GOWRIE - When Terry Mentzer first joined the Southwest Webster-Gowrie Ambulance service as an emergency medical technician assistant 15 years ago, she had no idea she would have the opportunity to do some of the things she does today.

Serving as director for the 23-member all-volunteer rescue service since 2006, Mentzer works to make sure the service stays in compliance with state and federal regulations, processes insurance papers for patients who have utilized the ambulance, tracks class time and training hours for crew members, holds monthly crew meetings, is the community contact person and organizes community events and fundraisers, in addition to serving as an EMT for the service.

"When you get into EMS you can really spread your wings and get into a lot of things," she said. "I never thought I'd be directing or teaching classes, but being involved has given me the ability and skills to do that."

Mentzer is certified as an emergency medical technician instructor, and offers a class every fall to area residents interested in becoming an EMT.

"The classes are available to anyone willing to come to Gowrie for training. They don't have to be a part of our crew," she said.

Being part of a small-town ambulance service, Mentzer said she and the crew often know the people they are assisting when they get the call for help.

"It helps when you know a little bit about them," she said. "That can be a source of comfort to the people and their families. When they make that 911 call they are probably experiencing the worst moment of their life, but when they see someone they recognize who can comfort them it really makes a difference."

The Southwest Webster-Gowrie Ambulance serves the communities of Gowrie, Callender, Harcourt and the Paton area and also assists other community's rescue services as needed. The 23-member crew is made up of several drivers, EMTs, assistants and a first responder. The crew responds to an average of 100 to 125 calls per year, with 2008 being a record year at 154 calls.

Mentzer said it is the crew that makes what she does worthwhile.

"The crew is truly the backbone of this service," she said. "They are a close-knit family of amazing people. They come from all walks of life and abilities."

Crew members come from Gowrie and other area towns. Some members live in Gowrie and work out of town, taking mostly night and weekend call shifts. Others live out of town and work in Gowrie and are able to be on call during the week.

"We're very fortunate to have an ambulance service in our community," she said. "We love it when people don't have to use us, but we are always here for them if they need to."

Contact Emilie Nelson at (515)573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net