CLEARFIELD – In observance of National Emergency Medical Services Week, Clearfield Hospital recently honored local emergency medical services personnel by hosting a recognition dinner at the St. Charles Café.
National EMS Week was May 19-25. The theme for this year’s celebration was “EMS: One Mission, One Team,” which hospital President Gary Macioce referenced in his opening remarks.
“That statement describes perfectly what I hope is your sense of the relationship that you all have with Clearfield Hospital. Our individual missions as healthcare providers coincide, and our team of physicians and staff are a part of the same team providing medical care to our patients. We fully realize the value of your knowledge, competence, skills, commitment and compassion, and want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you,” Macioce said.
He noted that between 250-300 patients arrive in the hospital’s emergency department via EMS every month.
In addition to a buffet dinner and prizes, the hospital arranged for two continuing medical education programs to be presented. The lecturers were Christopher Wilson, M.D., medical director of the hospital’s Emergency Department, and Carrie Colleran, D.O., medical director of Pre-hospital Service for Saint Vincent Health Center.
Before starting his presentation, Wilson thanked the EMS workers for their support.
“The emergency medical technicians and paramedics in this region are simply the best the profession has to offer, and our emergency department is grateful for their competence and courage,” Wilson said.
John Bacher, an emergency department nurse at Clearfield Hospital, served as master of ceremonies. He talked about the critical role EMS professionals play in times of crisis, and referenced recent national tragedies, including the Boston Marathon bombing and Oklahoma tornadoes.
“When Americans find themselves in times of crisis, you are the first step in restoring the peace. EMS crews respond with selfless disregard for their own well-being, immediately tending to the sick or injured. We thank you, the EMS system, for your heroic contributions to our lives,” Bacher said.
Also lauding the ambulance crews was Rev. Rob Mellgard of the Clearfield Presbyterian Church and hospital chaplain.
Companies in attendance were Glen Richey Quick Response, Irvona Ambulance, Clearfield EMS, Clearfield County Emergency Management, Mahaffey Community Ambulance Service, Moshannon Valley EMS, STAT MedEvac, Curwensville EMS and Houtzdale-Ramey EMS.
Terry Wigfield, executive director of Clearfield EMS, expressed appreciation to the hospital for hosting the dinner.
“It was very nice and everyone enjoyed it. It was nice to be publicly recognized for our contributions to the hospital and the community,” he said.
Macioce noted this was first EMS recognition dinner that Clearfield Hospital has hosted; the hospital plans to make it an annual event.
