Latest news with #AcadianAmbulance
American Press
a day ago
- Entertainment
- American Press
Westlake camp empowers those with special needs
The Westlake Recreation Center recently hosted a 'life-changing' three-week special needs camp led by center staff, sheriff's deputies, police officers, firefighters, church leaders and volunteers. Campers were able to experience sitting in antique cars and an ambulance, catching live crabs, playing doctor and attending a Mardi Gras-themed dance and dinner. 'It's life-changing,' said Leslie Deville, facility manager at the Westlake Recreational Center, who has worked with campers since the camp was launched five years ago. Deville said the camp's goal is to introduce key elements that campers can take home with them that can lead to a fuller life. Each day the center would transform for the campers, and each week had a different theme. The center also created two rooms for the campers if they needed a break from the crowd. One was a 'zen' room for those who might get over-stimulated; the second room, called the 'rage' room, was for the campers to get their frustration out if need be. This room had balls to throw, bubble wrap to pop and a punching bag. During the camp, each camper was assigned a buddy to stay with them throughout the week and so they could share experiences together. 'Every day is something different. When we do the camp, we do it in the perspective of trying to stimulate all those senses and really make it a unique experience,' Deville said. The first week's theme was nature and animals found in Southwest Louisiana. Steve German from Steve German's Taxidermy Art in Westlake brought some of his work for the campers to see. The campers got to feel and learn about different animals and taxidermy. The campers also got to experience a petting zoo with Almosta Ranch bringing animals for the campers to pet and enjoy. 'We try to bring those experiences here because of the challenges they face with traveling or going out in public and this is a great space for them,' she said. The second week's theme was medical. The recreational employees and volunteers created an imitation doctor's office and waiting room for the campers to experience the minute they walked through the door. Each camper got to play 'going to the doctor' with their buddy and took turns playing the doctor and the patient. 'Going to the doctor can be really scary, so we set up in the lobby and they got to pretend like they were the doctor and their buddy was the patient. They loved it,' she said. 'They were very intrigued and what I found is that we're the ones that limit them, they can do everything; it might be adaptive or look a little different but they can do everything.' The campers got to dress up like doctors and wear a coat for the day, check their buddy's blood pressure and give pretend shots, which they loved according to Deville. The thought process behind the day was to get the campers comfortable in a medical setting. Acadian Ambulance came, as well, and let the campers tour an ambulance. 'God forbid they ever have to ride in an ambulance or ride with a family member, but maybe now it would be a little less scary for them,' Deville said. Carway's Pharmacy, Westlake Physical Therapy and Memorial Rehab Hospital all donated props for the campers to enjoy during medical week. The third week's theme was Louisiana and what it means to live in Louisiana and be a native of the state. The campers learned about products made in Louisiana, tasted Louisiana cuisine and even got to catch live crabs on their own. The crabs were donated by Steamboat Bill's. The camp ended with a Mardi Gras-themed day filled with dancing with DJ Earl J. LaPointe. 'We try to give them the experience that every person that lives in Louisiana should have — like to catch a fish or go crabbing,' she said. The concept of the special needs camp came from a mother years ago when she asked the center if they did anything for people with special needs. 'When she asked, she and I were just talking about it and we realized how there are a lot of resources available for children with special needs, but there is a gap for adults with special needs,' Deville said. 'There's not a lot of opportunity once they age out of high school and that was something we were passionate about — making sure we include everyone and that's how it got started and it's grown every year. One small thing that we do can have a ripple effect.' Brylee Trahan, 12, has been volunteering at camp for two years now and is a buddy during camp. Her favorite part about helping is how happy the campers are all the time and seeing the joy in everything they do. Her favorite theme this year was medical week, when she got to dress up like a nurse. 'Seeing that we're not all the same but you still have to accept that because there are people that are different in this world and they also have talents, too,' Trahan said. Sharon Ellender and Dillon Ledoux, from Visit Lake Charles Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point in Sulphur, returned for their second year and participated in camp on the last day. Ellender said she enjoyed seeing their smiles while educating them at the same time. The two brought alligator stickers, alligator tattoos, a real alligator head and an alligator puppet for the campers to see. 'I was overjoyed that everyone here was so attentive. It takes a special person to work with someone with special needs and it's great to watch that happening,' Ellender said. Edward English, brother of two campers, dropped off and picked up his two sisters each day of camp. He said they loved the camp and each drive home would tell him about their day. 'This was their first year at camp and they will be back next year,' he said. 'It's nice for them to have a place to go and be safe and have fun on their own.' Deville said it just takes one small thing to make a big difference. 'It matters,' Deville said. 'Our goal is to bring awareness and to inspire others and that if we can do this so can you.' For more information on the camp or to volunteer, call the center 337-436-1124.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lafayette airport long- and short-term parking lots are full, additional lot opened
LAFAYETTE, La. () — Business is booming at , so much so that parking has become an issue, according to a . 'All Short-term and Long-term parking lots have reached capacity due to record-breaking travel,' the post read. 'LFT has temporarily opened additional parking off Borman Drive, across from Acadian Ambulance and Air Med Services.' The overflow lot can be reached from Surrey Street, then turn onto Borman Drive. The parking lot will then be on your left. This service is being provided free of charge, officials said. The photo below shows the auxiliary parking area. , the airport served a record number of passengers in 2024. A total of 532,811 passengers flew in and out of Lafayette, surpassing the previous record of 530,501 set in 2019. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Gov. Landry calls for full funding of LA GATOR scholarship program Ford recalls nearly 274,000 SUVs due to risk of loss of brake function Lafayette airport long- and short-term parking lots are full, additional lot opened Democratic leaders poised to oppose Trump impeachment: 'A distraction' 'Max' rebranding back to 'HBO Max' as WarnerBros. Discovery reverses course Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Discounted tuition offered for EMS training in Louisiana
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Emergency medical technicians are in high demand nationwide. The National EMS Academy, a sister company of Acadian Ambulance, is cutting tuition to make it more affordable. Tuition for the 12-week class is usually $1,900, but it is being discounted 78% off to only $400 for a limited time at many Louisiana training centers, including Baton Rouge, Covington, New Orleans and Thibodaux. Once students pass the class and national registry exam, they will be eligible to work at Acadian Ambulance locations in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Recruiters said applicants will be allowed to put the $400 on a payment plan. Click here for registration, which is now open for classes starting on June 2. Inflation rose in April, reversing March decline NFL player hosting football camp in Baton Rouge Schumer places hold on DOJ political nominees over Qatari jet gift to Trump Report suggests new coordinating entity for East Baton Rouge early childhood education Discounted tuition offered for EMS training in Louisiana Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Abbeville man arrested for allegedly shooting wife and mother-in-law in domestic dispute
ABBEVILLE, La. () — A man has been arrested in Abbeville for allegedly shooting his wife and mother-in-law. Officials arrested Quintal Davis today for the Wednesday morning shooting of his wife on Nugier Street, in Abbeville. Officials said Davis's wife received multiple gunshot wounds to her leg and backside. Officials said Davis also shot at his mother-in-law after the shooting of his wife. Davis's wife was transported to Abbeville General Hospital by an Acadian Ambulance and later airlifted to a Lafayette Hospital. Davis was sent to where he was booked, then sent to a Vermilion Parish jail for felon in possession of a firearm, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities and two counts of attempted first-degree murder charges. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Officials said Davis is being without bond. Abbeville man arrested for allegedly shooting wife and mother-in-law in domestic dispute Ski great Brignone's first aim is to walk before thinking of next year's Olympics Abrego Garcia's wife on domestic violence protective order: 'No one is perfect' Video shows 'Call on Jesus' bus explode in ball of flames along Louisiana road Who is FSU shooter Phoenix Ikner, son of Florida deputy? Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
Acadian Ambulance honors its Hub City Paramedic and EMT of the Year
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — Acadian Ambulance recognizes two EMS personnel for their work ethic and dedication serving Acadiana this past year. Hub City's finest, Paramedic Brandi Leonard and EMT Alison Cagle were selected as the company's EMT of the Year out of 300 medics in the region. Brandi Leonard started her career as an EMT in 2007 then became a paramedic in 2008 and continued serving Acadian Ambulance for 16 years. Through the years Leonard has earned many titles, certification and awards such as Critical Care Transport Paramedic, Senior Field training Officer and so much more. Cagle began her journey in EMS while still in high school, where she took EMR classes. She obtained her EMT certification in early 2021 and worked in Sacramento, California, for two years before moving across the country to join the Acadian family. Cagle is currently in paramedic school and works out of Lafayette. Her dedication to EMS, consistent hard work, and commitment to quality patient care led to her recognition as EMT of the Year. Acadian Ambulance will honor Leonard and Cagle, along with all regional honorees, and its entire medical team at its celebration on May 9 in Lafayette. Vice president of Bikers Against Child Abuse chapter arrested for sex crimes against children 5 takeaways from the Trump tariff drama Man admits to staging armed robbery at St. Landry Theater NASCAR drivers visit White House LHS Moving Forward: Serve Day 2025 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
