AUBURN, IN (May 16, 2012)—DeKalb Health is proudly joining the American College of Emergency Physicians to salute and honor the community’s “rescue heroes” during national EMS Week.

During national EMS Week, being held May 13-19, 2012, DeKalb Health and other health care organizations around the country celebrate the stellar care provided to the public by this “front line” of medicine. Locally, this recognition of the approximately 30 - plus full- and part-time EMS professionals.

“Often, it’s the EMS personnel who can mean the difference between life and death for our patients,” DeKalb Health CEO Kirk Ray said. “Their speed, skill and experience are critical in providing the best care possible to patients until they reach a facility. Because of their efforts, we are more than happy to celebrate what they do and the absolutely vital services they provide our community.”

In 2011, the DeKalb Health EMS team responded to more than 3573 runs throughout DeKalb County, as well as some into neighboring Noble and Steuben. In addition, the EMS team routinely lent its services to non-emergency patient transports, as well as proactive presence and support at large-crowd events like sporting events, ACD Festival, DeKalb County Fair and other public gatherings.

“As a team, we pride ourselves on being anywhere in the county as quick as possible – often in 10 minutes or less,” explained DeKalb Health EMS director Randy Fox. “Beyond just being quick, however, our team must be prepared to assess and treat almost any medical and trauma situation imaginable. Their professionalism and skill are real assets to this community.”

PHOTO: DeKalb Health EMS and Emergency Services personnel gather at the home of Larry and Betty Woods, a 2012 United Way Day of Caring site. The team volunteered their services to build two wheelchair ramps in an effort to aide the Woods' daughter, Kristina, with mobility issues caused by Cerebral Palsy. In front, from left, Ron Anderson, AJ Kuhn, Kip Griffin, Cindy Burton, Lara Myers, and home owners Betty and Larry Woods. In back are Denny  Winebrenner,  Aaron Haffner, Melissa McCann, Steve McKay, Stan Shipe, Cindy Archer, Roger Dancer, Dr. Gary Davis, EMS director Randy Fox, Bryan Grogg, and Kevin White.

About EMS Week

EMS Week began in 1974 following a proclamation from President Gerald R. Ford. Each year, EMS Week works to bring together communities and medical personnel to publicize safety, educate the public about their local EMS system and honor the dedication of the 750,000-plus professionals who provide day-to-day lifesaving service on medicine’s front line.

YEARS OF SERVICE ROSTER

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