Columbia County rescue team wins state award

HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Greenport Rescue Squad has been awarded the New York State EMS Council’s EMS Agency of the Year Award. The nonprofit was reportedly chosen out of almost 1,000 other EMS agencies across New York.

The EMS Agency of the Year Award, presented by the New York State Department of Health, is one of the highest honors an emergency medical service provider can receive in the state. According to State EMS Director Ryan Greenberg, the Greenport Rescue Squad was selected for the award due to its innovation, compassion and integrity.

“Greenport Rescue Squad, Inc. has distinguished itself as a statewide leader with a comprehensive commitment to EMS provider wellness, clinical excellence and community engagement,” Greenberg said.

The nonprofit provides pre-hospital care and health education to thousands of residents and visitors in Columbia County and its surrounding areas each year. In the past year, the team has also made major investments in its equipment and patient, family and staff programs, including:

• Mechanical ventilators, IV pumps, CPR devices, IV warmers and advanced pediatric transport equipment
• Utilizing new advanced medicaitons
• Creating a volunteer, non-denominational EMS Minister to provide mental health support, as well as adding a Community Engagement Coordinator
• Implementing onboard Wi-Fi, outward-facing video and GPS monitoring

According to Greenport Rescue Squad Executive Director Aidan O’Connor Jr., the EMS Agency of the Year Award is a testament to the team’s commitment to its community.

“This award reflects a deep-rooted history going back to 1936 of community-based, nonprofit MES and the hundreds of teammates before us,” O’Connor said. “We are proud to put people first and to represent Columbia County and our region at the state level.”