Planning the events of EMS Week are, front from left, Chris Moretto, Med-Care assistant director; Robin Gilbert, Rumford Hospital ED nurse manager; Dean Milligan, Med-Care director; and Betty Palmer ED nurse; back, Rumford Fireman Rob Dixon; ED Nurse Karen Cole; Fireman Chris Bryant; Med-Care’s Brita Broomhall; and ED Nurse Sis Haynes.

Hospital to honor first responders

RUMFORD – Rumford Hospital’s ED staff will honor first responders, including Med-Care Ambulance and area firefighters, during EMS Week, May 18 to 24. Poster presentations, a skills education day, practice with the human stimulator and a barbecue are planned.

“EMS personnel are under-recognized for the work that they do,” said ED Nurse Manager Robin Gilbert. “Since 9/11 we have gone the extra mile to pay tribute to the EMS profession, but it’s a shame that it took such a tragedy for the public to recognize the importance of EMS personnel.”

Gilbert said EMS personnel do much more than respond to traffic accidents, fires and other emergencies. They also transfer patients who must go to another hospital and help out in the hospital as an additional set of hands.

“Besides what they do as part of their job, Med-Care also offers many services to the community-at-large like their bike and helmet checks, Heart Safe community program and CPR classes,” said Gilbert.