Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), firefighters and base hospital medical staff in El Dorado County are being recognized this week as part of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 16 – 22. “EMS Week is a great time to say thank you to the dedicated men and women in El Dorado County who make saving lives their mission,” said Rich Todd, Administrator for the El Dorado County EMS Agency.
Each year in El Dorado County, over 14,000 calls for emergency medical assistance are received through the 911 system. The local EMS System is highly collaborative and includes: The 911 system, dispatch centers, first responders, paramedic ambulances, air ambulances, acute care hospitals, trauma centers and medical oversight by the local EMS Agency. “This system works together everyday so that residents receive quality care from the moment they call 911 until they arrive safely at the hospital,” said Todd. “We have many dedicated people in this system who perform extraordinary acts of service and kindness, including those who work and volunteer as paramedics, fire fighters and EMTs.”
The EMS Agency is providing special recognition this year to the emergency medical staff from the two base station hospitals in El Dorado County, Barton Memorial Hospital and Marshall Medical Center. Individuals to be recognized include Medical Director Dr. Lars Ensign and EMS Coordinator Karla Peterson of Barton Memorial Hospital, and Medical Director Dr. Juliet La Mers, past Medical Director Dr. Ben Housel and EMS Coordinator Michele Williams of Marshall Medical Center. “These individuals have shown strong leadership and dedication to quality patient care within the EMS system,” said Todd. Every 911 medical call is coordinated by paramedics and EMTs through the base station hospitals.
The El Dorado County EMS Agency works in partnership with the base station hospitals, certifies and regularly trains local paramedics and emergency medical technicians in El Dorado County, and develops policies and procedures for emergency medical response in the field. The EMS Agency’s staff includes Dr. David Brazzel, a practicing emergency department physician who is board-certified in emergency medicine. As medical director, Dr. Brazzel participates in continuous quality improvement efforts with paramedics and other first responders, and authorizes all treatment protocols and procedures.
For more information about the EMS Agency or the EMS System in El Dorado County visit the County’s website at www.edcgov.us/ems.