Gary Horn
Welcome to the " Desk of the Director". I will try to bring a director's
view to current issues in EMS with special emphasis on Florence County EMS.
Since the beginning of EMS in the United States nearly 30 years ago, there
have been many changes. When I received my first formal training in Oklahoma
in 1973 the only textbook available was Emergency care and Transportation
of the Sick and Injured. It was published by The American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons' Committee on Injuries. The training, equipment, and protocols we
used then were limited in comparison to what you have today. Although there
have been many advances in pre-hospital care in these 26 years, the basics
are the same. We still respond to the sick and injured, treat as we have
been trained to, and transport the patient to the hospital all because we
have a desire to help people. Our sole purpose is to always be ready to respond
and provide pre-hospital care to those in need. The reason for the call may
not seem serious to us, but it usually is to the caller. We are sometimes
called as a last resort when the person does not know who else to call for
help. We are public servants.
In 2001 Florence County EMS will celebrate 25 years of dedicated service
to the citizens of Florence County. As we approach our 25th anniversary,
we look to a new millennium. I came to Florence with a vision that we, the
service, would make Florence County EMS the best EMS organization in the
state. We are well on our way.
When I arrived fourteen months ago I was told that the strength of the agency
was the people, that has proved to be true. Any organization is only as good
as its members. We have some of the best emergency medical technicians in
the state. You are dedicated to duty, have a desire to help others, and
consistently strive to be better every day. Together we can make a
difference.
Gary Horn