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LIBERTY, Maine – If you need emergency medical care in southern Maine, there’s a good chance you’ll be tended to by Edna Mitchell. At age 87, Mitchell is the state’s oldest ambulance driver and EMT – and according to her colleagues, one of the best.
A volunteer for the Liberty Fire Department, Mitchell covers some 400 square miles of coastal Maine, handling more than 100 calls a year. In 37 years on the job, that’s meant nearly 4,000 calls.
“Basically, when the pager goes off, I’m ready,” she said. “All I have to do is just tell them that Liberty 202’s responding.”
Mitchell is a pioneer. Her interest in emergency medical care goes back to World War II – a time when women in jobs like EMT, firefighter or police officer were rare. Even when she’s had other jobs as a teacher or a farmer, being an EMT has always been her true calling, carrying her radio with her at all times.
Her accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed, as she’s been honored by the state Legislature for her service. Her dedication also has inspired a family tradition, with two granddaughters and a great-granddaughter following in her footsteps.
“She’s very committed. That’s how she was raised, and that’s how she raised us,” said Delta Chase, one of her granddaughters who is now an EMT. “She’s probably the biggest influence in my life. Clearly, I couldn’t [have] had a better example.”
Next year, Mitchell’s life will take another dramatic turn. With her contract set to expire in December 2016, she’s decided to finally call it quits. She says walking away from her life’s calling won’t be easy.
“I know I’ll miss it more than anything I can think of,” she said.
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