Stamford Emergency Medical Services (SEMS), the city’s 911 Paramedic Ambulance provider, is proud to announce a new program. The Community Resources Access Initiative provides Stamford’s residents and visitors with resources for a variety of health and human service needs.
The program provides information for individuals seeking resources related to domestic violence, senior services, child abuse and neglect, human trafficking, substance abuse, and mental health services. Every SEMS vehicle carries pamphlets listing vital information in multiple languages.
Additionally, understanding that this type of information is sensitive, SEMS also provides access to resources via a QR code listed on the exterior of every SEMS vehicle that can be accessed via smartphone. The QR code directs community members to a SEMS web page listing resources and links. Utilizing the QR code is anonymous and free to access.
“We are taking a proactive step to help those in our community locate helpful resources ranging from domestic violence and child abuse to family therapy and more,” said Edward Browne, Stamford EMS Chief, “and with Stamford being among the most diverse cities in our nation, we are offering that help in a variety of languages.”
The project was led by SEMS Captain Bill Ackley and SEMS Office Manager Jennifer Lopez in response to a new state mandate requiring EMS vehicles to have domestic violence and child abuse resource information available for patients.
Captain Ackley noted “SEMS vehicles are in all parts of the city every day and seen by thousands of people. Providing easy and anonymous access to these resources may be as lifesaving as an ambulance responding to a 911 call. No one knows what someone else is dealing with and scanning the inverted green triangle with the QR code will lead to getting assistance without having to speak to someone.”
Ms. Lopez agrees, stating “Giving people instant access at that critical moment will make a difference in their lives. We wanted the community to be able to seek out help in a way that is comfortable.”
Captain Ackley explained the design, which is an inverted green triangle. “The triangle was chosen for its
strength, it remains strong, even inverted as long as it has balance. Green is the color for mental health awareness and its contrast on the white background of the EMS vehicles makes it very noticeable. The red lettering asks people if they need help in three languages. English, Spanish, and Portuguese.”
Stamford EMS displays the logo on all service vehicles and EMS stations, with hopes to see the program expanded to include other organizations and vehicles. For more information about the Community Resources Access Initiative please contact Captain Ackley (ackley@stamfordems.org) or Office Manager Lopez (jennifer@stamfordems.org).
For over 30 years, Stamford EMS has kept pace with the increasing emergency medical care needs of the Stamford community. The Stamford EMS annual appeal is currently underway. This local nonprofit works closely with other emergency services in the city of Stamford, but is an independent, private organization. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.stamfordems.org or call (203) 968-1118.