May 19-25 marks the 50th Anniversary of EMS Week. This year’s theme, “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future,” reminds us to remember the pioneers from the proud history of EMS’s earliest days while continuing to support future advancements and the next generation of EMS professionals. SGMC Health proudly pays tribute to the dedicated professionals whose unwavering dedication and hard work contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of the communities we serve. At the heart of SGMC Health’s mission is its robust EMS program, which annually handles over 23,000 911 calls across Lowndes, Lanier, and Echols counties. These heroes not only respond to emergencies but also provide crucial non-emergency transportation services, facilitating over 5,000 transports each year to ensure patients receive the care they need.
According to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Randy Smith, “One of the defining strengths of our EMS program is its seamless integration with the broader healthcare system. EMS personnel are integral to the treatment process, adeptly identifying and responding to critical conditions such as trauma, cardiac events, and strokes. Their ability to rapidly assess and transport patients to appropriate medical facilities significantly enhances patient outcomes, reducing the risk of long-term disability or death.”
EMS Chief Emily Brown shared, “We recognize that our EMS team is the frontline of emergency care, and as our region and service area continues to grow, so too does our volume of requests. We’ve put together an enhanced benefit package to attract more talent to our growing program. Some of these benefits include an increased base-pay rate, $15,000 recruitment bonus, tuition reimbursement, and vast opportunities for education, training, and advancement.”
In addition to investing in its workforce, SGMC Health has made significant investments in technology to support EMS. All ambulances are equipped with power load stretcher systems, traffic preemption devices, and LUCAS devices, which deliver automated chest compressions.
“Our EMS covers the largest geographical area in the state of Georgia at more than 1,000 square miles,” shared Smith. “With this in mind, we are committed as an organization to support this team and the vital role they play in the health of our communities.”
As EMS Week unfolds, SGMC Health encourages the community to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of EMS professionals. Their relentless dedication not only saves lives but also enhances the quality of life in the communities they serve.
For more information about SGMC Health’s EMS program and its services, please visit sgmc.org.