Talbot County Breaks Ground on New North EMS Station
Talbot County officials broke ground on construction of a new North EMS Station, located off Route 309 in Cordova, on September 29, 2025.
The new facility, located on a five-acre parcel, is designed to improve emergency response times and enhance public safety for residents in the northern part of the county, including the Queen Anne–Hillsboro area. The station will feature four bays, dedicated storage, and space for a 24/7 paramedic and EMT unit, further strengthening Talbot County’s emergency response capabilities.
The $1.6 million project is fully funded by Talbot County Government and represents a major milestone in the County’s ongoing efforts to reduce EMS response times and further support public safety. Currently, most areas of Talbot County meet the County’s eight-minute response goal; however, Cordova and surrounding communities average closer to 10 minutes.
“Investing in public safety infrastructure is one of the most important things we can do for our residents,” said County Manager and State EMS Board Chairman Clay Stamp. “This new station will allow our emergency
MIEMSS Honors University of Maryland Medical Center for Thrombectomy Milestone
In Fiscal Year 2025, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) performed 222 mechanical thrombectomies, setting a new single-year record among Maryland hospitals. The highly specialized procedure is used to remove large vessel clots in patients who are experiencing ischemic stroke. Timely intervention can dramatically improve outcomes, reduce disability, and ultimately save lives. Dr. Ted Delbridge celebrated this milestone by presenting the UMMC Neurointerventional Surgery team with the Maryland Stars of Life Executive Director's Award in June. [From left: Dr. Kenny Barajas, Chief, Office of Care Integration at MIEMSS; Dr. Dheeraj Gandhi, Director of Neurointerventional Surgery at UMMC; and MIEMSS Executive Director Dr. Ted Delbridge.] n
MIEMSS Accepting Nominations for Maryland Stars of Life, Right Care When It Counts Awards ~ Pages
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October
n 24: 66th Annual Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference. DoubleTree by Hilton Annapolis.
January 2026
n 30–February 1: Winterfest EMS Conference. Easton, MD.
May 2026
n 14–15: Point/Counterpoint Conference. Baltimore, MD.
June 2026
n 20–25: Maryland State Firefighters Association Annual Convention and Conference. Ocean City, MD.
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EMS News Digest
n Domestic Violence: Educating First Responders (Journal of Emergency Medical Services). Jim Schmidt has served in numerous leadership and training roles throughout his more than 25 years in the fire service. Since losing his daughter, Gabby Petito, to domestic violence, he has become a strong advocate and trainer for domestic violence response and prevention for our nation’s first responders. Read more: https://www.jems.com/ ems-training/domestic-violence-educating-first-responders/ n MDH Issues Respiratory Virus Vaccine Guidance, COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order (Maryland Department of Health). The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has reaffirmed its commitment to following scientific evidence, taking important steps to protect broad vaccine access for Marylanders. In addition to sharing clinical vaccine guidance for healthcare providers and vaccine recommendations for individuals for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season, MDH has issued a standing order to ensure COVID-19 vaccine access and
joined the bipartisan Northeast Public Health Collaborative to align with neighboring states to protect public health. Read more: https://health. maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/ Maryland%20Department%20of%20 Health%20issues%20respiratory%20 virus%20vaccine%20guidance,%20 COVID-19%20vaccine%20standing%20order.aspx
n $12.9 Million in Federal Highway Safety Grants Awarded to Help Save Lives and Prevent Fatal Crashes Across Maryland (Maryland Highway Safety Office). The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office has announced more than $12.9 million in federal highway safety grants to 96 agencies, organizations, and programs across Maryland as part of a statewide focus to prevent motor vehicle crashes and eliminate roadway fatalities. Read more: https:// zerodeathsmd.gov/news/12-9-millionin-federal-highway-safety-grantsawarded-to-help-save-lives-and-prevent-fatal-crashes/ n
MIEMSS, Maryland Stroke Centers Host Puerto Rican Delegation
In July 2025, the Stroke Department of the Office of Care Integration at MIEMSS hosted a visiting delegation from Puerto Rico’s Sistema de Salud Menonita. The group included CPA Ricardo Hernandez Rivera, CEO of Sistema de Salud Menonita; Carmen Morales Colon, Neuroscience Director at Sistema de Salud Menonita; Alexander Reyes Melendez, Hospital Administrator of Sistema de Salud Menonita Ponce; Arsenio Reyes Rivera, Director of the Neuroscience Primary Center and Stroke Management at Sistema de Salud Menonita Ponce; Julio Rodriguez Colon, Vascular Neurologist at Sistema de Salud Menonita; Jose Pastrana Arzola, Hospital Administrator of Sistema de Salud Menonita Caguas; and Yanitza Lopez Claudio, Stroke Program Manager at Sistema de Salud Menonita.
MIEMSS Stroke personnel accompanied the Sistema de Salud Menonita team to four Maryland hospitals – Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, and the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) – each of which delivered a comprehensive presentation on its accreditation as a comprehensive stroke center by the Joint Commission, the steps necessary to achieve that designation, and their best practices for ensuring smooth operation. The Sistema de Salud Menonita team hopes to parlay much of what it learned about these four hospitals and Maryland’s Stroke Systems of Care into its own future accreditation as a comprehensive stroke center.
Caitlin Palmisano, DNP, Clinical Program Manager at the UMMC Comprehensive Stroke Center, praised the collaborative efforts between Maryland's stroke experts.
"Thank you to Dr. Kenny Barajas
and the MIEMSS team for providing the opportunity to host our visiting colleagues from Puerto Rico," said Palmisano. "We have a shared mission to advance stroke care and optimize outcomes for all stroke survivors."
“Franklin Square was deeply honored to showcase our program to the representatives of Puerto Rico,” said Ariel Woodward, Director of Nursing, Disease Specific Programs at MedStar Franklin Square. “As Stroke Coordinator, it is both a privilege and a point of pride to know that our state’s
Frederick
excellence and strong EMS partnerships extend far beyond the walls of Maryland.”
“I am deeply appreciative of Dr. Kenny Barajas and his team's efforts in organizing this collaboration, which has created valuable opportunities for our team to share our stroke expertise," said Dr. Brenda Johnson, Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Assistant Director of the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Stroke Center. n
County's New Move Mobile Brings Resources and Support Directly to the Community
The Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence (DAI) has announced the launch of “Move Mobile”, a dynamic new outreach unit delivering vital resources and support directly to older adults, caregivers, veterans, and individuals with disabilities across Frederick County. Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services Chief Tom Coe, whose agency donated a decommissioned ambulance to the program, joined Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, DAI staff and others in celebrating the initiative's August launch. Move Mobile’s first stop is slated for November 3, 2025, in Woodsboro, Maryland. A full schedule is coming soon at www.frederickcountymd.gov/dai [Photo: Frederick County Divison of Aging and Independence. From left: Division of Aging and Independence Director Carolyn True; Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater; and Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services Tom Coe.] n
Washington County Division of Emergency Services Presents Life Savers Award to Greenbrier Lifeguards
The Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES) recognized the heroic efforts of local first responders through the prestigious Life Savers Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill and teamwork in successfully resuscitating patients suffering from cardiac arrest.
A particularly extraordinary incident occurred on June 27, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., when a 9-1-1 call was received reporting a pediatric drowning victim in cardiac arrest at Greenbrier State Park. Emergency crews arrived on scene 12 minutes later to find that the lifeguard team had already rescued the child from the
Garrett College's New Ambulance Simulator Brings Hands-On EMS Training Inside the Classroom
The Garrett College Career Technology Training Center completed installation of an in-station Ambulance Simulator in August 2025. The simulator, manufactured and installed by Texas-based Rescue Simulation Products, offers students in the school's emergency medical services training program advanced training opportunities for hands-on instruction and experience without ever leaving the classroom. [From left: Doug Beitzel, Garrett College Paramedic Studies Program Coordinator; Dave Lake, Owner, Rescue Simulation Products; and Josh Hook, Garrett College Lead Paramedic Instructor.] n
water, performed flawless high-performance CPR, applied an AED, and successfully achieved return of spontaneous circulation – a testament to their training, coordination, and rapid response.
The heroic lifeguard team included: Bethany Starnes, 18; Connor Maguire, 20; Wyatt Maguire, 19; Hayden Holt, 20; and Kyle Matthews, 16.
Following the child’s transport to Meritus Medical Center, EMS crews from Boonsboro EMS and Community Rescue Service (CRS) proactively contacted the EMS Quality Assurance Office to express their admiration and appreciation for the lifeguards’ exceptional actions.
In recognition of their lifesaving efforts, the lifeguards were honored with multiple awards:
n The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) presented Valor Awards;
n Meritus Medical Center and the Washington County Division of Emergency Services presented the Life Savers Award, recognizing early intervention that was instrumental in the child’s survival; and
n MIEMSS presented the Right Care When It Counts Award, which honors youth who act decisively to ensure others receive timely and critical care.
These lifeguards were praised for their steadfast vigilance, quick and coordinated response, and seamless teamwork, all of which directly contributed to saving a life. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact of preparation, dedication, and courage under pressure. n
ATS-MD Honors MacKenzie for Her Dedication to Advancing Field of Trauma Care
The American Trauma Society –Maryland Division (ATS-MD) has honored Ellen J. MacKenzie, PhD, Professor and Dean Emeritus of the Johns Hopkins Bloomburg School of Public Health, for her decades-long commitment to public health, injury prevention, and dedicated support of Maryland's Trauma and EMS system.
Elizabeth Wooster, Director of the Trauma and Injury Specialty Care Program at MIEMSS, presented the award during a meeting of the ATSMD Board on September 17, 2025, at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration headquarters in Glen Burnie. Wooster noted having personally cited MacKenzie's body of research more than 200 times in the course of her own career.
"She is foundational in her work for injury care in the United States, and really worldwide," said Wooster.
MacKenzie, who stepped down from her post as Dean of the Bloomburg School of Public Health this summer, credited Maryland's statewide trauma care system for driving her work to improve patient outcomes and save lives.
"Working with the clinicians and with the patients are what have kept me motivated…the [clinicians] and the patients and their families, coming together and saying, 'This is what we need, and let's figure out, together, how to get it done.'" n
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services team to reach people faster and save more lives.”
Council President Chuck Callahan emphasized the importance of collaboration in bringing the project to life.
“We’re grateful for the Gannon family’s partnership in making this station possible,” said Callahan. “Sylvia Gannon, a former Talbot County Council member, was an early and passionate supporter of emergency medical services in our county. This project honors her legacy and strengthens our commitment to providing high-quality EMS care to all residents.”
The Talbot County Department of Emergency Services provides emergency medical, and communications support to the residents of Talbot County, ensuring rapid response, professional care, and effective coordination in times of crisis. Last year, the Talbot County DES responded to 6,314 EMS calls. n
Maryland's longest running EMS conference returns! Follow Winterfest EMS on Facebook (@WinterfestEMS) for further details as they become available.
Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System
MDERS Staff Join "HERoes on the HERizon" Camp to Inspire Future Public Safety Leaders
In July 2025, members of the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) staff joined other public safety professionals from around the region in serving as camp counselors for the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management’s HERoes on the HERizon summer program. The week-long camp was designed to encourage young women in high school and college to explore careers in emergency management and public safety through hands-on training, interactive workshops, and field trips with local public safety professionals. Throughout the week, campers participated in presentations and ac-
653 W. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201-1536 www.miemss.org
Chairman, EMS Board: Clay B. Stamp, NRP
Executive Director, MIEMSS: Theodore R. Delbridge, MD, MPH
Managing Editor: Patrick Tandy (ptandy@miemss.org)
Design & Layout: Patrick Tandy
Photography: MIEMSS Media Services (unless noted otherwise)
tivities hosted by public safety partners from across the state. Elizabeth Adams, MDERS Emergency Response Specialist, led CPR training for campers, while fellow Emergency Response Specialist Katie Dwyer introduced participants to the fundamentals of Public Access Trauma Care (PATC). These sessions provided essential life-saving skills and highlighted the important role bystanders can play in emergencies.
Midweek, participants joined MDERS stakeholders in Prince George’s County for a full day of immersive learning experiences. They toured the Public Safety Firearms Range to see firsthand how local law enforcement officers train, followed by a visit to the new Prince George’s County Police Department’s Special Operations Division building to explore the specialized equipment used for both daily operations and special
events. The day concluded at the Prince George’s County Public Safety Communications Center, where campers learned about 9-1-1 operations, toured the facility, and met with dispatchers and call takers to understand the critical role of emergency communications. The camp was a great success in sharing valuable insights and lessons to participants about emergency preparedness, leadership, crisis communication, and life-saving skills. The participants learned of the wide range of careers in emergency management and public safety and are eager to serve their communities and represent the next generation as professionals in these fields. This effort also highlighted the value of partnering with neighboring jurisdictions, demonstrating how collaboration across the region strengthens our ability to accomplish shared missions and prepare future leaders. n
