From VT Dept of Health Press Release
The State of Vermont recognized the dedicated EMS and first responder professionals, volunteers and agencies for the essential public health services they provide in their communities, as part of the 50th annual National Emergency Medical Services Week celebration (May 19-25).
Waterbury Ambulance Service volunteer first responder Ryan Gladstone, a Hinesburg resident, was a co-winner of the First Responder Provider of the Year Award.
Waterbury Ambulance Executive Director Maggie Burke, in a letter nominating Gladstone for the honor, wrote, “Ryan exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in clinical skills, organizational support, and community involvement, making him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.”
Governor Phil Scott called out the commitment and vital work of Vermont’s career and volunteer emergency service providers, in his proclamation declaring May 19 − 25 as EMS Week. With the theme of “Honoring Our Past. Forging Our Future,” the week of activities included showcasing local EMS agencies, and culminated in the annual presentation of awards honoring several individuals and EMS agencies for their outstanding efforts.
Vermont has over 3,000 Emergency Medical Service providers who respond each year to over 117,000 requests for emergency medical care and specialized ambulance transport. EMS providers also take a leading role in supporting community-based injury prevention and health promotion initiatives – including overdose prevention, response and education.
“When someone has a medical emergency or experiences a traumatic injury, the first people on the scene are usually First Responders, EMTs and paramedics,” said Will Moran, director of the Department of Health’s Division of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Injury Prevention. “These family members, friends and neighbors are on-call for each of us, day or night, bringing the training and skills that often make the difference between life and death,” Moran said. “I congratulate this years’ awardees, and ask everyone to join me in thanking our EMS service providers for their dedication and care.”
2024 Vermont Emergency Medical Services award recipients:
Vermont EMS Lifetime Award: Patrick Malone – University of Vermont Initiative for Rural EMS
Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year: Colby Masse, Paramedic – Morristown EMS
Ambulance Service of the Year: Fair Haven Rescue Squad
Basic Life Support Provider of the Year: Kyle Anderson, EMT – Burlington Fire Department
EMS Educator of the Year: Tyler Molleur – Hardwick Emergency Rescue Squad
EMS for Children Champion of the Year: Joseph Aldsworth – City of Barre
First Responder Provider of the Year: Co-Winners: Caden Knox – Northfield Ambulance Service; Ryan Gladstone – Waterbury Ambulance Service
First Responder Service of the Year: Saxtons River First Response Rescue
Learn more about serving your community as an emergency medical technician or with the Medical Reserve Corps at OnCallforVT.org.