Newsletter — Issue 2

Remembering Lou Oggiani

September 2025

Remembering Lou Oggiani

Lou Oggiani

Lou Oggiani served on the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad board for many years.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Oggiani, a longtime friend and supporter of Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad. Lou served on our board for many years and was a steadfast advocate for quality emergency medical care in South County. His wisdom, his humor, and his commitment to this community will be missed.

Upcoming EMT Training Class

SBA Director of Training AJ Anderson

SBA Director of Training AJ Anderson works with paramedics and EMTs when not on a call.

Interested in a career in emergency medical services? Our EMT initial certification course offers hands-on training from experienced professionals right here in Great Barrington. Visit our EMT Training page for details.

This Guy Made Millions, Then Took a Job as a Paramedic

From Wall Street to paramedic

A recent article showcases a New York finance professional who became a paramedic and found it the most rewarding career of his life.

A recent New York Times article profiled a finance professional who left a lucrative career to become a paramedic. His story resonates with many members of our team who chose EMS for the purpose it provides. We recommend it.

Working with Local Camps: Southern Berkshire Gives Back

Presenting an AED to Camp Hi-Rock

Board member John Halbreich and COO Kevin Wall present an AED to Camp Hi-Rock.

We were proud to present Camp Hi-Rock in Mount Washington with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) this summer. Camp Hi-Rock staff received training on how to use the device. AEDs save lives when used within minutes of sudden cardiac arrest.

This Month’s Health Tip: Watch Those Tick Bites

The Lone Star tick

The Lone Star tick has arrived in Massachusetts and is the vector for several diseases.

Tick season is extending earlier and later every year. Remove attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, call your doctor, and do a full-body check after time outdoors. In Berkshire County, most physicians will prescribe a preventive course of doxycycline if a tick has been attached for 36 hours or more — don’t wait for symptoms.

“The Old Gray Rig Ain’t What She Used to Be”

Vintage ambulance

Our old ambulances aren't nearly this old, but we thought these classics were worth sharing.

1968 Pontiac Superior

1968 Pontiac Superior. Time for a new one.

1957 Fiat 1100

1957 Fiat 1100. Time for a new one.

1957 Chevy

1957 Chevy. Time for a new one.

1937 Mercedes

1937 Mercedes. Time for a new one.

Our ambulances have seen better days. We’ve launched a capital campaign to replace our two primary units with new Braun Type 1 4x4 ambulances. Please consider a donation to the ambulance fund →