(Salt Lake City, Utah) – The Utah
Department of Health (UDOH), Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and
Preparedness honored some of the valuable health care professionals whose
mission is saving lives, often in dangerous surroundings. Special recognition was
given in several different categories to responders who went above and beyond expectations
to save a life in critical situations.
The award for Outstanding
Performance in a Rural Emergency Medical Incident goes to those who responded
to a car accident that made national news. When officers from the Spanish Fork
Police Department, Spanish Fork Fire & Rescue and Spanish Fork Ambulance
arrived on a call involving an upside down car in the Spanish Fork River, they
were surprised to discover a live infant, hanging upside down still buckled in
her car seat. It’s estimated that 18 month old Lily Groesbeck was in the
vehicle for an incredible 14 hours. Five days after she was found, the little
girl was released from Primary Children’s Medical Center with no adverse
effects from the accident.
Roy City Fire and Rescue, Ambulance
32 and Rescue 31, Weber Fire District Engine 31, and Weber County Sheriff’s
Officers are honored for their response to a May auto accident in Hooper. A car
failed to stop at a stop sign, hit an SUV, causing the SUV to roll over. Eleven year old Brynnli Cherry was ejected
from the vehicle receiving obvious massive facial trauma. When crews arrived she
was being held by bystanders who were trying to comfort her. EMS personnel made
a quick decision to perform a delicate procedure to open her airway to assist
in helping her breathe. Brynnli’s injuries have required multiple surgeries,
and the physicians and providers who have treated her credit the surgical
airway and the actions of the EMS crew as the reasons why she’s alive today.
“Every day, certified EMS providers
in Utah demonstrate true dedication and bravery when they come to the aid of
others when they are in most need,” said Dr. Marc Babitz, Director of the
Division of Family Health and Preparedness, Utah Department of Health. Babitz
continued, “It’s one of the highlights of the year to have the opportunity to
thank them publicly and acknowledge their remarkable service.”
Additional awards were given for
paramedic of the year, EMT of the year, EMS emergency dispatcher of the year,
and special awards for EMS distinguished service and distinguished EMS for
Children Coordinator.
In Utah, in 2015, there are 10,923
certified paramedics and EMTs and 686 certified EMS dispatchers dealing with prehospital
emergency medical services. For a complete list of winners, visit the UDOH
Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness website at www.health.utah.gov/ems.
Media Contact:
Tamara Goodin
Emergency Medical Services Systems
Cell: (801) 230-2963
