Dane County recently recognized the efforts of the highly trained men and women who serve their communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with prompt and effective emergency services at the annual Dane County EMS Banquet. Out of the 31 saves in 2017, 12 survivors attended, shared their story and thanked the emergency responders that saved their lives. Also honored during the event was Fitch-Rona EMS, who received the Robert L Brunning Award of Excellence. This award is given to an agency that exemplifies exceptional service, community outreach and continual improvement of quality care.  

"Our emergency services work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect our community and our families," County Executive Joe Parisi said. "I am honored to recognize their lifesaving work on behalf of Dane County." 

Dane County Emergency Medical Services and the Dane County EMS Association honored ten EMTs for over 30 years in EMS, and 46 for over 20 years in EMS, many of these providers are volunteers. They also celebrated 31 survivors of cardiac arrest and their team of responders including 911, first responders and EMS.  Nearly 250 people attended the banquet, including survivors, families of survivors, EMS personnel, 911 dispatchers, hospital staff and county board supervisors.  The event was sponsored this year by UW Health.

Honored for 20 years of service were Dan Storley, Madison Fire; Jon Byrd, Madison Fire; Jim Gallagher, Cross Plains Area EMS; Erica Gallagher, Cross Plains Area EMS; David Romine, Cross Plains Area EMS; Erik Severson, DeerGrove EMS; AJ Greenlee, Madison Fire; Jennifer Sellek, Middleton EMS; and Tim Hicks, Waunakee Area EMS. Honored for 30 years of service was Cleveland Stevenson, Madison Fire. Honored for 35 years of service was Judy Blumer, Belleville Area EMS. Honored for 40 years of service were Larry Trieloff, Cambridge Area EMS and Steve Anders, DeerGrove EMS.  

Parisi noted that these 31 cardiac arrest survivals highlight the importance of the chain of survival:  rapid dispatch of providers by 911, early CPR (bystanders starting CPR immediately upon the heart stopping).  CPR prior to EMS arrival puts the best possible circumstances together for our skilled and trained EMS providers. Early access to AED (Automated External Defibrillators) and professionally trained EMS providers who work closely with our hospitals to then transport quickly to the most appropriate definitive care.

Dane County Emergency Management helps to coordinate a seamless network of emergency responders that team together, regardless of municipal boundaries, ensuring every day that those with the most critical emergencies receive the highest level of care.