5/29/08

Abbott Ambulance announced recently that Gateway Regional Medical Center's (GRMC) emergency services staff had participated in numerous clinical saves during the past year and was to be the recipient of a "Bridge to Life" Program Award, which identifies local emergency room assisted saves. Leslie Schmidt of Abbott Ambulance will present Damon Brown, C.E.O., Rita Srum, Director of Emergency Services and the emergency room staff a plaque today at 2:30 p.m. in the Emergency Room at GRMC.

In order to have made a clinical save, the crew, including EMS and emergency room personnel, must have intervened appropriately for a patient that exhibited an immediate life threat and that patient must have survived to hospital admission.

GRMC's Chief Executive Officer, Damon Brown, said, "We are so proud of our very skilled and passionate ER staff. They exemplify teamwork on a daily basis and are absolutely deserving of this recognition from Abbott."

"GRMC has a long-standing relationship with Abbott Ambulance. We both realize how important it is for the community to be able to trust their local emergency personnel, should they ever have a medical emergency."

GRMC's Emergency Room was renovated in 2003. These renovations increased the number of rooms from six to 17, including four Fast Track beds. It also doubled the size of the waiting room and added life saving equipment. This increase in space has reduced waiting times and improved customer service.