National EMS Week Celebrated Here

From May 21 to May 27, Emergency Management Services across the states were recognized and celebrated for the 49th Annual National EMS Week. President Gerald Ford established National EMS Week in 1974 with the help of the American College of Emergency Physicians. The theme for 2023 was EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins. Grant County EMS celebrated by hosting an ice cream social on May 25 which was sponsored by KS-Barrios Construction. The station served cold treats to several families from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. On May 26, Grant County EMS hosted the Chamber Coffee with Paramedic Director Jeff Baier leading the weekly gathering. Baier announced an advanced EMT course will be held in January 2024. American Medical Technologist Robert Stamey explained the course further, “It will be a five month course for those already EMT certified. The first part is going over EMT parts they’ve already learned but the second part is going to be pretty intense.” At the completion of the course, Baier anticipates a “better, more steady service” to be provided to the community. Baier is one of 15 dedicated members of Grant County’s Emergency Medical Services, with ten part-time and five full-time. Working alongside Baier are John Crosby (American Medical Technologist (AMT), Barb Groomer (Paramedic), Jose Aguero (Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Ken Groomer (EMT), Kira Galloway (AMT), Mark Pata (Paramedic), Paul Fort (Paramedic), Robert Stamey (AMT), Robyn McKown (Paramedic), Shawn Galloway (EMT), Terry Crosby (Paramedic), Sadie Wilson (EMT), Aaron William (EMT), and Karen Rodriguez (Office Manager). For those interested in joining the Grant County EMS division, contact Jeff Baier at j.baier@gtcoems.com or call 620-356-3400.