Ems-plank-Tom Murphy

Murphy
==MAYOR TOM MURPHY RECOGNIZES THE LIFE-SAVING EFFORTS OF PITTSBURGH'S PARAMEDICS DURING NATIONAL EMS WEEK==
May 20, 2004
"There when you need us," is the theme of this year's national EMS Week. In testament to this theme, this morning Mayor Tom Murphy hosted a special ceremony recognizing the life-saving efforts of Pittsburgh's Paramedics.
Commendations were presented to nine Paramedics who witnessed the tragic events on March 13, 2004 at the Ebenezer Baptist Church fire and then coordinated the rescue and treatment of multiple patients, often at considerable risk to their own safety and health.
"Too often we as City residents and visitors to our City take for granted the tremendous efforts and professionalism of the men and women of Pittsburgh's Public Safety Bureaus," said Mayor Tom Murphy. "I am proud of the heroic life-saving efforts of all of the valuable members of our Paramedics Bureau, and I am delighted to honor these many brave men and women during national EMS Week."
According to Chief Doug Garretson, "This was one of the most significant medical events in the history of Pittsburgh EMS. The challenges of rescue, treatment and overall coordination of resources were monumental. The response by Pittsburgh EMS was textbook." Jeff Vesci, President of the Fraternal Association of Professional Paramedics notes that, "Although our efforts were largely overshadowed by the ultimate tragedy that resulted, the work of Pittsburgh's Paramedics was heroic, life-saving and exemplary of the finest delivery of EMS nationally."
Also attending the ceremony were two much honored guests - recent survivors of Sudden Cardiac Death. Collapsing without warning in a downtown hotel and a neighborhood convenience store, both men's hearts stopped. "This is often considered the ultimate challenge, and our system performed flawlessly," said Medical Director Dr. Ron Roth. "A quick response and prompt application of life-saving measures brought about this memorable reunion of patient and Paramedic." Both gentlemen were looking forward to personally greeting and thanking those who assisted them in their greatest time of need. In turn, the Mayor recognized these Paramedic crews as exemplifying the work that they and their colleagues perform each day for all of Pittsburgh's residents and visitors in need.
==Summary==
* Mayor Murphy took the work of EMS for granted.
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