Alexander EMT is Recognized for 30 Years of Service

Joseph Mrachek of Alexander, ND, was recently recognized by the Board of Directors of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for achieving 30 consecutive years as a Nationally Registered EMT. Mrachek is one of few EMTs in the nation to receive this honor, having completed the most comprehensive recertification program in the nation on a biennial basis and attending a minimum of two hours per month of additional continuing educational courses, furthering his knowledge of new lifesaving skills.

Mrachek was born and raised in Alexander and has been with the Fire Department for 35 years, serving as the Assistant Fire Chief for 20 of those years. He remembers a fire call he got for a local farmstead and saw a need for area people with first aid skills. Once he was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician, he and his instructor approached the city of Alexander with the idea of starting a first responder service.

He has served Alexander and the surrounding area since he was Nationally Registered as an EMT in 1985.

Despite the fact that the service doesn't provide medical transport, they have developed a working relationship with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from Williston, Watford City, Sidney, and Fairview. The Alexander EMS serves local residents from Alexander to half-way points between Beach, Watford City, Williston, and all the way to the Montana border; they significantly cut down the amount of time a patient is on the scene by administering pre-hospital emergency medical care and having patients ready to be moved when transport ambulances arrive. The Alexander First Responders consist of four volunteers, two full time EMTs, including Mrachek, one part time EMT, and a secretary.

Mrachek was not only recognized for his 30 years of service as an EMT, but also for his part in developing local EMS, and providing outstanding care to the people of his community.