Mount Nittany Health and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) are pleased to recognize May 19-25, 2024, as National EMS Week.
This week is a special one for our entire community and the theme this year is, “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future.” Our EMS team dedicates themselves to serving our community in times of crisis, and their hard work and compassion deserve our deepest gratitude.
To show our appreciation for the amazing EMS team, several events will take place throughout the week. At the entrance to the Emergency Department, there are delicious food donations from various local vendors to fuel our amazing EMS staff.
On Thursday, May 23rd, the annual breakfast, renamed the “Rich Kelley Memorial Breakfast,” was held at the EMS garage. During the breakfast, local first responder units from Centre LifeLink EMS, Penn State EMS, Moshannon Valley EMS, Bellefonte EMS, Geisinger Life Flight, and other local EMS organizations came together to enjoy a delicious meal of pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, juice, and coffee while remembering the service and dedication of Rich.
“I am so proud of what our EMS team accomplishes each day,” said Chris Hockenberry, NREMT-P, EMS Supervisor and Education Coordinator, Mount Nittany Health. “Losing Rich was a huge loss for the community and our team. I want to recognize the entire EMS team for their dedication and commitment to excellence in serving Centre County and beyond, even during some of the toughest times.”
Emergency responders are often the first ones on the scene, trained to assist in medical crisis situations. They play a vital role in providing urgent care to individuals facing medical emergencies, accidents, and traumatic events. These dedicated professionals are trained to assess and stabilize patients on the scene, administering lifesaving interventions, and initiating necessary treatments. They possess the skills, knowledge, and compassion necessary to make a significant difference in the lives of those who require immediate medical care. They also help provide patient transportation to different facilities for those requiring additional medical care.
This week and every week, we are so grateful for our incredible team of emergency services professionals, the compassionate care they provide, and for their contributions to our mission of “Healthier people, stronger community.”