EGRMC held a BBQ lunch on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 to honor local EMS practitioners and their services for National EMS Week observed this week. Over 70 EMS personnel attended the luncheon over the two and half hour period.
The hospital leadership team helped serve the lunch and personally thanked many of the EMS workers for their service to our community.
"Now more than ever, it is important that we honor and celebrate our EMS professionals who are supporting the health and well-being of our community. This week, we would like to take the opportunity to say "thank you" to every EMS worker locally and across the nation. We thank you for your time. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your caring, your compassion, and your devotion to patient care. Thank you for taking time away from your families to keep our community safe 24/7. Thank you for your bravery and for your commitment," said Stephen Pennington, EGRMC CEO.
"For these things and more, we were pleased to host our annual EMS cookout Wednesday afternoon, honoring our local EMS agencies. This was just one of the ways we can show our appreciation and gratitude for your partnership as we work together to provide seamless care for the communities we serve. Happy EMS Week."
EGRMC Challenge Coins
In addition to lunch, each practitioner was presented with and EGRMC Challenge Coin. This was an idea that was encouraged by Karen Grabenstein, EGRMC Director of Clinical Outreach.
Grabenstein was part of a local medical team that traveled to NYC in the height of the COVID pandemic to assist them. It was there she was first introduced to the challenge pins. Each department and many of the precincts had there on challenge coins. These became very special keepsakes to Grabenstein.
Many of our local public safety agencies already have challenge coins for their agency, including Bulloch County EMS. This was another unique gift, to show EGRMC's support for the local emergency service agencies.
Bulloch County EMS - Primary EMS Service
Our primary EMS is Bulloch County EMS which handles all 911 emergency calls. Bulloch County is also served by two private EMS services, Central EMS and Signature Ambulance in addition to Air Evac a medical EMS helicopter.
Bulloch County EMS has 50 emergency medical practitioners on their team. The Bulloch County owned service operates four 24 hours shifts with three ambulances stationed on Grady Street and one crew and ambulance at the fire station in Brooklet.
"Not one member of our team comes to work to get publicity, they have one goal in mind and that is being ready 24/7 at a moments notice to respond to assist our citizens when they may be experiences their greatest need," said Doug Vickers, Director, Bulloch County EMS.
"Knowing they made a difference in the moment is the greatest reward or recognition they could receive. Of course, it is a great honor when wonderful partners like EGRMC and others in the community recognize the sacrifice our men and women make every day. Especially this past year with the demands of COVID, this team has given back in extraordinary ways. I could not be prouder of each and every team member of Bulloch County EMS."
Bulloch County EMS recognizes and thanks Air Evac helicopter service for provided breakfast for for their team this week.
Find a Way To Share Your Gratitude
We at Grice Connect see these phenomenally dedicated and talented emergency workers in action on a daily basis. We are impressed with their commitment, expertise and patience to manage such a wide array of emergency responses daily.
We encourage you to please take time this week and every week to find a way to thank each of our local EMS practitioners. They serve our communities in extraordinary ways, 24/7 to keep us all safe. It has been especially demanding on them this past year helping our community through COVID. They have all been asked to give so much more and again and again they have answered the call.
They are often the first to respond and the last to be recognized for their critical service.
