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Pulse Check 2022

 

2022 Award Winners

EMS Meritorious Award
To give recognition to an individual or group, for an act involving a degree of unavoidable danger to be characterized as Great Personal or Group Risk.
Name of Nominee:
Rockland County EMS Agencies
District 1
EMS Background:
The Rockland County EMS Agencies have countless years of CPR, BBP, EMT and Paramedic training
Reason for Award Nomination:
The criteria of this award is "To give recognition to an individual or group, for an act involving a degree of unavoidable danger to be characterized as Great Personal or Group Risk" clearly describes EVERY EMS Agency in Rockland County. When COVID19 reared its ugly head, it slowly crept up on everyone. Although the height of the pandemic was 2020, it kept every agency on high alert and on their toes. Rockland County EMS agencies, continued in 2021 to face high call volumes of COVID potential patients, struggled to maintain supplies to keep their members safe and faced staffing issues daily. Even the agencies that were struggling before COVID managed to pitch in and crew up to the best of their abilities to help with the aggressive call volumes. EMS persons worked together, helped cover each other's areas to maintain quality patient care for the communities and when able to, shared resources. The EMS coordinators office did their best to help the agencies acquire hard to come by supplies and the local hospitals proved their appreciation to the EMS crews on their arrival to the ER's. Although the pandemic had slowed down from 2020, each and every Driver, EMT and Paramedic faced uncertainty every time they were faced with “flu like symptoms", "fever”, or any type of call that may have presented as possible COVID. EMS members were forced to wear goggles, gowns, gloves, footwear protection, head protection and at the bare minimum N95 masks and sometimes 3/4 face respirator masks for personal protection. They were forced to make difficult decisions pertaining to transporting critical patient's vs educating family on the importance of palliative home care. The entire EMS community in the state of NY should be commended for the AMAZING show of professionalism they exhibited; however, the writer of this award nomination could not have been prouder or impressed with the OUTSTANDING STRENGTH and heroism shown by the EMS community in ROCKLAND COUNTY.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
Each agency managed to address and handle in many cases twice their normal call volume, excessive drop in employees (volunteers) due to "COVID burnout" and yet they have all learned how to do more with less and continue to step up and do the job they all signed up to do!
EMS Unit Citation
To give recognition to a crew or unit, involving an outstanding unit operation, dependent upon teamwork and cooperation.
Name of Nominee:
Spring Hill Community Emergency Medical Services
District 1
EMS Background:
Spring Hill EMS has been in service since 1966. A leading EMS agency in Rockland County, they provide extensive Community minded events, care about the wellbeing of their members and are cutting edge with training, equipment, coverage and membership.

Reason for Award Nomination:
On March 23, 2021 a call was placed for smoke showing at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults. As the 1st police officer arrived, he notified dispatch that there was heavy smoke and fire showing, and he was not sure if the building was evacuated. He requested FD to expedite and dispatch EMS. Spring Hill EMS Chief N. Dahan and Lt. W. Fischman were the first to arrive on scene from EMS. They immediately established EMS incident command and went to work.

This fire was EXTENSIVE AND EXACERBATING. They called for an EMS Coordinator, additional EMS units, a rehab tent, and a request to find out how many patients each neighboring hospital can accept. The agency managed to maintain coverage in their own response area and fill the fire scene with ambulances as well. EMS agencies from Rockland County, Orange County, Westchester and NJ assisted with the care rendered to approximately 100 patients from the facility, 1 critical transport (later a fatality), multiple treat and release, a few transports and extensive Firematic rehab on site.

Additionally to the already chaotic situation, early on there was firefighter mayday call. One of the firefighters, while attempting to evacuate patients was overcome by smoke and fire and was separated from his team. That firefighter lost his life that night, heroically saving others. While the search to rescue turned into search to recover, EMS stood by to help and guide their fire department family with whatever comfort and needs they could until Firefighter Jared Lloyd could be brought home.

Calm easy clear radio transmissions, status checks for accountability and nothing but professionalism was demonstrated by the leadership and members of Spring Hill EMS this day. This was just 1 call.

Contribution to/impact on EMS:
8 ambulances, 3 first response vehicles, a building that is inviting and comfortable, continued community training, ability to extend their coverage to suffering neighboring agencies at the drop of a dime, stellar leadership, great equipment and a clear vision of what EMS is. Everyday this is what Spring Hill EMS strives for, and everyday this is what Spring Hill EMS produces.
EMS Educator of Excellence
To an individual who through outstanding teaching, publication, or research that has greatly improved pre-hospital services at the local, county regional or state level, having some particular impact on the volunteer non-profit EMS community. The nominee must be recognized by the NYS Department of Health as a certified instructor.
Name of Nominee:
Willard Wright
North Shore Resque Squad
District 4
EMS Background:
Willard Wright became an EMT in the 1970's and was one of the first certified EMS educators in the Metropolitan area. Willard started the Staten Island Emergency Medical Training Center, Inc. in 1976 and he has been leading the organization for 46 years. Willard attended St. Vincent Paramedic Training Institute (either class 1 or 2) and also coordinated several paramedic programs at the former Beakman Hospital and Saint Vincent. Willard worked as a full time firefighter and fire officer while working as a paramedic at St. Vincent, Lutheran Medical Center, and Staten Island Hospital. Willard did all of this while operating the EMT training business and AHA training center. Willard was one of the first regional faculty members in the state and has trained over 10,000 EMTs and close to 100,000 people in AHA courses over the years. Willard has run been the program coordinator for several CLI and CIC courses throughout his tenure as a regional faculty member and has contributed cognitive exam questions to both the State of New York and the NREMT. When Willard retired from the FDNY as a fire officer in 2000, he also chose not to refresh his paramedic card and instead took an EMT card to not only maintain the training center, but to also ride as a volunteer at the North Shore Rescue Squad in Staten Island, NY. To this day Willard averages at least 1 day a week on the ambulance and also provides standby coverage at local school sporting events.
Reason for Award Nomination:
In addition to what I wrote above, Willard Wright trained me to be an EMT in 1997 and a CLI in 1999. It is because of Willard that I went to paramedic school and in 2004 became a CIC. Because of Willard I hold several instructor credentials and I love teaching. Willard has past the torch so to speak and nominated me to be a regional faculty member when he stepped down recently. With all that said, Willard continues to teach AHA courses, oversees the training center, and still finds time to ride the ambulance once a week like clockwork.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
I don't know what else I can add that I haven't said already, but the name Willard "Willie" Wright is well known in the EMS community around New York State and beyond and in some cases, people he never met know of him. Willie is responsible for the careers of thousands of EMTs who went on to become paramedics, PAs, RNs, police officers, firefighter, and even a physician. That's right. The medical director for SIEMT was an EMT student of Wille's many years ago and he is a known FDNY medical director as well as a recent member of SEMSCO and SEMAC. The fact that Willie had a student (I am sure more than one) who became a physician and that medical doctor came back to be his medical director is amazing. If it weren't for his training as an EMT that MD may not have become an MD contributing to EMS in NYC through the FDNY and around the State of New York.
EMS Leadership Award
To an individual who has performed an outstanding service along with initiative and leadership, to NYSVARA or to a Member Organization in good standing of NYSVARA.
Name of Nominee:
David Violante
Arlington Fire District
District 3
Reason for Award Nomination:
David Violante is a true leader in every sense of the word. David exemplifies the characteristics of a Leader through his on-going continuous effort to have a positive impact on all aspects of EMS at a local, Regional and State levels. David’s contributions can be found in the work he performs daily. As the Director of EMS for the Arlington Fire District; Dave provides clear direction to ensure the consistent delivery of quality patient care. Dave ensures that the Fire District has the necessary equipment and training to provide the highest level of care possible. David pays particular attention to detail and ensures that his agency meets all Federal, State and Local requirements. David’s positive approach makes him a true leader. David actively engages in conversation and always offers encouraging words. David eloquently discusses topics while considering all options. His patientcentered approach allows him to make decisions which are consistently in the best interests of patients. Dave is always professional; he constantly demonstrates his devotion to EMS and truly cares about all of those in the business. David’s work only starts at the local level; he uses his expertise by serving on the faculty Dutchess Community College’s EMS Programs where he can often be found teaching. David is a Delegate from Dutchess County to the Hudson Valley Regional Emergency Medical Services Council. David serves as Chairman of the HVREMSCO Education and Training Committee and sits as an active participant of the protocol committee. David actively participates in REMAC discussions. David now serves as the HVREMSCO representative to the New York State EMS Council, where he also serves as the first Chairman of the Quality and Metrics Committee. David also participates on the EMS Sustainability TAG as Chairman of the Agency sub-group. David is well respected across New York State and across the Country and Internationally. He serves as a role model for many. David has excelled in his volunteerism by participating in numerous medical mission trips domestically and internationally. David has been instrumental in implementing international preparedness training and education. When discussing EMS system models and the need for effective change it is imperative to consult with David for his expertise and foresight.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
David has positively impacted EMS systems for many years. His involvement in many aspects of EMS has been profound. His Leadership skills, dedication to the profession and his educational expertise have impacted many lives and have provided a positive influence on many colleagues. David invisible mark can be found in several projects, NYS BLS supraglottic airway, S-LAMS, Medication shortages, AV requirements for Medical Control CME’s, ePCR standards, Termination of Resuscitation advisory, MIST and many others. David has vast experience volunteering for Team Rubicon, Bridges to Community, NYC Medics, Society for Hospital and Resources Exchange, Town of Newburgh Ethics committee, American Heart Association and serves as an Elder for the Presbyterian Church. David is deserving of being recognized for his EMS Leadership.
EMS Person of Excellence ALS
To an individual member in good standing or a member of a member organization in good standing with NYSVARA who has provided an exceptional contribution(s) to the EMS field and/or an EMS agency or system, through demonstrated dedication, professional behavior, initiative and/or special services.
Name of Nominee:
Christopher Benson
Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance
District 4
EMS Background:
Youth Squad member of GOVAC to adult member, EMT To Paramedic
Reason for Award Nomination:
Chris has been a leader since joining Glen Oaks VAC as a Youth Squad member more than 15 years ago. He lead the YS Drill Team (including participating in the team at Pulse Check), More recently Chris assumed the role of Training Committee Chair at GOVAC (Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance) Most significantly, over the past 18 + months, Chris, working with the Medical Director, Chief of Operations and the Training Chair, accelerated GOVAC’s Project to move to an ALS level of service. He took on the role of ALS Coordinator and was a leader in the development of the necessary SOP’s Controlled Substance Policies, Hospital Facilities and Medical Control Agreements.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
From his initial contact in EMS, Chris showed that he wanted to make EMS a home. He provides quality ALS patient contact and has passion for the field of prehospital service. While Chris holds down a Law Enforcement career, he also finds time to continue to provide ALS care at Glen Oaks VAC and Rockland Paramedics. He spends his down time with his wife, daughter, family and friends.
EMS Person of Excellence BLS
To an individual member in good standing or a member of a member organization in good standing with NYSVARA who has provided an exceptional contribution(s) to the EMS field and/or an EMS agency or system, through demonstrated dedication, professional behavior, initiative and/or special services.
Name of Nominee:
Dave Meketansky
Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance Corps
District 18
EMS Background:
Dave started as a volunteer with GOVAC over 10 years ago.
Reason for Award Nomination:
After becoming certified as an EMT, Dave quickly found himself on the ambulance and soon after began taking the lead on calls. Dave soon became involved in training at the agency and taking on other committee roles to help the operations of the corps. For the last few years, while still consistently providing patient care on the ambulance, Dave has also served as the agencies Treasurer and Chairmen of the Board of Directors. Throughout the ongoing COVID pandemic and into 2021, Dave has been instrumental in the agencies responses to, and treatment of, patients in our area. Dave consistently picked up extra shifts and gave up much of his own time to serve. Dave was also instrumental in the set up and coverage of the vaccination sites set up throughout the city, all while attending nursing school. Dave has been an integral part in the integration of the volunteer sector into the 911 system over the last years, helping to provide relief to our incredibly overworked providers already in the system. In coordinating with both regional districts of the NYSVARA, Dave has helped ensure that the volunteer resources in the city have been able to help their city as much as possible.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
Dave has held various positions in the agency and each position has not been taken lightly. Dave puts his everything into every endeavor he undertakes, on the local level at GOVAC and on the state level as the treasurer of NYSVARA. Dave has managed to balance, EMS, Nursing School and home and excels in every aspect.
EMS Youth Squad of Excellence
To a Youth Squad of a member organization for performing outstanding services to their local squad, community or NYSVARA.
Name of Nominee:
BAY SHORE BRIGHTWATERS RESCUE AMBULANCE - YOUTH SQUAD
District 7
EMS Background:
The Youth Squad’s Directors and Advisors work on preparing the students to help navigate through life gain a basic skill set in the medical field and realize what it is like to be an intricate part of a team. These teenagers volunteer their time to bring a positive and fresh aspect to the communities of Bay Shore and Brighwaters. The Youth Squad members begin the program in January. This program meets every Saturday from January to October with additional classes during the Summer to prepare for an EMS competition that takes place in September. The students are learning basic Emergency Medical Technician skills including the mandatory classes like every Fire and EMS department like Harassment and CPR, emergency medication protocols, medical and trauma assessment and care of the patient: while they are also learning the basic governmental skills and Roberts Rules.
Reason for Award Nomination:
This Youth Squad Program has a great community presence that can be seen throughout the year. The Bay Shore Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance’s Youth Squad has a presence on the streets within their community. They work with the local churches and businesses during the summer street fairs. The Squad breaks up into teams with One half helping the businesses with whatever help they need: they work the popcorn machine, making balloon animals, the bounce house and handing out flyers. While the other half stayed with the ambulance, worked in recruitment and instructed a station for basic first aid and hands only CPR. There are many events where these students showcase their skills with what they have learnt over the years. The students have been to various camps in our district to mentor the elementary aged campers on the ambulance and Multi-casualty Incident (MCI) truck. They help campers understand what happens during an ambulance transfer and what the EMT’s are looking for them to do if they are in an accident or sick. They also show the vehicles and equipment to campers in hope that when they are older they will also become a Youth Squad Member. The goal for this event is to help the children understand about EMS and maybe gain a spark of light for a future Youth Squad member.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
The youth squad does take breaks when asked by the senior department to have a little fun. They were a big part of a couple of multi-tiered and multi-organizational (dispatch, police, fire, EMS and local hospitals) MCI training drills. The youth squad had opportunities to be victims, observers and command the EMS efforts at a training scene. The departments of the Town of Islip collaborated in putting together a Multi-casualty incident (MCI) with a school bus and car. The Youth Squad were patients and victims during this drill. The students were there to learn as well as help out as victims for the senior agencies. When the debriefing happened from the senior staff they were able to give very descript reviews coming from the victim/patient’s side. They were able to use the knowledge they gained during class to help the senior members learn while they also learnt. They were able to participate in the discussion about the training scene and care. They were giving both positive and negative aspects of the training scene and what they witnessed as a victim of this scene. During the training year they have also completed other MCI drills. Including an active shooter drill held in the confines of their home corp. Training with several other New York State Fire and EMS departments on a hotel hostage, active shooter and MCI drill in Westchester, NY. The Youth Squad is talking about hosting an MCI drill for the youth squads in the Long Island Region or as far as a youth squad team is willing to travel. The talks have slowed do to the COVID up and down status but if numbers keep going down you will see that in the near future. Formal classes end in October but they are not done with the community help. They normally end their training year with a food drive for some of the community families. They worked very hard during the Holiday food drive for the last 4 years. The students spent many hours at local grocery stores gathering enough food to supply families of more than 5 members with about 2 weeks’ worth of food. With the use of social media and good old fashioned word of mouth they were able to gather so much extra food that donations to the local pantries also benefited greatly. The hope of the students was to be able to take the burden of some of the food off the parents; maybe the families will have a little bit of a better Christmas. The students geared the food to the ages of the children in the family, including baby food where needed. They collected enough food to fill the back of a large box ambulance, there were a total of 30 boxes each weighing between 25 and 45 pounds and donated to over 2 dozen families, and had about 40 pounds of food left over for the local food pantries. The effect of the Youth Squad to the Community does not stop at the food drive. Also during the holiday season the Youth Squad participated in the Santa run. This is the time when Santa is placed on the ambulances and is driven around to deliver good cheer to all. Prior to the Santa run, the students gathered donated small toys so they are able to hand them out to the children. The students handed out about 8 large boxes of little toys and many candy canes per ambulance. This run has a total of 3 ambulances running the whole district. The senior staff is especially proud of the dedication of the youth squad during the COVID time. They kept positive attitudes when classes were canceled, they looked to learn over the internet and succeed in learning while home. The true goal of Youth Squad is to help them prepare for the future. The weekly classes not only teach them a class subject but it also teaches them leadership, and responsibility. They elect an executive board and are given the job requirements to successfully complete that position.
EMS Youth Squad Member of Excellence
To an individual member of a member organizations youth squad who has performed outstanding service to their local squad, community or NYSVARA while maintaining their school curriculum.
Name of Nominee:
Stella Reagan
Bay Shore Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance - Youth Squad
District 7
EMS Background:
Interested in Medicine but too young to join the regular roles of an EMS agency, Stella Reagan joined BSBRA’S Youth Squad in December, 2019. A natural leader, she quickly rose through the ranks and has held the ranks of Youth Squad Vice President and Youth Squad President. Currently, Stella is captain for our competition team and a student member of our parent agency, BSBRA.
Reason for Award Nomination:
Stella has continuously stepped up to assist and keep our Youth Squad together despite a global pandemic and significant leadership change. During COVID, Stella worked with agency leadership to continue classes in the same remote platform as local High Schools and consistency helped advisors through technology challenges. This bridged technology gaps and allowed for instruction to continue despite COVID restrictions. After COVID Restrictions loosened, Stella assisted in transitioning the classroom back to active hands on learning despite protocols. In the first post COVID YS Election- students nominated Stella as President with a unanimous vote. This is a position in which she has taken extremely seriously. A new face to our leadership circles, Stella gained vast knowledge quickly and navigated many challenges with ease. I can truly say, it has been an absolute pleasure watching her grow into the leader she is today. In recent months, Stella has continued to maintain group cohesiveness, organizing competition teams and by keeping her peers accountable for homework. Every week, I watch as she goes above and beyond to support struggling members. She truly exemplifies the definition of a leader and understands the importance of teamwork, by consistently raising others.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
During a dramatic change in leadership, Stella stepped up to be a source of stability and led a smooth transition within this youth group. Stella was a right hand person- always lending a hand regardless of the need. She assisted significantly in all fundraisers and community outreach programs ensuring their success. In addition, she addressed curriculum gaps and voiced important opinions on training. Stella is a strong leader in our Youth Squad and I cannot see that changing as she rises through the ranks of our adult membership. As a Student member, Stella currently is enrolled in an EMT-B course starting in the fall. As a strong provider, and bright young lady, I see her thriving in that role. More importantly, her caring and compassionate nature will set her apart from her peers. This is shown in her call scenarios but more importantly in how she communicates and mentors her fellow Youth Squad peers. Stella Reagan is a force to be reckoned with, and we cannot wait to see where her hard work, determination and dedication take her. BSBRA is extremely lucky to have her as a member and nominate her for NYSVARA’s Youth Member of the Year without reservation.
EMS Communications Specialist of Excellence
To an individual who is employed or volunteer with an organized dispatch center in the State of New York and has shown dedication, responsibility, professional behavior, ingenuity, special skills and an insight to pre-hospital communications. Contribution must have some particular impact on or relationship to the non-profit EMS sector including member organizations of NYSVARA.
Persons Nominated:
Troy Spong,
Kevin Husslinger,
and Christopher Dillon (RCSCD)
Peter Mair
and Kyle Lynch (RPDC)
Name of Organization:
Rockland County Sheriffs Communications Division (RCSCD)
The Ramapo Police Department Communications (RPDC)
District 1
EMS Background:
The position of Communications Specialist is truly the FIRST first responder and the 1st link in the chain of Emergency Services. The men and women who do this job everyday do it by sound and instinct. They seldom have follow up and most often have no closure. Their shifts can be complete chaos from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they walk out OR the most uneventful day of their career. They are the most under recognized link in the chain. All of the nominated parties have CPR and EMS certifications required for their jobs
Reason for Award Nomination:
Although the 5-gentleman mentioned are great at what they do, one call sets them above the rest in 2021. On March 23, 2021 a call was placed for smoke showing at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults. As the 1st police officer arrived, he notified dispatch that there was heavy smoke and fire showing, and he was not sure if the building was evacuated. Rockland County has a dual level dispatch system, so the FD was dispatched by the Sheriffs Communications and EMS was dispatched by Ramapo PD. Many moving parts became crucial during this Fire. Multiple fire departments were dispatched; EMS arrived and requested multiple EMS agencies. While the 3 dispatchers from the RCSCD were working on the needs of the fire dept.-shutting down gas/electric, dispatching mutual aid FD's, calling out for air pack refills, notifying the County Executive, the building inspector, and every other need for THIS fire, they were also managing dispatch for 2 EMS agencies, the State Police dispatch and monitoring the P'D's in the county of Rockland and their needs as well as dispatching other FD's to fires in their areas. RPDC was addressing the needs of their community as well as organizing the Mutual Aid Ambulances being called into the fire scene. EMS agencies came from Rockland, Westchester, Orange and New Jersey. Maintaining communications with the command post and coordinating efforts with the fire service for best/safest access. MOST NOTABLE to this fire was in the VERY EARLY stage of the scene, while the fire fighters were evacuating patients, there was a firematic mayday called from a firefighter inside the building-that call was heard twice. Raging flames, heavy smoke and the inability to get back to the exact location he was last seen, this night a Spring Valley Firefighter gave his life saving others. The direction this fire took along with the helpless feeling of 5 men on the other side of the microphone unable to do more than the AMAZING JOB they were already doing makes THEM the perfect candidates for this award. They will all with humble tone tell you "They were just doing their job" however at the end of this nightmare; all five men lost a brother fire fighter- a friend. They all managed the expectations of their jobs and superseded ANYONES expectations that night.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
Day to day, these 5 men do their job protecting EMS, Fire and Police. They go to work with no expectations and hope that the end of the day everyone goes home safe. THIS DAY WAS DIFFERENT.
Registered Nurse of Excellence
To a New York State licensed Registered Professional Nurse, serving in the EMS System. To be eligible an individual must have made contributions to the EMS community and show dedication, responsibility, professional behavior, ingenuity, special skills and insight to the pre-hospital environment. Contribution must have some particular impact on or relation to the non-profit EMS sector including member organizations of NYSVARA.
Name of Nominee:
Brenda Taylor
Montefiore St. Lukes Cornwall Hospital
District 5
Reason for Award Nomination:
Brenda is an experienced RN that has been with St. Luke's for the last 13 years. She is not only knowledgeable in adult patients but in pediatrics as well. Following taking the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), she is even more qualified to handle the trauma patients that are brought into their trauma center each day. In addition, she is certified in Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC), which better prepares her to handle any incoming pediatric patients their ED receives. Brenda is a nurse everyone wants to bring their patients to in the Emergency Department. She's quick to approach for a report with a smile on her face every day. EMS being a limited resource in the county, having a quick turnaround time in the Emergency Department is very important to most departments. Brenda does her best with each and every patient she takes to ensure a smooth and quick transition. Brenda is truly an exemplary nurse and should be recognized for always going above and beyond to ensure every one of her patients receives the best care possible.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
My reasons for nominating Brenda have not changed; however, her impact on the EMS community has only grown from last year. Brenda is now spearheading the start of a critical incident stress management (CISM) team in our county. This was a vision she and I spoke about when I discussed her original nomination and as I expected she has been nothing but active and vocal on this topic since. I believe in 2022, she and her committee will be having meetings to get this group organized and functional. The goal is to serve not only the emergency services community (EMS, FD, PD & 911) but our hospital family as well (Tech's, Nurses, Physicians, etc.). I could not be more proud to know Brenda as not only a provider but a friend as well and I commend her for all of her work for our community.
Emergency Medical Physician of Excellence
To an individual who must be licensed in their title and shall be a contributor to the EMS community, show dedication, responsibility, professional behavior, ingenuity, special skills and insight to the pre-hospital setting, having a particular impact on one or more organizational members of NYSVARA.
Name of Nominee:
Dr. Irina Gelman
Commissioner of Health
Orange County Department of Health
District 5
Reason for Award Nomination:
Dr. Irina Gelman has been an integral part of this county throughout this pandemic. Although Public Health and Emergency Services co-exist, they do not usually overlap as much as we saw in the past two years. Dr. Gelman worked tirelessly to ensure each and every provider in the emergency services community who wanted the COVID vaccine had access to it. From holding vaccination sites in the early morning or late at night, from the eastern tip of the county in Newburgh to the west side in Port Jervis; it was accessible to everyone. She made an appearance at each POD the county held and even worked various roles, sometimes giving the vaccines herself when others needed a lunch break. She became an essential member of the Emergency Management Team along with several other members of the health department.
Contribution to/impact on EMS:
Dr. Gelman put first responders first during this pandemic. During one of our first planning meetings back in January of 2021, I remember her expressing the fact that if we don't protect our first responders now, we will have no one to send when this gets worse. She held true to that statement ensuring each and every one of us had access regardless of which phase of vaccination we were in. The front doors could have been flooded with civilians, but emergency services were always her priority.