First responders thanked for outstanding community service by HCA Florida Ocala Hospital
Emergency Medical Technicians, firefighters and law enforcement recognized during National EMS Week.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of National EMS Week May 19-25, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are thanking local first responders for outstanding community service. This week’s activities at the hospitals have included special EMS luncheons and a ceremony during which hospital leaders acknowledged Emergency Medical Technicians, firefighters and law enforcement for their lifesaving rescue efforts and collaborative response during last week’s tragic bus accident in Marion County.
The bus was carrying 53 passengers. The ceremony included a moment of silence to remember and honor the eight bus passengers who did not survive the crash and prayers for continued recovery of the survivors. HCA Florida Ocala Hospital Chief Executive Officer Alan Keesee then presented a plaque to Marion County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Robert Kruger, recognizing the agency and its team for their exemplary partnership and service to the community.
“Our partnership with our Emergency Medical Services providers and first responders is vital to our commitment to the care and improvement of human life,” Keesee said. “The lifesaving care provided by Marion County Fire Rescue outside of our hospital’s walls significantly improves patient outcomes and provides the best chances of survival for critically injured patients. EMS is part of our extended family. Through collaboration, communication and cooperation, we work together to ensure our community has immediate, high-quality care in medical emergencies.”
Kruger noted the extraordinary response of both HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida Marion West Hospital team members to last week’s tragedy. The hospital deployed five interfacility transport ambulances to the scene of the accident to assist in transporting injured patients. He presented special recognitions to Barry Cannon, manager of interfacility transport, Melissa Blankenship, RN, emergency department clinical nurse coordinator, and Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA, on behalf of Marion County Fire Rescue and thanked the entire team for their daily partnership in saving lives in the community.
“EMS Week is a time to honor and celebrate the dedication and commitment of our emergency medical services professionals. It underscores the vital role they play in safeguarding the health and well-being of our community,” said Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta. “The collaboration between MCFR, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital is a cornerstone of our ability to provide swift, effective, and compassionate care. This partnership ensures our patients receive the highest standard of medical attention, from the moment of crisis through to recovery. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Last year, Marion County Fire Rescue provided life-saving care and other medical services to 30,599 patients who were transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital for continued care.