BOURBON - It's a family affair for Ken and Lee Ann Cretcher when it comes to service as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for Bourbon's all volunteer ambulance service.

The Cretchers are officers in the service; Ken is president and Lee Ann vice president, serving the past two years. It's been a busy term: it was during this time Bourbon purchased an old service station and converted it to house the service's two ambulances and a meeting and training room for the EMTs. State-mandated shower and laundry facilities were added as well as a small kitchen area that could be used in case of widespread power outages or other disasters. Much of the work was done by volunteers, including the Cretchers.

Ken, employed by R.R. Donnelley in Warsaw, was encouraged to become involved by a friend. He served as an ambulance driver for a year until he was able to begin classes to become a certified EMT. That was 11 years ago. Lee Ann jumped in three years ago on a mutual dare with a friend: "If you take it, I'll take it."

"The class is tough but it is all worthwhile when you get in the ambulance; it gives you confidence. It's nice being able to help someone when they are in trouble," says Lee Ann.

Ken says his job, which rotates shifts, makes it difficult at times to meet his scheduled service. The ambulance shifts are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and he sometimes doesn't get home until 7:30 or 8 in the morning. But Lee Ann is able to cover those few hours for him since she has become certified. "Second shift at my job is tough because I must miss the evening meetings and training sessions," says Ken.

They both agree that teamwork among the EMTs is the answer to keeping the service rolling. "We each have our own way of dealing with the different situations - you step out (of the ambulance) and this calm comes over you and you do what you have to do," Lee Ann said.

According to Ken, "Almost everybody runs into something that gets to them; it's always teamwork in the end. Some do better with older folks and some do better with kids. I don't know an EMT who doesn't like the sound of a baby crying." Lee Ann agreed: "When you know they are at least crying, you know you've got something here."

One interesting trip for Lee Ann was when, after being on call for a week, she decided to drive to a neighboring town and treat herself to a Big Mac. She came upon a car-horse collision and was able to help stabilize a seriously injured motorist until a neighboring ambulance came. She said she couldn't do anything for the horse.

Ken remembered an auto accident fatality he helped with just before attending the funeral of a family member, only to see a relative of the deceased driver at the funeral. "It was strange to realize that in a couple of days that person would be going to another funeral and I wasn't able to say anything."

Ken says when people ask him why he serves, he is hard put to give a good reason. "I have trouble trying to recruit someone and give good reasons why. You've got a radio on you where you have to stay in town 12 hours at a time, which includes weekends at times. You're usually on call when you are trying to sleep, and if it goes off, that means you have to get up, get dressed and go out. You're going to miss out on holidays and family time and, if you have kids, you are going to miss out on some of their things. It actually sounds a little masochistic doesn't it? It's a good feeling to help someone."

Lee Ann laughed and agreed with her husband. "You feel like you are really giving to your community. Ken's mom says, 'I don't know why you do what you do, but I'm glad you do it. I'm glad there are people who do this but I don't understand why.' "

Three Bourbon residents are now winding up the 150 hours needed to become a certified EMT. They took the state skills test on June 7 and a written test a few days after that. There is a need for a few more volunteer drivers to serve during the daytime hours. "We now only have two and they are women, which says something for women. It would be nice to have some younger and maybe male drivers during the day, we could use the strength, although the fire department members are really good about helping us out," says Lee Ann.

Lee Ann says a fellow EMT said he wants to see her stay with the service for 40 years. "He says, 'You'll only be 75 - you can make it.' "

Ken is quick to add that he can't see himself going for 40 more years. "It almost sounds selfish, but I've always said I'm not in this for anyone but myself. When doing this no longer makes me feel good, I'm going to step down." [[In-content Ad]]