Welcome to the Scarborough Rescue Web site. The Scarborough Rescue is the EMS Division of the Scarborough Fire Department. I am proud to serve as the EMS Director of this organization, which is Maine's first volunteer rescue squad.

The Scarborough Rescue can trace its roots back to 1951 when a local physician, Dr. Philip Haigis, had a vision of helping the citizens and visitors to the Town of Scarborough when they fell victim of accidents or illness. Dr. Haigis and several local men, many of whom were members of the Scarborough Lions International, were able to raise funds to convert an old bread truck into an ambulance. These dedicated men formed "Engine Company 8" within the Scarborough Fire Department.

Today, my role as leader of the Scarborough Rescue has changed in many ways from when Dr. Haigis started in 1951. I began my EMS career as a volunteer in 1986 and worked up to call company captain. In 1988, I ended my career as an industrial arts instructor in the public schools and chose EMS as my profession.

As our system began to have greater demands placed upon it, the Town knew we would have to hire a paramedic 24 hours a day. I upgraded my EMS education to this level and became one of the original four paramedics. In 1991, I was fortunate enough to be hired as the first full time leader of the Scarborough Rescue.

Today, in addition to having four full time paramedics we have part time EMT's on duty which allows our primary paramedic ambulance to respond 24 hours a day with a crew of two. This system of a full time paramedic and part time EMT has been very effective in terms of saving lives as well as being cost effective. In fact it has been such a success, that beginning January 1, 1998, we will be staffing a second paramedic ambulance 12 hours a day from 6AM to 6PM. Staffing a second paramedic ambulance will accomplish two things; decrease the response time to remote locations within the town and provide for back up coverage as our calls for service increase.

I can truly say that without a doubt, we have one of the best EMS services in our region (actually, I say it is the best!) We have the good fortune to have a staff that combines on duty full time paramedics, part time EMT's, a dedicated call company and perhaps the highlight of our organization, 14 members of our Student Rescue program.

Our three advanced life support ambulances are equipped with Life Pak 11 cardiac monitor/defibrillators (capable of transmitting 12 lead EKG's to area hospitals), advanced Cardiac Life Support medications, and a host of other equipment which provides our patients with the best in mobile emergency care second to none.

In closing, I look forward to the challenges ahead. I wish to thank our staff for their daily contributions, not only to patient care, but, to contributing ideas, hard work and dedication. Additionally, I know that some of their greatest contributions have gone into fostering our students as they develop and proceed in their academic careers. Several of our students have continued in the medical profession as physicians, nurses, therapists and paramedics.

Lastly I wish to thank the citizens who support their emergency medical services so that their community can provide the best available mobile emergency care.

Please contact me if we can be of assistance to you or your organization.

 Telephone: (207) 883-4542

 Email Tattar@fire-dept.tn.scarborough.me.us