Dozens of first responders were recognized for saving lives in San Benito County this week as part of EMS week, including one citizen hero. The San Benito County Board of supervisors declared May 19-25 as EMS Week with May 22 as EMS Children’s Day.
Marci Morrow, the emergency medical services coordinator for San Benito County, said the national 2013 theme is “EMS: One Mission. One Team.”
“This statement was chosen to reflect the fact that our EMS providers are a dedicated team of professionals who selflessly save lives and limit suffering on a daily basis,” she said during Tuesday’s supervisor’s meeting.
Supervisor Robert Rivas acknowledged some of the team members who are involved as he read a portion of a proclamation given to Morrow at the meeting.
“It consists of physicians, nurses, first responders and EMTs,” he said. “It includes educators, administrators and others. I want to recognize the personnel we have here and think of events not only in SBC but across the country. We owe them so much for what they give.”
At the meeting, Morrow recognized several teams of responders who came to the aid of residents in the last year, asking those present to stand at their seat in the supervisors’ chambers for recognition.
The first team recognized responded to a 46-year-old male who was choking. The members or the team included;
• Santa Cruz Rregional 911- Public Safety Dispatcher Melody MacDonald
• County Fire- Fire Apparatus Engineer Michael Reimer and Fire Fighter Jody Geare
• American Medical Response- Paramedic Briana Lee and EMT Jimmy Holguin
• HHH- clerk Michele Kveck; RNs Steve Gallion and Trish Rovere; Dr. Paul Genstler
A second team responded to a 78-year-old female who had fallen and was unable to get up. The team included a citizen hero who was the first to realize the woman might need assistance. Elias Espinoza, of Jovenes de Antano, received a special EMS Hero Award for calling 911 when he realized the woman had not picked up her food from a previous delivery.
“Had it not been for his actions, she may not have survived,” Morrow said.
Those responding to the call included:
• SCR 911- Public Safety Dispatcher Dave Sumner
• Hollister Fire – Captain Jeff Granucci; Engineer Sean Olguin and Firefighter Vince Grewohl
• American Medical Response- Paramedic Mike Badano and EMT Chris White
• HHH- ER Tech Kelsey Jeffries; R.N Carolyn Yacovone; Dr. Kathy Corby
A third team responded to an accident involving an automobile and a 20-year-old male pedestrian. They included:
• SCR 911- Public Safety Dispatcher Melanie Sherwood
• County Fire- Fire Apparatus Engineer Armando Michalski and Fire Fighter Sammy Breazile
• American Medical Response- Paramedic Jarred Utzig and EMT Jennifer Guerrero
• Cal Star- Flight Crew Michelle Starbuck, Ashley Johnson and Pilot Paul Towell
The fourth team was recognized for saving the lives of three children who had been left at home when a fire broke out. Hollister Police Officers Carlos Rodriguez and David Anderson were in the neighborhood when they noticed the smoke. They notified other public safety agencies and removed the children from the building. Others involved included:
• SCR 911- Public Safety Dispatchers Jim Riccabona and Jody Boles
• County Fire- Fire Apparatus Engineer Josh Silveira and Fire Fighter II Jody Geare
• Hollister Fire- Mike O’Connor, now Fire chief, Engineer Wayne Thomas, Engineer Phil Rossi, Captain Kenny Melin, Engineer Sean Olguin, and Firefighter Vince Grewohl
The last team of EMS Heroes to be recognized came to the aid of a 55-year-old male choking victim. They included:
• SCR 911- Public Safety Dispatcher Mike Krakowiak
• Hollister Fire- Captain Tim Schneider, Engineer Jesse Vallejo and Firefighter William Olguin
• American Medical Response- Paramedic Mike Badano and EMT Carlos Ramirez
• HHH- Clerk Michele Kveck; RNs Maria Hernandez and Kristi Piccoli, and Dr. Sunao Gilbert
“We want to thank not only the 47 being singled out, but all of our first responders for their professionalism and service to the citizens of our county,” Morrow said.
Immediately following the supervisors meetings, those recognized adjourned to Hollister Fire Station 1 for a reception and certificate presentation.
As part of Emergency Medical Services Children’s Day, American Medical Response, Hollister fire and EMS agency staff members gathered at the farmers market Wednesday to teach Hands Only CPR.
