Seven awards given for distinguished EMS service
The state Department of Public Health on Monday kicked off National EMS Week, by honoring six emergency medical services personnel and one EMS organization at a State Capitol ceremony.
Among the honorees was George Fargo of Mystic River Ambulance. He received the Distinguished Achievement Award.
The theme of the event this week is “EMS Strong: Always in Service” and is a part of a larger campaign, EMS STRONG, by the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the health department said in a news release. Its purpose is to recognize and inspire EMS personnel and provide the EMS system greater visibility as an indispensable part of the healthcare continuum.
“Every day, the dedicated and committed volunteer and career EMS staff in our communities makes Connecticut’s EMS system work,” said public health Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino. “I am appreciative to the men and women who provide all Connecticut residents life-saving pre-hospital care twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Connecticut’s EMS providers responded to nearly 1.5 million requests for service in the last two years — a clear reminder that EMS is always in service. EMS personnel continually put themselves at risk to keep us safe, protect us from harm and provide oftentimes life-saving medical attention. I congratulate the recipients of the 2017 EMS Recognition Awards and thank all of the men and women who have chosen emergency medical services as their vocation.”
Other honorees were: the Manchester Fire-Rescue service, which received the Governor’s Award; Art Groux of Suffield EMS, who received Connecticut Public Health Commissioner’s Award; Helen “Bunnie” McQuilton of Stratford EMS, who received the Gillooly-Lawton Award; Laura Bramucci if Newington EMS, who received the George A. Ganung Volunteer of the Year Award; Erin Smith of Stratford EMS, who received the Distinguished Achievement Award; and Kevin Brown of Middlesex Memorial Hospital Paramedics, who received the Paul Winfield Smith Award. For information on the awards and EMS week, visit www.ctemscouncils.org.
This year as part of EMS Week, each weekday is dedicated to a specific focus. Monday is Education Day. Tuesday is Safety Tuesday. Wednesday is National EMS for Children Day. Thursday is Save-a-life Day. Friday is EMS Recognition Day. During the whole week, the American College of Emergency Physicians, in cooperation with American Medical Response and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, will encourage EMS Organizations and Community Leaders to join them in the “World CPR Challenge.” The World CPR Challenge aims to provide the most extensive bystander CPR trainings ever. For information, visit https://www.acep
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