Tag: Pafford EMS
1-800-Flowers Celebrates Pafford Stars of Life
Don’t miss this 1-800-Flowers feature on Pafford EMS Stars of Life Lori and David Richardson! Fun fact: the author is Joanne Camas, mother of former American Ambulance Association staffer Aidan Camas.
Like many married couples, Brandon and Lori Richardson plan to celebrate their relationship and shared passions on Valentine’s Day. They might play board games as they did on their early dates, hang out with their dogs, or enjoy a romantic dinner.
But there’s a chance they’ll instead be stabilizing a broken leg, responding to a heart attack, or transporting a COVID-19 patient to the hospital. The Richardsons, it turns out, love not only each other but also the community they serve as emergency medical technicians.
The couple grew up, met, and put down roots in the small town of Marianna, Arkansas (pop. 4,115), about an hour southwest of Memphis. There, they work together in their ambulance and oversee two bases of EMTs who cover their region of Arkansas.
#StarsofLife Lori & David Richardson of @PaffordMedical have a special bond as partners in #EMS and life. Thanks to @1800flowers for shining light on this extraordinary pair! #SupportEMS #nolimitsonlove #AlwaysOpen #NotJustaRide #MobileHealthcare @haggis2 https://t.co/mUvF0kEr8Q
— AmericanAmbulanceAsc (@amerambassoc) February 3, 2021
When we met 2018 #StarsofLife Lori Richardson and David Richardson of Pafford Medical Services, it was immediately…
Posted by American Ambulance Association on Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Pafford Medical Services in 2020
Pafford Medical Services
Hope, Arkansas
1,500 Staff | 98 Quarantined in 2020
Founded in 1967, Pafford Medical Services provides over 80 communities across 8 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands with the latest, most sophisticated level of pre-hospital care. As a family-owned and operated company, Pafford is staffed 24/7/365. Over 1500 members of Team Pafford can be found operating the fleet of 200 ambulances, 4 communications centers, 3 medical fixed-wing aircraft, 3 rotor-wing aircraft to provide communities with proper 911 ambulance coverage.
In addition to the day-to-day operations, the company has become known nationwide for its Special Response Taskforce which assists during national disasters. As the company evolves to cater to the citizens it serves, Pafford took notice of the needs of industries and businesses during the global pandemic and now operates OnSite Healthcare Services in order to safeguard workforces as the world resumes operation amidst COVID-19. Another pillar of the company’s mission is its promise as a contributive community partner by providing educational resources, medical equipment, and scholarships along with medical standby for special events.
With the novel Coronavirus, EMS personnel would need to be properly trained to combat the transmission of the virus. Along with obtaining PPE for their medics, Pafford Medical Services provided additional training while increasing health surveillance, screening, and tracking of employees with the activation of their Emergency Operations Center.
Pafford remained a leader in community discussions and decisions related to COVID-19. Thanks to the diligent work and daily communications with their leadership teams, all of Pafford’s systems remained fully operational.
As the world stopped turning due to COVID-19, Mother Nature did not as hurricane season came out in full force. With 8 named storms and 2 major hurricanes, Pafford’s Special Response Taskforce deployed along the Gulf Coast to provide relief to the affected communities for 75 days.
“We’ll never be able to fully express our gratitude to not only our management teams, but to our boots on the ground who have been in the trenches remaining strong and vigilant,” says CEO, Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “Our men and women have gone beyond the call of duty–– suiting up, serving others, and their communities on the frontlines of healthcare.”
July 22 | EMS Advocacy Facebook Livestream
July 22, 2020 | 14:00 ET | Register Now for a Reminder!
Join AAA advocacy experts for a fast-paced informal dialogue on Facebook Live! Learn first-hand about EMS advocacy initiatives in the face of COVID-19.
Register to receive a reminder email one hour in advance of the live broadcast on the American Ambulance Association Facebook page!
Panelists
- Randy Strozyk, Secretary, AAA
- Jamie Pafford-Gresham, Chair, AAA Government Affairs Committee
- Asbel Montes, Chair, AAA Payment Reform Committee
- Rob Lawrence, Chair, AAA Communications Committee
- Maria Bianchi, AAA Executive Director
- Tristan North, AAA SVP of Government Affairs
- Mercury Group Public Affairs
Webinar 6/30 | Financial Sustainability Ideas for EMS
June 30, 2020 | 14:00 ET
Three ambulance leaders with diverse backgrounds share innovative tips for financial sustainability in this fast-paced one hour webinar. From insurance captives to employee engagement to data-driven decision-making, Jamie Pafford-Gresham, P. Sean Tyler, and Wayne Jurecki will lend their unique perspectives on ways to keep service rolling during these extraordinarily challenging times.
Jamie Pafford-Gresham
CEO, Pafford Medical Services
Director, AAA Board
Chair, AAA Government Affairs Committee
Hope, Arkansas
Wayne Jurecki
COO, Bell Ambulance Service
Director, AAA Board
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
P. Sean Tyler
CEO, Transformative Healthcare
President & CEO, Fallon Ambulance Service
Board Secretary, Massachusetts Ambulance Association
Quincy, Massachusetts
EMS Week Featured Service | Pafford Medical Services
Pafford Medical Services
Hope, Arkansas
Facebook | Twitter
Meet Pafford Medical Services
Founded in 1967, Pafford Medical Services continues to provide over 80 communities with the latest, most sophisticated level of pre-hospital care. As a family-owned and operated company, Pafford serves communities across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With over 1200 members of Team Pafford, over 180 ambulances, 3 medical fixed-wing aircraft, 3 rotor-wing aircraft, 2 communications centers, and our corporate billing office, Pafford is staffed 24/7.
It is Pafford’s mission to provide its communities, healthcare partners, and facilities they serve with the highest standards of mobile healthcare. While providing communities with proper 911 ambulance coverage, the company has become known nationwide for its Special Response Taskforce which assists during national disasters. As the company evolves to cater to the citizens it serves, Pafford took notice of the needs of industries and businesses during the global pandemic and now operates OnSite Healthcare Services in order to safeguard workforces as the world resumes operation amidst COVID-19. Another pillar of the company’s mission is its promise as a contributive community partner by providing educational resources, medical equipment, and scholarships along with medical standby for special events.
Pafford is fully equipped to provide the following services:
- ALS/BLS Ground Ambulance Transportation
- 911 Paramedic Ambulance
- Mobile Integrated Healthcare Services
- OnSite Healthcare Services
- Air Medical Fixed-WingTransporation
- Air Medical Rotor-Wing Transportation
- Government and Industrial OnSite Services
- Event Standby Services
- Domestic and International Special Response Taskforce
- Community Education Resources
- Medical Billing
The Pafford Medical Services COVID-19 Response
It was evident that with the novel coronavirus, crew members would need to be properly trained to combat the transmission of the virus. Along with obtaining PPE for their medics, Pafford Medical Services provided additional, in-depth training and education to crew members all while increasing health surveillance, screening, and tracking of employees. Due to Pafford spanning across 5 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the company activated its Emergency Operations Center to provide support to its primary 911 PSAPS.
In these unprecedented times, Pafford Medical Services remained a leader in community discussions and decisions related to COVID-19. To better serve its communities, Pafford dedicated ambulances in their regions to coordinate the transport of COVID cases or suspected COVID cases. All of Pafford’s systems were able to remain fully operational thanks to the diligent work and daily communications with their leadership teams to keep all team members up to date on the latest information for their communities.
“We will never be able to fully express our gratitude to not only our management teams but to our boots on the ground who have been in the trenches remaining strong and vigilant over the past 10 weeks,” says CEO, Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “These men and women have gone above and beyond the call of duty, serving others, their communities, and their country during this global health crisis.”
The Pafford Medical Services Leadership Perspective
“As a rural EMS provider, our challenges on a day-to-day basis require our medics to be prepared to care for our communities, many of which do not have hospitals and with clinics working limited hours, our medics are always there 24/7/365. We are the Healthcare Safety Net and our team does a wonderful, compassionate job. They don’t back down and provide a vital service to our citizens. During this outbreak, I am proud of not only our EMS team members but the entire EMS system across America for stepping up in such a critical time in our Country.”—Jamie Pafford-Gresham, CEO, Pafford Medical Services
Frontline Voices from Pafford Medical Services
“It takes a servant’s heart and a strong mind. But I count it as pure joy to help those in need.”-Alvin Short, Pafford EMS, Paramedic, Canadian County, OK
EMS is important because even when things get rough, the world keeps getting scarier and sickness continues to rise…we never quit.”—Meghann Jones EMT Pafford EMS, Canadian County, Oklahoma
“EMS is important because it provides immediate medical care to people who need it– bringing the ER to the patient in a timely manner.” Jarlicia Scott FTO/ Paramedic
“EMS is an extremely important part of community safety, doctors don’t make house calls anymore so EMS practitioners stand readily available to provide that extension of care while treating and managing acute illnesses and trauma.”—Randy Murry, EMS Operations Manager, Coahoma County, Mississippi, Star of Life 2020
How Pafford Medical Services Celebrates EMS Week
Most people that know the Pafford Family, know that celebration is normally in the form of passing the plate, sharing in a meal, and most importantly, fellowship. Pafford Medical Services makes it a point to take a step back and bring families together, to recognize and honor the sacrifices made from all members of the families that have a loved one on the front-lines. This year, team gifts will be given out, but most importantly, Pafford realizes that the ultimate gifts are its people.
Spotlight: Eric Chase, Pafford EMS
Eric Chase
Paramedic & Field Training Officer
Pafford EMS
Bethany, Oklahoma
Other Titles & Roles
Member, American Ambulance Association Education Committee
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Warren, PA. I had three brothers and we were all very active in sports, theater and community activities. We had family vacations that allowed us to explore the history and splendor of the US. Growing up, I believe we learned the value of diversity and the importance of acceptance of those different than us. We had several students from abroad stay with us for over 6 months each as well as youth sports teams that would travel in town from various states. We also would travel and stay at the homes of people we did not know for high school events that lasted more than two days. I grew up surrounded by people that treated individuals well. We were taught to believe we were not better than others.
Your history with EMS
I have been involved in EMS since 2005 when I took my EMT course. I matriculated to Paramedic in 2008-2009. I have held positions as EMT, EMT-IV, Paramedic, Fire Paramedic, Flight Paramedic, Field Training, Training Officer and Clinical Services Manager. I had been in law enforcement from 1991 till 2003. It was a dark time in my life and I needed to make changes in my life in order to be more positive and love life again. I learned the importance of Resilience and Redemption in life.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy sharing my story with students and co-workers and being a resource or conduit to resources for education, mental health and more. I always am learning new things and I have an understanding that I don’t know what I don’t know. I try to be very positive despite the times when circumstances could be negative or difficult to navigate.
What is your biggest professional challenge?
I feel that my biggest professional challenge is to stay positive in an environment that is often a dog-eat-dog environment. I like having opportunities to be involved and don’t expect to receive anything from helping people or the organizations for which I work.
What is your typical day like?
When not on shift, I can be busy with our two grandchildren, John Ross and Sophia or our two Rescue dogs, Elsa and Bianka, also, I love spending time with my wife. We often do runs that benefit different charities. I sing in my church ensemble at times. I am the founder of When Failure Isn’t an option- Finding your Joy, which is a social media website that shares stories of hope, research and lets people know they are not alone. I share resources and organizations that can possibly be of assistance to people in the public safety community. I also founded http://www.emsimprov.com which is a website and a social media page emsimprov.com I found that Improv has helped me with social anxiety and depression. I have researched and taken several psychology courses and have found that the cognitive behavioral benefits of Improv are amazing. We know that increased collaboration, improved communication benefit individuals. I also have found that it improves my interactions with patients, co-workers, ER staff and with family. This is key to Resilience- It can improve workplace dynamics and overall happiness.
What are your predictions for EMS 10 years from now?
I believe that in about 10 years, EMS will be a field of Paramedic Practitioners and that the required education minimums and practical hours with physicians and or mid-level providers will increase. With new reimbursement and transport options coming soon I believe we are moving closer to a better and potentially less expensive healthcare model. I hope that we move away from the department of transportation and to an organization specifically dedicated to emergency medicine or at the very least healthcare as the primary mission.
What advice would you give to someone new to EMS?
I would say please stay humble and remember that you must take care of yourself both physically and mentally before you truly can help others. Please don’t stop learning because medicine is constantly changing and with evidence based medicine- change will be inevitable. We need to be flexible.
Obituary for Steve Williamson
It is with deep sadness we share the passing of beloved family man, friend, colleague, and former AAA President Steve Williamson.
H. Stephen Williamson
Obituary
H. Stephen Williamson, 68, of Hope, Arkansas, formerly of Tulsa, Oklahoma, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away suddenly on November 3, 2018 at his home.
Preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Williamson, father, Hershel Williamson, and first wife, Pat Williamson, Steve is survived by his best friend and wife Rebecca Williamson (Smith); his two adored daughters Jennifer Thomas (Jason) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Ashley Schneeberg (Matt) of Jenks, Oklahoma; his brother, Mark Williamson (Theresa) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and his five step children, Blake Burruss (Rachel), Krista Sands, Holly Chapman (Joel), Sarah Lyn Smith and Jay Darrin Smith. He was an exceptional grandfather to his beautiful grandchildren and step grandchildren, Asa and Will Thomas, Kate and Ava Schneeberg, Barrett Burruss, Addysion Sands, Brycelyn Wiedel, and Gabe Chapman. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nephews, a niece, and his aunt, Blanche Wilson.
H. Stephen Williamson was the president and chief executive officer of Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) since the Authority began operations in 1978, and served for over 39 years. Under Williamson’s guidance, EMSA grew into Oklahoma’s largest EMS provider and one of the country’s most effective ambulance systems, achieving the standing of top 1% of ambulance services nationwide with accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. Due to his visionary leadership and passion for service, EMSA provided outstanding patient care, saving countless lives throughout Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and the surrounding counties. Prior to his tenure at EMSA, he served as administrator of Enid Memorial Hospital. He was a graduate of the University of Tulsa, earning a B.S. in Finance, as well as a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to his death, Steve was the Chief Financial Officer at Pafford EMS, the largest ambulance service provider in Arkansas.
Steve was a revered national leader in EMS. He held numerous national and state leadership positions including President of the American Ambulance Association, President of the Coalition of Advanced Emergency Medical Systems, Governor’s Appointee to the Oklahoma Emergency Response Systems Advisory Council, and President of the Eastern Oklahoma Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class XX.
Family will receive those wishing to pay their respects at a lunch and visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Fletcher Hall (attached to the church). Services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at Parish of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1520 South Rockford Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120. Internment at Calvary Cemetery 9101 South Harvard Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s honor may be made to Bishop Kelly High School, 3905 South Hudson Avenue Tulsa, OK 74135 and the Code Green Campaign, P.O. Box 15365, Spokane Valley, Washington, 99215. Code Green advocates for mental health-, PTSD-, and suicide-awareness for EMS.
Steve touched countless hearts over the course of his extraordinary life. He will be forever loved and missed by all his family, friends, and colleagues.
2017 Distinguished Service Award
Contact: Jessica Marvin
Telephone: 703-610-9018
Email: jmarvin@ambulance.org
AMERICAN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION HONORS JAMIE PAFFORD-GRESHAM AND SHAWN BAIRD WITH THE 2017 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Washington, DC– McLean, VA — The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to award Jamie Pafford-Gresham and Shawn Baird with the 2017 Distinguished Service Awards.
The Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the advancement of the AAA. Jamie and Shawn have achieved this distinction through their dedication, passion, and commitment in support of AAA’s Legislative Priorities.
AAA President Mark Postma noted, “Jamie and Shawn have been steadfast in their service on behalf of the AAA. We are proud to celebrate their contributions and achievements to the AAA and our industry by presenting them with Distinguished Service Awards for 2017.”
Shawn and Jamie will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award at the AAA Annual Conference and Tradeshow Awards Reception on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. This event is the premier event for leaders in the ambulance industry, featuring world-class education, networking, and cutting-edge technology.
# # #
About the American Ambulance Association
Founded in 1979, the AAA represents hundreds of ambulance services across the United States that participate in emergency and non-emergency care and medical transportation. The Association serves as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services, and views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
AAA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Ambulance Association is to promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education, and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve.
2017 AAA Award Winners Announced
The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce this year’s award winners. Awards will be presented at the AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners!
J. Walter Schaeffer Award
Mark Meijer, Life EMS Ambulance
The J. Walter Schaeffer Award is given annually to an individual whose work in EMS has contributed positively to the advancement of the industry as a whole. Mark Meijer has achieved this through his many years of commitment and service to the ambulance industry.
Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award
Fred Della Valle, AMR Connecticut
The Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of the first Executive Director of the American Ambulance Association. It recognizes a volunteer leader who has made a significant long-term impact on the association. Fred Della Valle has achieved this through his decades of service, commitment, and dedication to the AAA and its members.
President’s Award
Dr. John Russell, Cape County Private Ambulance
Paul Main, American Ambulance of Visalia
These awards are bestowed by the President to volunteer leaders who have shown commitment to the advancement of the AAA above and beyond the call of duty. This year, the two outstanding volunteers represent tireless work on behalf of the AAA. Dr. Russell is recognized for his ongoing support of AAA’s programs and leadership on clinical and ambulance service standards. Paul Main has achieved this honor for his dedication and service to AAA’s Government Affairs efforts.
Distinguished Service Award
Jamie Pafford-Gresham, Pafford EMS
Shawn Baird, Woodburn Ambulance Service
The American Ambulance Association is proud to award Jamie Pafford-Gresham and Shawn Baird with the 2017 Distinguished Service Awards. Jamie Pafford-Gresham and Shawn Baird have achieved this distinction through their dedication, passion, and commitment in support of AAA’s Legislative Priorities.
2017 Affiliate of the Year
REV
The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to award REV with the 2017 Affiliate of the Year Award. REV has achieved this honor through their support of AAA’s programs and services including our 2017 Legislative Priorities.
EMS Partnership of the Year
James D. Green
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The EMS Partnership of the Year Award is given to an organization or individual whose collaboration with the AAA enhances educational programs, legislative priorities, and/or member benefits. James D. Green and NIOSH have achieved this honor through their commitment to ambulance vehicle and personnel safety standards.
EMS Innovation Award
Savvik Foundation
Savvik Foundation is honored with a special EMS Innovation Award for its commitment to supporting the future of emergency medical services through their grant program.
AAA Members on Capitol Hill
This week, AAA members were once again on Capitol Hill meeting with members of Congress. AAA Government Affairs Committee Chair, Jamie Pafford-Gresham of Pafford EMS, met with entire Congressional Arkansas delegation. While on the Hill, Jamie also met with members from Oklahoma and Mississippi. AAA Board Member, Kim Godden (Superior Air-Ground Ambulance), Payment Reform Committee Chair, Asbel Montes (Acadian Ambulance Service), and AMR VP Federal Reimbursement & Regulatory Affairs, Deb Gault were also on the Hill for meetings this week. Collectively the group met with over twenty Congressional offices this week. Thank you to all of our members for their hard work fighting for permanent Medicare relief. We appreciate you taking the time to visit Washington and meet with your representatives.
Pafford EMS CEO, Jamie Pafford-Gresham, and Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas
Pafford EMS CEO, Jamie Pafford-Gresham, and Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas
Have you met recently with a Member of Congress? Are you interested in getting involved with the AAA’s advocacy efforts? If so, email Aidan Camas at acamas@ambulance.org!