EMS program draws more than 120 personnel

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.

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.