Latest news with #NationalEmergencyMedicalServicesWeek
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
EMS providers recognized at same time countywide affiliation is established
May 25—Is there no better time to establish a countywide EMS affiliation than during National Emergency Medical Services Week? Supervisors officially recognized EMS providers in a proclamation the same day local agencies agreed to a countywide EMS affiliation. Jamey Robinson, director of Jasper County Emergency Management Agency, told Newton News how important the affiliation is for agencies and the people they serve. "Getting the EMS affiliation established is a big step forward for the county," he said. "It brings consistency, improved coordination and better access to resources for all agencies involved. Most importantly, it strengthens the emergency care we're able to provide our residents." Establishing a countywide EMS affiliation has been a goal of Robinson's ever since he was hired on to lead Jasper County EMA. In February, he received the greenlight from supervisors, who invested the necessary startup funds to pay for a medical director position to handle administrative duties and the like. Dr. Matthew Ferguson has since been recruited to serve as medical director. National EMS Week is observed May 18-24. According to the proclamation, Jasper County recognized EMS professionals for providing critical, life-saving care to residents and for responding to emergencies with skill, compassion and unwavering commitment. Robinson noted the proclamation means a lot. "This isn't just a document you guys are signing to recognize this week, I think the board of supervisors in Jasper County has done a phenomenal job of supporting our local EMS services with the money that you've given us to start working on some of this affiliation stuff and building the EMS system," he said. Early on when the county launched its ALS program, some believed the county was trying to take over jurisdictions of volunteer agencies. There was a lot of resentment. But Robinson said discussions about the countywide EMS affiliation have all been positive. "This isn't about the county wanting to take over an EMS system," Robinson said to supervisors. "It's wanting to support and build the system across Jasper County, so I want to thank you guys for that. I want to make people aware this isn't just signing a piece of paper ... You are supporting this all the way around." Steve Ashing, deputy director of Jasper County EMA, said local EMS agencies met the night of May 20 to acknowledge whether they want to join the affiliation. Already, funds have been used to finance a protocol app for all first responders to use. Ashing said the app is being tested at the moment to see if issues pop up. "Kind of a big step tonight," Ashing said of the EMS affiliation sign-in meeting. "...The way we understand it right now is we have 100 percent participation. The proof is in the signatures, so we'll find out for sure tonight. For all indications we have so far, it's going to be 100 percent. So we're pretty excited about that." Robinson confirmed with Newton News that the affiliation was established pending council approval from Newton.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Honolulu EMS honors newly promoted personnel
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The celebrations are in full swing for this year's National Emergency Medical Services Week. The Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division recently honored the promotions of eight paramedics and two office personnel during a ceremony held at the Mission Memorial Auditorium. Honolulu mayor declares Emergency Medical Services week The honorees included: EMS District Chiefs Jason Moses and Shara Molina EMS Supervisors Lee Lenchanko, Julia Seto, Jeff Jacobson, Mitch Kam and Mike Park Administrative Staff Alisa Vincent (Personnel Clerk) and Jessica Bornoff (Supervising Office Assistant) These men and women have earned their promotions to Paramedic Supervisors, District Chiefsand office supervisors. EMS is a very difficult career, and in order to move up, you have to have a lot of grit and determination. I commend all of our personnel who were promoted today and thank them for their commitment to our island's sick and injured. Jim Ireland, Director of Honolulu Emergency Services DepartmentThe ceremony also featured guest speaker Aaron Mikami, a COVID-19 survivor who credited EMS with saving his life. Since my battle with COVID-19, I've had time to reflect on everyone who played a role in mysurvival and recovery. So many dedicated medical professionals were involved, and it all beganwith the men and women of Honolulu EMS. They initiated the chain of survival, and being part of this promotional ceremony during EMS Week brings the entire journey full circle. It's an honor to stand with those who were there for me at the very beginning Aaron Mikami In December 2020, Mikami was found unresponsive while quarantining in a hotel room after contracting COVID-19. Honolulu EMS was able to administer life-saving measures, which kept him alive during the transport to the hospital. Check out more news from around Hawaii To learn more about the Honolulu Emergency Media Services Division, visit their website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Honolulu mayor declares Emergency Medical Services week
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Mayor Rick Blangiardi declared May 18 to May 24 as National Emergency Medical Services Week in Honolulu. The day honors the critical role of the island's paramedics and emergency medical technicians. 'On behalf of the entire City and County of Honolulu, mahalo to the members of our dedicated and highly-skilled EMS ʻohana,' Blangiardi said. 'The way you handle the high call volumes and high stakes with unwavering focus is inspiring and your efforts do not go unnoticed. Please know your selflessness in responding to emergencies and saving the lives of our resident and visitors alike, is nothing short of heroic. Bravo!' 60% of Americans will not do this. Are you one of them? 8 takeaways from a new report This year is the 51st anniversary of National EMS Week, with the national theme of 'We Care. For Everyone.' Officials said the theme reflects the legacy of EMS practitioners and their commitment to bettering communities. 'Our paramedics and EMTs are dedicated to a very difficult career. Every shift they show up, not knowing who will need their care,' Jim Ireland, director of the Honolulu EMS said. 'They are incredibly brave, and we appreciate everything they do for our island's sick and injured.' Ireland said now that the effects of the COVID pandemic are not as widely felt, EMS has seen an influx of calls.'We're having record-breaking call volume now that COVID is over. People are out enjoying themselves. We've got visitors back, and we're adding to the fleet and hiring as quickly as we can,' he said. The recognition feels extra rewarding for EMS workers, such as Kevin Twomey, who is Honolulu's EMS Week Hero. 'Everybody works so hard, everyday that we go to work we're thrust into countless situations where we need to make a difference,' Twomey said. 'And what I try to focus on is that it's going to be a positive difference for the people that we're contacting.' According to Honolulu EMS, they responded to more than 106,000 911 calls last year and administered advanced medical care to more than 89,000 patients. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
