Jan-Care Ambulance Service

The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster occurred on April 5, 2010 roughly 1,000 feet underground in a remote corner of Raleigh County, West Virginia. Twenty-nine out of thirty-one miners underground at the time of the explosion were killed. The accident was the worst in the United States since 1970.

Emergency crews gathered at one of the portals of the mine where it was reported that 25 miners were killed and four were unaccounted for. There were two rescue chambers in the mines which gave some hope that the four men may be found alive. Over the ensuing four days rescue operations continued, often hampered by dangerous methane levels and smoke within the mine shafts. The entire rescue and recovery operation extended to seven days.

Jan-Care Ambulance’s missions included Mass Casualty Incident command, direct support of multi-state mine rescue teams, ambulance staging for possible mass retrieval of miners, and continuous support for the hundreds of family members encamped at the on-site UBB Family Center.

Jan-Care Ambulance UBB Response
April 5 – 12, 2010

UBB Initial MCI Response Plan (April 5, 2010)
Jan-Care Ambulance’s missions included Mass Causality Incident (MCI) joint Medical Command, direct medical and rehab support of multi-state mine rescue teams, ambulance staging for possible mass retrieval of miners, and continuous support for the hundreds of family members encamped at the on-site UBB Family Center.

There was simultaneous full implementation of the ICS-MCI system with 5 person support in the Jan-Care Command Center coordinating additional resources, back-fill for existing EMS stations, maintaining 911 coverage in home counties and fully implementing a multi-county mutual aid back-up plan. Operations where complicated by the remoteness of the site which hampered direct radio and cell-phone communication.

UBB Continuous Support Plan (April 6 - 12, 2010)

While 29 miners were eventually recovered from the mines it should not be understated how the initial and subsequent week-long EMS operations were in direct support of rescue operations and family support, whereby the eventual outcome remained unclear until late Friday night.

Incredibly, Jan-Care’s seven days of on-site support at UBB was provided by 86 different EMS employees and 28 separate emergency vehicles.

The Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion personally and deeply touched our organization and further set our resolve to always stand ready to support our communities in times of need.

Did You Know?

Jan-Care responds to over 100,000 calls for help per year.

Jan-Care drives over 6 million miles every year.

Jan-Care has a coverage area of over 5,700 sq miles in 11 counties.

Jan-Care provides primary 911 in 5 counties

Jan-Care has participated in area paramedic programs for over 30 years.

Jan-Care offers EMT, ACT and Paramedic classes every uear.

Jan-Care issues over 3,000 ACLS, PALS, and CPR cards per year.

Jan-Care employs over 430 employees locally in West Virginia.

Jan-Care is the largest EMS provider in West Virginia.

Jan-Care operates a WV-OEMS certified fleet of over 150 emergency vehicles.

Jan-Care provides high school football coverage for 12 high schools across 6 counties.

Over the past 40 years people have sometimes been puzzled by the level and degree of Jan-Care Ambulance’s altruistic activities. Those things the organization does for little or no reimbursement and for people both in and outside our coverage areas.

Jan-Care remains solemnly proud of our private for-profit status; this means that we serve our communities without asking for governmental or tax-based assistance. We want to earn the right to provide care for our patients. And yet this business model does not fully explain the ‘heart and soul’ of our organization.

While the core and traditional philosophy instituted and maintained by this family-run business was not learned or adapted from a textbook, perhaps it is best explained by paraphrasing excerpts from noted business author Robert K. Greenleaf’s renowned essays, The Servant as Leader and the Institution as Servant.

A servant-leadership inspired organization begins with an innate desire to serve, from this foundation a conscious choice in made to care for others and lead in times of crisis. The entire organization sincerely feels that their success is ultimately measured by the degree of enrichment they provide in the lives of others. And perhaps most compelling; these organizations differ from other institutions or persons of good will in that they willingly and consistently act on what they believe. Service inspired organizations do not find satisfaction in talking the talk; they confidently and willingly make every effort to walk the walk, each day.

At the very heart and soul of Jan-Care radiates an innate desire to serve. From this core value rises a conscious resolution to deliver high quality and compassionate care to others and provide inspired leadership within EMS and healthcare. Each day we sincerely hope that we can make a positive difference in the lives of those we touch.

While our Ambulance crews have shaken the hands of four U.S. Presidents, it truly gives us more pride and sense of accomplishment to see our touch bring a smile to the face of a frightened or lonely patient. Jan-Care Ambulance is committed to service.