Northeast Georgia Health System is celebrating National Emergency Services (EMS) Appreciation Week during the week of May 15.
During this week, hospitals, communities, healthcare organizations, survivors and EMS agencies will recognize the EMS professionals who help save lives every day. It is a time to reflect on the past years achievements, and for responders in Hall, Jackson, Barrow and Gwinnett, this includes the addition of a new hospital to their area. In 2015, the new Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton opened, providing easier access to healthcare for the surrounding communities.
Frequently, EMS is faced with driving a long distance to Gainesville, says Todd Jordan, MD, Medical Director of Emergency Services for NGMC Braselton. This can be problematic, depending on the patients condition. With the opening of NGMC Braselton, however, EMS can now provide the same top notch care for their patients closer to their communities and have faster results.
The new hospital also reduces the need for ambulances to leave their assigned zones. During busy periods, this means less time spent on the road and more time caring for patients. The addition of NGMC Braselton has proven to be beneficial for first responders in the surrounding counties as well.
Having the Braselton campus as a viable alternative allows the assigned ambulance to return to service much quicker than before, says Jason Baker, assistant director of EMS Services in Jackson County. This directly improves how quickly Jackson County EMS responds to calls.
As a token of appreciation for the critical role that all EMTs and paramedics play in saving lives, NGMC Braselton and Gainesville campuses are providing lunch cookouts in their honor during EMS Appreciation Week.
We hope EMS professionals know how much we appreciate them not only because they take care of our community, but also because of the dedication and passion they show 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, says Anthony Williamson, president of NGMC Braselton. Please join us in celebrating these very special men and women who have such a huge impact on patient care.
