This week, healthcare’s first responders comprised of dispatchers, paramedics, and EMTs are being celebrated as part of National EMS Week.  President Gerald Ford authorized the weeklong celebration in 1974 to recognize and celebrate EMS practitioners and the vital work they do in our nation’s communities.

These past 15 months have been exhausting and stressful for EMS workers who found themselves on the frontline of the pandemic in addition to continuing to respond to routine 9-1-1 requests for medical aid.  Many were impacted by COVID-19 in their personal lives yet remained focused on tending to the needs of their community.

A weeklong celebration has provided welcome relief.  Locally, Hall Ambulance is taking the time to honor its personnel starting with an EMS Week television commercial airing on all three local stations, 50^th Anniversary T-shirts, and EMS Week lanyards.  Of course, what is a celebration without some delicious grub, so the Hall Ambulance crews were treated this week to breakfast burritos, sub-sandwiches, and ice cream.

FOUNDER’S DAY AWARDS – Employee of the Year Presentations 

On Wednesday, Hall Ambulance held a special 50^th Anniversary presentation of its Founder’s Day Awards to announce the Employees of the Year.  Several of this year’s recipients were allowed to invite their family members to take part in the celebration.

Congratulations:

Paramedic of the Year: Shane Courtis   

EMT of the Year: Michelle Gutierrez

Paramedic Field Supervisor of the Year: Steve Prater

Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year: Sylvia Ricks

Hall CCT Employee of the Year: Heidi Hamstreet

Preceptor of the Year: Tim Salazar

FTO of the Year: Elliott Smith

Ambulance Division Support Employee of the Year: Rochelle Pate

Supply Division Employee of the Year: Glenn Dresser

Finance Department Employee of the Year: Mary Talbot

Human Resources Employee of the Year: Beth Cornell

Business Office Employee of the Year: Dewi Adams

Hall Commercial Vehicle Service Employee of the Year: Fred Bernal

Maintenance Division Employee of the Year: Scott Benskin

In addition, the following special presentations were made:

President’s Award for Customer Service: Al Heninger

Founder’s Award for Management Excellence: Terry Adams

The HLH Standards Award for Upholding Our Founder’s Ideals of Care, Compassion & Community: John Surface

Lifetime Achievement Award: Mary Kenny

Founded in 1971, by Harvey L. Hall, Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. is the 9-1-1 paramedic provider for 88% of Kern County, California’s population.  Hall Critical Care Transport provides both ground and air regional interfacility transportation solutions.