Chapin Ambulance

Over the weekend, Chiefs Alex and Pavel Gut participated in a two-day Level 1 Venomous Snake Handling Course! 🐍

Both chiefs share a huge passion for reptiles and personally keep several species of their own, making this an exciting and educational opportunity. The course focused on the basic identification of venomous snake species, proper handling and containment techniques, and important safety practices when working around these incredible animals.

The training also covered basic first aid for snake bites along with education on the different types of antivenom available. Participants also discussed relocation guidelines for venomous snakes, emergency preparedness planning, and the safe keeping and responsible management of these animals to ensure the safety of both handlers and the public.
Day two consisted of a morning time exam and then gave participants the opportunity to safely handle several venomous species under professional supervision — an unforgettable experience and a chance to further respect and understand these beautiful animals. Training included hands-on experience with native New England species such as Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads, providing valuable insight into the venomous snakes that can be encountered right here in our region.

While encounters involving venomous snakes are certainly not a common occurrence in EMS for our area, Western Mass is home to venomous snakes, and knowledge is power. We hope to bring some of the information learned from this course into the EMS field through future education opportunities and training for providers.

Expanding knowledge outside the “normal” EMS environment helps us stay prepared for the unexpected — and keeps learning fun along the way! 🚑🐍

Today we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸

This Memorial Day, all of us at Chapin Ambulance stand in gratitude for the heroes who gave everything so we could enjoy the freedoms we have today. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

From our family to yours, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. ❤️🤍💙

Chapin Chief 1 and Medic 20 responded to this rollover crash today, working alongside our public safety partners to ensure everyone involved received rapid emergency care and scene safety. Incidents like this are a powerful reminder of how quickly things can change on the roadway.

Thankfully, our crews were ready to respond when seconds mattered most.

Please remember:
⚠️ Slow down
⚠️ Stay alert
⚠️ Move over for emergency vehicles
⚠️ Always wear your seatbelt

Great teamwork by all agencies on scene today. Stay safe out there. 🚑🚔🚒

When seconds matter, advanced life support is ready to respond. 🚑🔥

While it’s not often the Chief responds to active incidents anymore, today was one of those days. C1, operating as ALS 5, was placed on standby during a working structure fire in Chicopee to ensure immediate advanced life support coverage if needed.

Thankfully, there were no reported injuries as Chicopee Fire Department crews made a strong stop on the incident.

Proud to stand alongside our public safety partners and remain ready when our community needs us most.

Chapin Ambulance has no further details on this incident.

Happy Mother’s Day from Chapin Ambulance 💐🚑

Today we celebrate all the incredible mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and mother figures who dedicate their lives to caring for others both at home and in our communities. Your strength, compassion, and unconditional love never go unnoticed.

To all the moms working on the front lines, behind the scenes, and everywhere in between — thank you for everything you do each and every day.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and love-filled Mother’s Day from all of us at Chapin Ambulance ❤️