State EMS awards recognize excellence across Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine - The annual State EMS awards will take place at the State House today at 2 p.m.

Among those being honored is the former director of Maine's EMS, Jay Bradshaw of Belgrade, who retired last year after 28 years of service. A number of other EMS providers will also be singled out for their contributions to the emergency medical services field in Maine.

The Hall of Flags ceremony will last about an hour. Following the awards presentation there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Maine EMS Memorial & Education Site adjacent to the State House. The ceremony will include reading of the names of the eight Maine EMS providers who have died in the line of duty. The most recent was Peter Larlee of East Millinocket, who died of a heart attack following an emergency call on March 2, 2016.

Maine EMS Individual Award Recipients and the narratives of their award presentation

Governor's Award - For exceptional contribution to the EMS system at the state, national, or system-wide level; with contributions in multiple areas of EMS.

Jay Bradshaw, Belgrade - Belgrade was licensed in 1983 as an EMT. Jay came to Maine EMS as a Paramedic and Service Director and served a total of 28 years in state service, the majority as Director of Maine EMS. Jay retired last fall.

As Director with an eye for detail and long term planning Belgrade led the State's EMS system through significant changes and growth. This growth was accomplished while maintaining sight of the core functions of the EMS system, and ensuring consistently high standards were met. Some of the projects that Belgrade supported and in some cases led were the implementation of Training Center Standards allowing for the first non-Regional Training Centers to be formed, Community Paramedicine which will hopefully lead to improved patient care and lower admission rates, the implementation of the Paramedic Interfacility Transport system thereby increasing the care that could be provided during interfacility transport.

On the National level, Jay Belgrade put Maine EMS on the map as an example of what an EMS system could accomplish through professional collaboration. I can only surmise it was his inner pride in our system and unwavering integrity that made it possible for him to accomplish so much and withstand the political pressures for his duration as Director.

Excellence in EMS - For contribution to the EMS system at the regional and/or state level and demonstrated involvement and significant contributions in one or more areas of EMS.

Scott Bragdon, Advanced EMT, Corinth - Providing EMS in Corinth since 2002, Chief Bragdon has worked tirelessly to assure excellence in EMS and establish seamless working relationships between services in the area. Traditionally, the Corinth Fire Department was the original provider of EMS services in town, and did so with a 100% volunteer base for many years. Because this sizable rural community sits half way between Bangor, and Dover-Foxcroft (and it's about 20 miles to either), there existed a clear need for emergency services to be locally based. Unfortunately, in 2002, demand for services exceeded the supply of available volunteers, and the ambulance service folded. Not long after, Scott Bragdon was hired as the town's first full-time fire chief, and under his leadership, EMS in the Corinth Fire Department was resurrected.

Lori Metayer, Paramedic-RN Maine EMS Board Member, Lisbon Falls - Lori has guided Life Flight as a manager of the Lewiston Base. Life Flight is one of the nation's premier air transport services. Lori has given countless volunteer hours to Lisbon Emergency for education, QA/QI, and ambulance time. Metaver works with Doctors Without Borders extending her reach beyond the State of Maine. No matter what service a provider works for, Lori has always made time to answer their questions.

EMS Lifetime Achievement Awards - For involvement with EMS in Maine for at least 10 years, consistently performing above and beyond expectations in system development, patient care, service involvement, and/or community involvement.

Norm Dinerman, MD, Bangor - In 1998 Dr. Dinerman became the original Medical Director of LifeFlight of Maine following a medical career in Denver CO. In 2006 Norm became the Medical Director for all of Critical Care Transport at EMMC with responsibilities for the Communications Center (MedComm), transport ground and air, the one call transfer center and bed management. In addition, Norm is the Medical Director of the EMMC Transfer Center, the Tele-health program and the Regional Health Care Partnership Provider Relations program at Eastern Maine Medical Center. As well, he is the Physician Advisor to the Emergency Medical Treatment Active Labor Act (EMTALA) compliance program. In these positions, he provides medical oversight of the system for transfer and transport of patients to Eastern Maine Medical Center and telemedicine activities.

Rebecca Chagrasulis, MD, Rumford - Dr. Chagrasulis has contributed to the success of Tri County EMS System in Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties. Her commitment to patients, EMS providers, Emergency Medicine Colleagues, her EMS Services, and Maine EMS has never wavered. It is hard to describe how much she has done for the Tri-County region. Becky is kind and hardworking, the voice of reason with a touch of humor even when things get heated. She provides excellent, thoughtful care to her patients and is diligent in maintaining her own expertise and advancing her knowledge. She has provided leadership for Maine EMS and Maine ACEP and despite her busy clinical work schedule, always made time to attend a chiefs meeting, do an in-service education for an EMS Service, meet with an EMS provider to review a case, serve as a PSE medical director and willing to be available to consult on any disputes even when she was not working.

Sylvia Hull, Paramedic, Sabattus - Sylvia has been in EMS for almost 30 years and only recently retired from the Portland Fire Department Medical Crisis Unit after 25 years of service. During her time with PFD, she was preceptor to many eager young paramedic students. Sylvia has been dedicated to education for many years, with a Master's Degree in education; she has been a driving force behind the careers of many EMTs and paramedics working in our state today.

Even in retirement, Sylvia can still be found climbing out of the back of an ambulance, whether it be for Sacopee Valley or Lisbon EMS.

Peg Frost, Paramedic, South Paris - With a lengthy career of over 38 years Peg will be retiring in June. With 29 nominations Peg was not a difficult choice for this award. Described as a "Rare Gem in EMS", Peg has always been willing to help out with new providers and students, community events and looking for new ways to advance EMS in Maine.

Merit Award - For contribution to the EMS system at the local or regional level in one or more areas of EMS.

Alfred Riel, MD, Lewiston - Since 1986, Dr. Riel has served EMS in Oxford, Franklin and Androscoggin counties with integrity, compassion and generosity. If you are ill or injured you want Dr. Riel to care for you. He is an outstanding clinician with superb critical thinking skills and a compassionate bedside manner that instills confidence. He is a lifelong learner who continues to seek new knowledge and evolve his practice. His generosity of spirit benefits not just his patients, but his emergency department staff, EMS providers and EMS services. Dr Riel has been a member of the Tri-County EMS Regional Council for more than 25 years. As the medical director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Rumford Hospital he consistently attends our regional council meetings as well as our regional quality council meetings, providing both his clinical and administrative expertise. Dr. Riel also serves as the medical director for Med-Care Ambulance and truly provides medical oversight and quality review. He has been active with Med-Care for about 25 years. He is a strong advocate for EMS providers and has empathy for the challenging circumstances that EMS providers often operate under. Dr. Riel frequently goes on EMS ride-alongs, not to "supervise" but to keep in touch with the challenges of prehospital emergency medicine and the reality of the work. EMS providers are always made welcome in his department. They are encouraged to ask questions and dialogue and are always listened to in a respectful manner.

Toby Martin, Paramedic, Turner - Toby Martin is recognized by Maine EMS for the outstanding work with Turner Rescue where he served for several years. Recently he became Director of EMS in Wiscasset. . Just a few years ago, Turner Rescue, had a long standing reputation as an excellent EMS service but suffered a decline. Change in leadership and some unfortunate circumstances brought the service to a low point with the risk of closure. Toby was hired by the new town manager, took on this challenge and restored the service to its former highly regarded status. Under his leadership the service is in complete compliance, the quarters was renovated, staff morale has improved, talented providers have joined the service, the quality improvement program was reinvigorated and quality education is being provided. Not only was Toby able to set a new direction for Turner he assisted area services with their needs particularly in the area of sharing QI review, mutual aid and education. He has been able to nurture cooperative, collegial relationships with those services improving response times and care to the entire area.

Katelyn Damon, EMT, Islesford - Katelyn Joined Cranberry Isles Rescue at a time when there was only two providers on the roster, both over 60 and only on the island for half the year. Within a year she had recruited seven young persons from the community and surrounding islands, organized an EMT class on the island and shepherded all of them through the course and the testing process. Through her leadership the service has continued to grow with new members and expanded training opportunities for its members.

Matthew Leach, Paramedic, Alfred - Kennebunkport EMS, as an organization, would not be where they are today without the dedication and guidance of Matthew Leach. As a volunteer since 2004, then as a per diem Paramedic, Leach was promoted to the Administrator Position in 2010, where his progressive vision allowed the service to grow and flourish.

Paul Magoon, EMT, Harmony - As a member of Harmony Ambulance since 1975, Paul has been continuously responding to EMS calls. He has worn all the hats there are in a service. Paul is also a member of the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department for over 41 years. Paul regularly devotes his time to Maine Search and Rescue Dogs, currently with his third dog and has been active with the organization for over 15 years.

rauma System Hospital of the Year - Mount Desert Island Hospital - Selected for their involvement in the local and regional EMS system and their commitment to providing high quality trauma training for their staff.

HeartSafe Communities

Award levels are based on community education and availability of CPR and AEDs, pre-arrival emergency medical instructions provided by dispatchers, paramedic availability, and advanced cardiac monitoring capability. The following sites are Gold Category sites

• Falmouth Fire-EMS
• Windham Fire & Rescue
• Naples Fire Rescue
• Boothbay Region Ambulance Service