Abbigal Capps really liked the "jumpaline."

Capps was one of the many children at the Barnwell County Hospital and the Williston Rescue Squad's "Family Health Care Day," June 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hospital.

Capps, 4, spent the morning bouncing around the inflatable jump house; snacking on tasty food; getting her face painted; and karaoke singing Taylor Swift's song, "Picture To Burn."

It was fun and education coupled with fostering community outreach that led the hospital and the rescue squad to teamup for the event.

"We're trying to bring the hospital and EMS workers together as well as the citizens," said Gene Williams, the director of the Williston Rescue Squad (WRS).

Barnwell County Hospital CEO Mary Wisner said the event helped introduce Barnwell County residents to the hospital staff and WRS members.
"Our staff is the best resource we have," said Wisner.

Hospital staff members took blood pressure and did glucose "blood sugar" testing on visitors.

WRS had three ambulances on hand and two transport vans and extraction equipment on hand.

BCH and WRS are working on a joint venture to better manage chest pain in patients by using new technology, said Wisner.

New heart monitor machines will be placed in WRS ambulances, she said.

The machines will perform EKG readings from a residence or accident site and relay the findings to the hospital, said Williams.

"They'll work anywhere we pick a patient up," said Williams.

"And then treatment can be started immediately," said Wisner.

The Lifenet helicopter touched down and gave demonstrations in its functions as an air ambulance.

The helicopter transports critical care patients out of the county.

"I think the children were really impressed with the helicopter," said Williams.

Katie Eichman, 3, was certainly impressed with the air ambulance.

"I got to sit in it," she said with a large beaming smile.

Brenda O'Berry of the Barnwell County Sheriff's Office was on hand to fingewrprint children for identification purposes.

She said she was glad to assist and educate the public on the importance of fingerprinting.

Barnwell County Fire Coordinator Timbo Williams was on hand with two Barnwell Rural fire trucks and some firefighters.

They let children look at the outside and inside of the trucks; handed out crayons and coloring books; and taught children 911 calling techniques.

Williams said the county could use some volunteer firefighters and if those interested should contact a local fire department or call him.

Earlier in the day, an injured child in a wheelchair was rolled out of the hospital and Williams gave the boy a fire helmet.

"It put a smile on his face and that's what this event is all about," he said.