The 45th annual National EMS Week is May 19-25and Catawba Valley Health
System (CVHS) is actively thanking area EMS personnel all week for their
service and partnership.
In 1974, President Gerald Ford authorized EMS Week to celebrate EMS practitioners
and the important work they do in our nation's communities. CVHS is
working to ensure that the important contributions of EMS practitioners
in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of their communities
are fully celebrated and recognized.
Charles McKaraher, MD, serves as the medical director for Catawba County
EMS. He said, “The men and women who comprise our county EMS service
are outstanding individuals. They are hardworking, intelligent and caring
people. They pride themselves on providing the most up-to-date emergency
services to the visitors and citizens of Catawba County. They save many
lives and prevent further injury to injured patients each year. I am honored
to be their medical director.”
Seth Hawkins, MD, medical director for Burke County EMS, said, “EMS
is the spearpoint of the emergency services system. In a new model of
mobile integrated health care, they extend hospital services and technologies
out into the community, allowing us to begin sophisticated care of patients
before they even arrive in the hospital. In many cases, the interventions
EMS provide for patients can make the difference between life and death.
They are integral to our emergency services at Catawba Valley Health System.”
Chuck Scronce, CVHS administrator for its emergency and cardiac service
lines, says honoring the EMS personnel from Catawba, Alexander, Caldwell,
Burke, Lincoln and Iredell counties is an annual highlight for him personally.
Scronce treats all EMS workers to an appreciation barbecue cookout each
year to culminate the week.
He said, “When I think about our EMS brothers and sisters, I consider
them the front-line heroes who create a lifeline in our communities –
a bridge to definitive emergency care at the hospital!”
To join in honoring our EMS heroes, visit www.EMSSTRONG.org to learn of
inspiring stories from EMS practitioners, as well as ways to get involved
in showing your appreciation.