COLOMBIANA PRE HOSPITAL

CARE ASSOCIATION

(C.P.H.C.A.)

The C.P.H.C.A. was Incorporated as a nonprofit organization on November 7, 1991.

The C.P.H.C.A. was formed by the volunteers of the Columbiana Emergency Medical Service.
Its purpose was to allow the volunteers to have control of their own treasury. The Group is
strictly self-supporting with fundraisers held annually. The need for such a group became evident
when the CEMS members wished to contribute more to the community such as safety awareness events and public education. Not being able to spend city funds and donations that were
intended for the operation of the ambulance's the C.P.H.C.A. was born.

One of the first undertakings of the C.P.H.C.A. was to purchase supplies and create First Aid
kits for many of the city's athletic teams. A First Aid and CPR class was also held for coaches,
umpires and interested parents. The next year the group was even able to sponsor it's own
Baseball Team.

We have held many Safety days since our inception where we brought together all three of the
city's public safety forces (Police, Fire, EMS).  The idea was to help the public become better acquainted with these services. Demonstrations are held throughout the day of the different
groups in action. Numerous information stations are provided such as First Aid tips and CPR
talks, Blood Pressures screening, Bike Safety, Fire safety, Child fingerprinting, and many
others. Two of the big attractions are the Fire smoke house which is a trailer laid out as a
home complete with a 911 telephone that children can practice with. The trailer is then slowly
filled with a harmless fog and the doors are heated  teaching children to feel for the the best
escape route. The children then practice escaping from the "home". Our other big attraction is
when a life flight helicopter lands allowing everyone a view of the interior and a chance to sit in
the pilots seat.

During the 2001 Christmas season the C.P.H.C.A. began a program of visiting our more
frequent patients, who due to health reason are not able to get out often. We were able to
provide cookie trays and seasons greetings to many our cities residents.

Today the C.P.H.C.A. is 32 members strong and continues to support community events and education. Membership in the C.P.H.C.A. is not limited solely to members of the Columbiana Emergency Medical Service, but includes former CEMS members, Ems and Police Explorers,
and parties interested in supporting our mission.

Current Officers of the C.P.H.C.A.

Frank Nulf, President
Heather Bond, Vice President
Kevin Kloss, Secretary/Treasurer