2015 Spring MGA Newsletter

1 MGA Newsletter, 2015 Spring Issue

Mid Georgia Ambulance Newsletter Find more at www.midgeorgiaambulance.org

Newsletter 2015 Spring Issue

Empowering our Team Members MGA recently celebrated the launch of

three new educational programs including a

Paramedic program, as well as AEMT and EMT

courses. The courses kicked off in January and

are held on site at the Macon training center.

Open exclusively

to current MGA

associates, the

AEMT and Para-

medic courses are

uniquely designed

to meet the needs of the working EMS profes-

sional, empowering EMT’s to further their clini-

cal education.

Each class meets

once weekly on site and completes additional course

requirements through an online-course format. This

new program is made possible in part, through a part-

nership with Central Georgia Technical College and a

grant from the Community Health Foundation.

Interested in learning more? Visit the Community Edu-

cation page of the MGA website for details about requirements, class times

and application info.

Page 1

Empowerment

Through Education

Page 2

The 2015 Star of Life

Page 3

MGA in the Community

Page 4

Pike Co. Ghost Out

Page 5

Women in EMS Luncheon

Page 6

The Healthy Medic

Page 7

Highlights

Page 8

Honoring a Fallen Hero

In This Issue:

Empowering our Community

MGA recently provided Emergency Medi-

cal Response training in Seminole County.

The Seminole County Emergency Medical

Responder course graduated six students.

Due to the rural landscape of the area, the

citizens of Seminole County will now be

better served in a medical situation. Para-

medic Lane Kilpatrick served as the course

coordinator and Lead instructor, with help

from Paramedics and Instructors,

George Joiner and Jesse Griffin.

Pictured from left to right: Lane Kilpatrick, Course Coordinator Hank Bagwell, Seminole Sheriffs Office Jim Shingler, Seminole Sheriffs Office Tom Foster, Seminole Sheriffs Office

Jim Kincaid, Spring Creek Fire Dept. Stephen Starr, Spring Creek Fire Dept. Allen Todd, Donalsonville Fire Dept. George Joiner, Instructor



The 2015 Star of LifeThe 2015 Star of Life On February 2, MGA announced the 2015 Star of Life, Paramedic

Fairon Gibson. The announcement was made at the Zebulon station. As the

2015 MGA Star of Life, Fairon will represent Mid Georgia Ambulance at the

National Stars of Life Celebration in Washington, DC on April 12.

About Fairon:

Paramedic Fairon Gibson is both a talented clinician, as well as a dedi-

cated team member. Fairon began her EMS career working as a first respond-

er in rural Pike County, Georgia in 2003. Fairon later joined MGA in 2007 where

she worked part time, until becoming a full time MGA Paramedic in 2013.

Fairon is a dedicated and invested member of her community. A for-

mer member of the Concord Volunteer Fire Department, Fairon continually

goes above and beyond what is expected of her, investing 100% in her role as a medic. Over the course of her

career, Fairon has continually sought new and different challenges to further her knowledge and clinical skills. In

2010, Fairon travelled to Louisiana to offer medical aid after the oil spill. Fairon is currently involved in MGA as a

Field Training Officer as well as a member of the MGA Disaster Response Team.

Fairon’s MGA Operations Manager, Darrell Riggins says “Fairon consistently delivers excellent patient care

and is an advocate for her patients. She treats every patient as though they are her family and is truly invested in

the comfort and care of her patients. She is very well respected in the community and is constantly fine tuning her

skills.”

Fairon has been married to her husband, Joel Gibson, since 2006. Her hobbies include hunting, fishing and

spending time with her family.

A Few Minutes with Fairon:

Khaki & Blue News: What’s your favorite thing about being a medic?

Fairon: “The best thing about being a medic is the challenges that I'm faced with

daily, and making differences in people's lives.”

Khaki & Blue News: What stands out as your most memorable call/ situation on

the job?

Fairon: “A patient who had been in full cardiac arrest when EMS arrived, and by

the time we arrived at the emergency department the patient was thanking us

for saving his life.”

Khaki & Blue News: What advice or wisdom would you offer a young person who

is just beginning a career in EMS?

Fairon: “To make sure this is the career path they want and to make sure their

heart is in it 100%.”

Khaki & Blue News: What does the Star of Life mean to you?

Fairon: “I am honored beyond words and I couldn't have done it without the

crews I work with and the management I work for.”

Khaki & Blue News: Anything else you’d like to add?

Fairon: “Special thanks to my mother and father, Zaretta and Edwin Rodgers, for teaching me to chase my

dreams and never give up; my husband and the rest of the family for supporting me in my career. Special thanks

to Darrell Riggins for pushing me to continue further in my career that started as a first responder and continued to

a paramedic.”



Supporting our CommunitiesSupporting our Communities

Zebulon Opera-tions Manager, Darrell Riggins, visits Lamar County High School for Ca-reer Day.

Dispatcher Kelli Roland recently at-tended a health fair, where she pro-moted heart health for women, at Wesleyan College.

Corporate Compliance Officer, Kacy Keene, continues her BVB (Blondes vs. Brunettes) Alzheimer’s Association fundraising efforts by participating in community events throughout Macon. Kacy is seen here, with Mercer Football coach Bobby Lamb, participating in the Live from Wild Wing radio show (airs Thursday’s before mercer football games). In total, the BVB Macon cam-paign has raised $103,117.75 for Alzhei-mer’s research, out-shining BVB Cam-paigns in larger cities such as Atlanta ($34,000 raised), San Diego ($45,000.00 raised ) an DC ($110,000.00 raised).

MGA Upson County recently received a visit from the Upson County Cub Scouts.

Southside Baptist Church Women's Missionary Un-

ion wanted to let MGA Mitchell County know

how much they appreci-ated them by bringing

snacks for crews to enjoy in our down time. Pic-tured here: Paramedic

Jesse Griffin, Operations Manager Ann Rice and

Field Supervisor Johnny Russ.

...from the sidelines & on the front Dana Brown and James Register visit Seminole Manor Nursing Home to greet patients and kick off the new year!

MGA Dispatcher Kelli Roland visits Rutland Middle School for career day.



On March 24 , MGA, in cooperation with other local Public Safety agen-cies hosted a Ghost Out at Pike County High School. The Ghost Out is a pro-gram which depicts a drunk-driving scenario where local high school students are the victims. The realistic simulation included an elaborately staged motor vehicle collision. Students from Pike County High school participated, wearing theater makeup to make them appear as though they are injured.

“While the program may come across as grim, it real-ly drives home the point when students see their peers ‘injured’ and even pretending to be killed. Ghost Out portrays a very realistic situation and is in-tended to evoke an emotional response from stu-dents. It is our hope that through this program, stu-dents will grow to recognize the potential conse-quences of their actions,” explains Zebulon Operations Manager, Darrell Riggins.

Local agencies from across the region participated in the simulation, responding to the scene of the car accident as though it were an actual accident with casualties. Fire, EMS and Life Flight were on scene responding to the accident.


Mid Georgia Ambulance Newsletter Find more at www.midgeorgiaambulance.org Celebrating Women in EMS On February 22, MGA held a special luncheon, open to all female associates. The first time event was held at Tryphena’s Garden, a popular event venue in Fort Valley, GA. The idea for the Women in EMS Celebration came from a meeting of the Organizational Development Committee, with the hope of providing more opportunities for associates from across the state to meet and get to know one an-other.

The highlight of the luncheon was undoubt-edly the inspiring speech given by guest of honor and Mitchell County Operations Manager, Ann Rice. As a true legend and EMS veteran of over 40 years, Ann was able to share her unique perspective of how far women have come in the EMS industry.

In addition to food and fellowship, each attendee also walked away with a custom 2015 Women in EMS jewelry charm.

“I couldn't imagine working for any other company in the area! Thanks to MGA for go-ing out of the way to make your employees feel like they are valued and appreciated. I know for me it makes me work even harder for such a wonderful company!”- Women in EMS Cel-ebration Attendee

“It was a wonderful experience! I am very grateful that MGA hon-ors the women of MGA so well. Thank you, MGA for the great fellowship!”- Women in EMS Celebration Attendee

“It was really nice meeting people I have heard of but never seen. It is also nice to be recognized not only as a woman in EMS but by the company you work for.”- Women in EMS Celebration Attendee

ATTENTION LADIES:

If you would like a commemorative Women in EMS charm, but were unable to make it to this year’s event, simply email [email protected] to claim yours right away!



When Your Job Becomes a Pain …

It’s no secret that the physical demands of EMS can take a toll on the body. EMS professionals often experience neck and back injuries that can be debilitating and even career-ending. Although the risks are hard to avoid completely, it is crucial for the emergency clinician to re-member the following lifting principles in order to reduce the risk of serious injury; after all, the most important piece of equipment you have when responding to a call is you!

Size up the load. If you and your partner cannot safely handle lifting the patient, request help, regardless of the nature of the patient’s emergency. Ultimately, an injured medic will not be able to deliver effective patient care.

Establish stable footing.

Keep a straight back. Try to maintain this position as you squat and lift. Keeping the chin up will help bring the back forward keeping it straight.

Bend slowly at the knees. Engage the leg muscles when Lowering and lifting, rather than letting your back do the work. Avoid the temptation to lean over and lift, by keeping the shoulders back.

Avoid straining the back by keeping the load close to the body, thus keeping the center of gravity close to the core.

Sources:

JEMS, June 2010

EMS World, May 2014

in the Back



Growing Families

Highlights

Educational Achievements

Erica Hudgens of the Billing Depart-

ment recently celebrated the com-

pletion of her bachelor’s degree in

Health Services Administration. Erica

is pictured (left) at her pinning cere-

mony, where she was recognized for

this great accomplishment.

New AEMT’s

Casey Taylor

Aidan Skalko

< Paramedic JT Schandolph

of the Zebulon division and

his wife welcomed son, Hud-

son Thomas Schandolph.

Hudson was born on Mon-

day the 26th of January , at

21 inches long and weighing

in at 7lbs 11oz. .

In the next issue…. -Photos from The Stars of Life

Celebration in Washington, DC

-National Public Safety

Telecommunications Week

-Fighting Fire: Honoring

Associates who also serve in

the Fire Department

< Amber Walker of the

Billing Department cele-

brated the birth of her

third son, Cash Walker

on 11/26/2014. Cash is

seen here with his older

brothers, Caden and

Caleb.

Sportsman Spotlight

Upson Division’s Joey

Thiel shares this

photo of his recent

17lb. Turkey.

New Paramedics

Christopher Cooper

Jason Todd

Tony Grantham Sr.

Kimberly Delk

John Holley

Stephanie Sides

John Fletcher

Cecil Smith



Honoring a Fallen HeroHonoring a Fallen HeroHonoring a Fallen Hero

On Wednesday, February 11, Macon-Bibb Fire Department responded to a lo-cal house fire. MGA crews were also on scene. Although the occupants of the home escaped the flames safely, several firefighters were not so lucky. Five firefighters were injured in the structure fire and one was killed. Lieutenant Randy Parker, age 46, was pronounced dead at Medical Center-Navicent Health after suffering from burns and smoke inhalation in the incident. A public safety veteran of over 20 years, the life of Lieutenant Parker was remembered at a funeral service held at the Macon City Auditorium. Thousands of friends, neighbors and members of the community attended the service, in addition to uniformed members of fire departments from across the state. Randy leaves behind his wife of 14 years, Sandie Parker of Macon, and two sons, Andrew and Chandler. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Lt. Parker, as well as to the Macon-Bibb community and our fellow first responders.

Documents

2015 Spring MGA Newsletter