EMS program draws more than 120 personnel

March 20, 2018

EMS program draws more than 120 personnel

Dr. John Pate, EMS medical director, addresses the crowd at the 31st annual EMS Program on Tuesday, March 13.

More than 120 personnel from local fire, rescue, police and sheriff’s departments attended Tri-County Health Care’s 31st annual Emergency Medical Service (EMS) program. The event was held on Tuesday, March 13, at M State in Wadena. The theme was planning for the future.

Jeremy Wolfenbarger, EMT, and Renee Miller, paramedic, give John Pate, M.D., an appreciation gift to thank him for his services as EMS medical director.

Kirk Hughes, RN, gives a presentation about the opioid epidemic at the 31st annual EMS Program on Tuesday, March 13.

This annual event includes education, networking and recognition of outstanding efforts from area emergency medical responders, law enforcement and emergency dispatch centers. “Our area emergency medical responder groups, law enforcement and EMS providers already offer great service to our area residents,” said Mike Ittner, EMS manager. “Each department will be able to use this education to enhance their ability to provide unmatched customer service.”

Kirk Hughes, RN, gave a presentation on the opioid crisis, including identification and treatment of potential overdose victims. Rob Pearson, NRP, spoke on the science of stress training and hemorrhage control with methods consistent with the nationwide Stop the Bleed campaign. Tri-County EMS has been a part of this program since the summer of 2017.

Several awards were presented to area personnel. The Star of Life award is given to emergency personnel for making a noteworthy contribution to efforts that resulted in saving a life. Recipients include:

Renee Miller
Dave Cuppy
Dustin Crider
John Pate
Shelby Koep
Adam Shamp
Chris Hammer
Sharon Heinen
Chad Olson
Troy Wangsness
Milo Scott
Lance Uselman
Kurt Manselle
Cole Lugert
Heather Warren
Jeff Hulse
Jason Hofer
Angel Wolf

Outstanding Performance of Duty (Individual):

Jeremy Wolfenbarger (10 years)
Renee Miller
Richie Rexach
Dave Cuppy

Outstanding Performance of Duty (Department):

Menahga Police/Fire and First Response
Sebeka Police/Fire and Rescue
Verndale Police/Fire and Rescue
New York Mills Police/First Response and Rescue
Wadena Police
Wadena County Sheriff’s Department/Dispatch
Todd County Sheriff’s Department/Dispatch
Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Department/Dispatch
North Memorial Ambulance – Park Rapids (outstanding assistance)

EMS night is sponsored by Tri-County Health Care EMS and Central Minnesota EMS Region.

ABOUT TRI-COUNTY HEALTH CARE

Tri-County Health Care is a private, not-for-profit health care system located in Wadena, Minnesota. It offers care services such as minimally invasive surgery, cancer care, diagnostic imaging, obstetrics and rehabilitation. Tri-County operates a 25-bed hospital and medical clinic in Wadena, as well as six satellite clinics and three physical therapy clinics across Todd, Wadena and Otter Tail counties. Satellite clinic locations include Henning, Bertha, Ottertail, Sebeka, Verndale and Baxter. Visit TCHC.org.

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