Southwest Health EMS Dine In Fundraiser

During the month of March, Southwest Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has partnered with Steve’s Pizza Palace in Platteville for a dine-in fundraiser. We spoke with the Director of EMS at Southwest Health, Brian Allen, to learn more about this event and his job.

     How do people donate?

To make a donation, simply join us at Steve’s Pizza Palace on Monday evenings in March from 4 until 8 p.m. Steve’s has agreed to donate 10% of dine-in orders to our department as part of their Community Fundraiser nights.

EMS staff are present at each of the nights to answer questions and chat with those that stop by the table. There is also a donation box at the table for those that want to make an additional donation. Every donation, whether large or small, is beneficial.

         How does your donation make an impact?

The money raised will be used to purchase safety equipment to be used at scenes where there is a potential for violence. In order for us as emergency responders to help the public, we must ensure that we are safe before we can provide care. If we are injured or worse, we are of no help to the original victims. The protective equipment would be used to better ensure the safety of our crews/staff. The cost for each ambulance to have the equipment is thousands and thousands of dollars.

How did you begin the partnership with Steve’s?

John from Steve’s Pizza Palace actually approached us about doing a fundraiser. Our staff were very receptive to the idea of the fundraiser.

What’s your favorite kind of pizza?

Hawaiian (Canadian bacon/ham and pineapple)

What do you like most about your job?

I am leading the EMS department, which is a great team of EMS providers. I enjoy the feeling that we are making a difference for the patients that we have been entrusted to care for, whether it be a 911 call or an inter-facility transport. I also enjoy personally being able to provide patient care from time to time when I fill in on the ambulance or first respond.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I can’t say that there is a most challenging part of my job. There are challenges every day, but I like that every day is different so it brings different challenges that we must overcome.

Why should people attend?

When you attend the fundraiser you get to enjoy good pizza, sandwiches, pasta or gyros (quite a selection at Steve’s). You get to support Southwest Health EMS simply by attending, ordering a meal, and eating it at Steve’s. You also get a chance to talk with our great team of EMTs, AEMTs and Paramedics who are more than willing to answer questions about our service. You also will be contributing to our goal of providing safety equipment to the medical responders answering 911 calls in and around Platteville.