The Paramedics and staff of St. Charles County Ambulance District recognized, through daily contact with the public, that many people need assistance on topics related to health and safety, which have limited availability from other social programs. The need is often urgent due to difficult situations such as loss of a family member, house fire, etc. Many social assistance and education programs have existed through St. Charles County Ambulance District and St. Charles County Paramedic Association, but have limited effect and scope due to lack of funding. In 2010 St. Charles County EMS Outreach was established to facilitate the funding required to better support these safety and education programs. The following are examples of the many different ways that St. Charles County EMS has supported the community in the past and will continue to support in the future. Current Programs: Community Outreach and Assistance Construction of wheelchair ramps Repair of damaged stairs and doors Yard reconstruction for family in need (as seen on News Channels 2, 4, & 5) Free used clothing store for families with property loss Adopt-a-family for assistance during Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons Emergency Medical Service programs File of Life – Form to allow immediate access to patients’ medical history Rapid access – Lock program to allow emergency entry to residence Precious cargo – Child car seat installation program Home for the holidays – Transport of patients from Nursing Facilities and Hospitals to spend time with families around Christmas holiday. Halloween safety o Glow-in-the-dark bracelets o Ambulance patrols in subdivisions and candy distribution Pillboxes – Provide pillboxes to individuals to promote medication safety AED programs – Provide training and AEDs to Sheriffs Department, Municipal Police Departments and St. Charles County Fire Departments With increased funding, EMS Outreach could improve its community involvement by: Providing safety and education signs Increasing public education Reinstate a bike helmet program Increase AED availability and training to include public venues Provide shelter assistance – Cooling / Warming facilities Home safety programs including bathroom handrail installation