Thanks to dedicated paramedic
Editor:
On June 7, Karen Clark resigned her position as paramedic at Clear Creek EMS. I would like to thank her for her 22-year commitment to Clear Creek EMS and the citizens of Clear Creek County.
Karen started with the ambulance in March 1987 as a volunteer EMT. During that time she worked full time as the city manager for Idaho Springs, was very active with the fire department, raised her daughter and dedicated many hours to the ambulance. According to Bob Marlin, “What I remember most was her extreme dedication and commitment in terms of time.” During those early days, Ambulance Association personnel took pagers home for the shifts they had signed up for, and when a call came, they picked up the ambulance, which was parked in a home garage by the current recreation center and then proceeded to the scene.
Karen served as the secretary on the ambulance board, and was responsible for passing on a completed shift schedule to dispatch weekly. When Karen moved to Idaho Springs, she was a pioneer on the Idaho Springs Fire Department as one of the first women on the department. She went on to complete her paramedic education in 1992 and has since become an EMT instructor at Red Rocks, while maintaining her current full-time job with Housing and Urban Development. Thank you, Karen, for dedicating your time and energy to Clear Creek EMS.
Jamie Kavanaugh, director
Clear Creek EMS
Mini-health fair a boon to community
Editor:
On April 18, 2009, Clear Creek County experienced record snowfall and had to cancel our 9Health Fair, and because of schedule conflicts, it was not going to be rescheduled.
To compensate, Clear Creek fair coordinator Mike Morris and CCEMS were able to do a 9Health blood draw and mini-health fair as part of EMS Week events on May 18. For many people in Clear Creek County, this is the only way they have blood drawn, as it is considerably less expensive than having it done at a doctor’s office.
Once again CCEMS, CCFA and our volunteers have gone above and beyond to take care of our community. Thank you to everyone who sacrificed their Saturday to make this endeavor a success. We served 181 people that day who would have had to go to a health fair outside of Clear Creek or not have their tests done at all.
Special thanks to Jeanne Waligroski, Mike Morris, Scott Amdur, Jack Russalissi, Jenette Lacey, Debbie Corriero, Jamie Kavanaugh, Leah Friday, Stephanie Nelson, Natasha Helmick, Steve McMillian, Dennis Johnson, CCFA Chief Babeon, CCFA Assistant Chief Mark Abrahamson, Caroline Kennedy and her team, Liz Tyus, The Lions Club and Public Health. Thanks again for your hard work and dedication to the people of Clear Creek County.
Ginifer Wallace
CCEMS community outreach