jeff. Rescue Squad. Ericka also heads our Junior Program, is a CPR instructor, and a full time teacher.
Julie Burrows is currently enrolled in the Paramedic Program being taught through St. Luke's Healthcare. She has been with TIERS for nearly six years and is employed full time at Fort Drum Ambulance.
Maddi Cupernall is a Junior Member with TIERS and has been with us for almost nine months. She is enrolled in the EMT class that is held at Indian River Ambulance Service. Maddi is a senior at T.I. High School, and plans to pursue a career as a paramedic.
Reuben Pruitt is an Advanced EMT and serves as our Strength Conditioning Coach. He is a Retired US Marine, and is obtaining his EMT Instructor Certification.
Maddy Calhoun (Left) began with TIERS as a Junior member in 2018 and is currently an EMT. She is nearly complete with Paramedic school through SUNY Upstate and will soon be a TIERS Crew Chief.
Claire Ward (right) is a senior at T. I. High School and will soon be completing the Advanced EMT Course at South Jeff. She also began as a junior member with TIERS and is pursuing a career as a Respiratory Therapist.
Mandy Earley became a volunteer with TIERS late last year following a suggestion from her son who is employed with us. She is enrolled in the EMT course held at Indian River Ambulance, and will graduate in June.
Clipper Inn Fundraiser Dinner 2022
To register please use this (Link)
Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Time: 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Location: Clipper Inn 126 State St, Clayton, NY 13624
March 10, 2022 |
DINNER CHOICES
LASAGNA
The Clipper's World Famous Lasagna with sauce
SEAFOOD
Pesto Shrimp Alfredo over Pasta
CHICKEN
1/2 Baked Chicken with Chef's Accompaniment
All dinner choices include a Fresh Garden Salad and Italian Bread with Butter
Carry-Out available at 4:00PM - Please use the Lounge Entrance located on the right side of the building. Proceed to the back of the lounge and check in with our team and we will get right to work boxing up your meal. Feel free to have a beverage at the bar while you wait!
Dine-In Seating begins at 5:00PM - Reservations are appreciated by calling 315-686-3842.
ABC50 Hometown Hero
February 10, 2022 | Tim Farrell
Our own Pamela Jones is this months ABC50 Hometown Hero! Thank you Pamela for everything you do, not only for TIERS, but as an Emergency Medical Services Educator and a member of our great community! Congratulations Pam! Well Deserved!