Pictured L-R: SGMC EMS Chief Tim Brogdon, Paramedic of the Year Jeremy Norman, Rookie of the Year Beth Merrill, Assistant Administrator for Ancillary Services George Hardy, and Administrator Randy Sauls pose for photographs after the ceremony commemorating EMS Week. Norman and Merrill were selected by their peers for demonstrating leadership and an outstanding commitment to patient care. SGMC’s Emergency Medical Service Employees HonoredSouth Georgia Medical Center’s Mobile Health Care Services (EMS) recently hosted its annual Emergency Medical Service recognition and awards banquet to commemorate National Emergency Medical Services Week. Held annually during the third week of May, this year’s theme is “Anytime, Anywhere.”During the ceremony, which was held at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, SGMC’s medics were recognized for their commitment to the profession, patients and the community. SGMC Administrator Randy Sauls welcomed the group and thanked them for their selfless service. “You are better trained and better resourced than any generation who came before you,” Sauls said. “Lives are saved every day because of the care you render.”During the ceremony, two coveted awards were presented. This year, the “Paramedic of the Year” award was presented to Assistant Chief Jeremy Norman. According to EMS Chief Tim Brogdon, Norman is credited with the successful implementation of PCR, the electronic patient condition report which is part of SGMC’s conversion to electronic medical records. Brogdon said, “This was a huge undertaking and without Assistant Chief Norman’s guidance and leadership, it wouldn’t have been accomplished.” The “Rookie of the Year” award is given to an outstanding paramedic who has been with EMS for 12 months or less. Beth Merrill was recognized as the “Rookie of the Year” for 2011. “In the many years I have been doing this, Beth Merrill received more nominations from her peers than we have ever received before,” Brogdon said. “All the other medics want to work with Beth because of her work ethic and positive attitude.”Both awards are peer-based with nominations being reviewed by previous “Paramedic of the Year” recipients. This group votes on the nominations and submits the ballots to the chief to be tabulated, and the nominee with the most votes wins the award. Additionally, Dr. Bill Cross, the medical director of Emergency Services presented each medic at the awards ceremony with an insulated drink container to show his appreciation for their service.South Georgia Medical Center’s Mobile HealthCare Services responds to over 12,000 transport calls annually. The pre-hospital care provided by the SGMC EMS team is a tremendous part of how SGMC works with the community to ensure the health and wellbeing of its citizens.
