EMS Chief Tim Brogdon receives a Lifetime Service Award from SGMC CEO Randy Sauls in recognition of Brogdon’s 40 years of service with SGMC’s EMS. South Georgia Medical Center honored its Mobile Healthcare Service with a 40th anniversary banquet on Tuesday, May 22 in celebration of National EMS Week. Over 100 community supporters and special guests from regional and state EMS offices were present at Mathis Auditorium for the event.The anniversary celebration was hosted by EMS Chief Tim Brogdon who thanked members of the Hospital Authority of Valdosta & Lowndes County, SGMC Administration and the Medical Staff for their commitment to offer the best in pre-hospital patient care. Six longtime physicians received special Lifetime Service Awards for their guidance and teaching during the past 40 years. Dr. Don Drury, a local anesthesiologist, was recognized for advocating and urging the state to allow paramedics to intubate patients who were found not breathing. When the practice was adopted, Drury used his skills as an anesthesiologist to teach the medics proper intubation techniques. South Health District Medical Director Dr. Bill Grow was also recognized for his longstanding support of EMS. As an internist at SGMC for over 30 years, Dr. Grow offered many hours of teaching to young paramedic students and provided in-service training to keep the medics up to par on various medical conditions. For helping to secure funding to establish an emergency medical service in Valdosta forty years ago, Internist Dr. Joe Stubbs was recognized for his commitment to EMS. Over the years, Dr. Stubbs has continued to be involved with teaching and program advocacy. Also receiving awards were Dr. Bill Gee, Dr. Jim Harrell and Dr. Jonathan Parrott. Dr. Bill Gee was recognized for teaching and mentoring medics in the early years before EMS programs were formalized at Georgia’s technical colleges. Both Dr. Harrell and Dr. Parrott were recognized as long-time volunteer medical directors for EMS. Brogdon also recognized his staff– the men and women of EMS who are on the front lines providing emergency care 24-7. In the 40-year history of the service, Brogdon says that 375 EMTs and paramedics have worked for SGMC. Two medics, George Spencer and Robert Mitchell, were recognized for their recent retirement from EMS with over 35 years of service. Brogdon also awarded plaques honoring the Medic and Rookie of the Year. Paramedic Todd Daniel received the Medic of the Year award and Paramedic Andrew McKennie received the Rookie of the Year award. These awards are peer-based and nominees are chosen by the EMS staff. The Paramedic of the Year award is bestowed on a veteran paramedic, the Rookie designation is bestowed on someone who has worked for the EMS service less than 15 months.Brogdon also recognized eleven members of MHCS for receiving regional “Life-Saver” awards. These awards are administered by the Southwest Georgia EMS Council and are awarded to paramedics who successfully revive a patient who is found not breathing and without a pulse. “The pre-hospital care provided by EMS helps to ensure the health of all citizens in our community,” said SGMC CEO Randy Sauls. “Many times, our paramedics and EMTs sacrifice their own safety and comfort to go into risky and dangerous situations to make sure south Georgians have the best medical care possible. We are a better community because of their commitment, service and sacrifice.”Concluding the night’s celebration, Chief Brogdon was surprised with his own Lifetime Service Award. Presented by CEO Sauls, Brogdon was recognized for 40 years of service, including being one of the longest serving EMS directors in the state with 38 years of service.
