Colonie EMT Receves Prestigious Award

Each year the American Legion Zaloga Post # 1520 gives out awards honoring those who serve the community. These awards are presented to police, fire and EMS. The 2010 EMS Provider of the Year was awarded to UPSEU Chief Shop Steward Dale Hebert. Dale was selected for many reasons and the writeup in the program says it all:

“Dale first became an EMT and volunteer member of colonie EMS in January 2000. He volunteered for EMS, worked full-time and was also an active firefighter for the Village of Colonie. As a firefighter, Dale rose through the ranks and became an Assistant Chief of  Fire Company. In 2003, Dale became one of the first paid EMTs in the EMS Department. Immediately, Dale began to have a positive influence on everyone around him. His sense of humor, compassion and most importantly, his example distinguishes him among his peers. He is relentlessly positive and his example sets a powerful tone for others. He also has a keen internal compass, always being able to keep an open mind and see the many sides on an issue. He has the ability to confront someone from administration about issues and at the same time maintain positive relations. Dale is a natural leader and he exemplifies the teamwork that makes emergency service a noble calling. He is always remembering his team members, taking care of others, being a positive role model and a problem solver. He is also a technically excellent EMT and a compassionate care giver. His file contains many kudos from patients about his compassion and care. He was part of a team of members who saved the life of a man stabbed in the heart. Dale is an EMT’s EMT. Everyone in the Colonie EMS knows that Dale is the ‘partner’  you want to have working with you.”

Dale is truly a person who has your back. We are all proud of him and honored to know him. Congratulations, Dale!

Colonie EMS Unit Receives International Award

Colonie Emergency Medical Services has received International recognition for their outstanding life saving performance.  The award is given by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.  The winner of the 2010 Heart Safe Community Award was selected from communities of 100,000 or less residents internationally.

Colonie EMS (NY) has been a pioneer in EMS and has paved the way for the 21st century EMS agencies.  Colonie EMT=s and Paramedics are a strong team oriented group that is commanded by i
nternationally known Chief Jonathan Politis.  A blend of seasoned medics along with an agency that set the bar high for itself is the reason for their success.

Colonie received this award based on some of the following results, which were all well above National survival rates:

•  Increased the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in cardiac arrest from 23- 41%

•  Improved our survival to discharge from 5-22%  (all presenting cardiac arrest rhythms)
  
•  Decreased our door to balloon time from an average of 88 minutes to 45 minutes
  
•  In 2009 had 14 patients survive to discharge from cardiac arrest
  
• 7/14 survivors were in VF/VT (44% survival from VF/VT)
  
• 7/14 survivors were in Anon-shockable@ rhythms.....AMAZING!!! 

Congratulations to all our brothers and sisters at the Town of Colonie EMS Department. All of you truly deserve this award. The 80,000 colonie residents are extremely fortunate to have these life savers protecting them! 

UPSEU EMS Division Coalition Workshop a Success!

The purpose of the 2010 EMS Coalition was to promote interaction between our EMS Division members and to initiate an aggressive, proactive campaign that addresses EMS worker issues.

Our guest speakers were REMO Medical Director Dr. Michael Dailey  and Town of Colonie EMS Chief Jonathan Politis.  Both speakers gave excellent presentations and perspectives on EMS past, present and future. Their experience and knowledge is unmatched in EMS.

The workshop also included a segment on EMS legislation, including pensions and occupational exposure protection.  We concluded with a roundtable discussion moderated by UPSEU EMS Division Coordinator Gary M. Favro.  There was great interaction and brainstorming amongst the members of our different EMS UPSEU units.

Special thanks to Gary M. Favro for putting  this workshop together.  EMS is on the move and together we will be able to make positive things happen.