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The Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services, Inc. is proud to announce that the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council has awarded our chief, Eric S. Wescoe, the Emergency Medical Technician of the Year award. Rick has been an active member for the past 18 years and has shown outstanding dedication and leadership, both by example and by striving for what is best in himself, this organization, and the communities we serve.
Rick has served the former Northampton Emergency Squad since becoming interested in EMS while volunteering with the fire company. After becoming an EMT, Rick continued his interests and education with various vehicle, rope and dive courses. Rick has served as a member of the Executive Board since 1984, serving as Assistant Rescue Chief, Captain and Chief for the past 11 years. During these 11 years, there have been many changes. Starting in 1988, due to reduced volunteer availability, we started a transitition to part-time employees. In 1996, Rick's goal of providing Advanced Life Support services was realized. At that point, we provided ALS services to Northampton Borough, Allen Twp, Lehigh Twp. and secondarily to North Catasauqua Borough,as well as mutual aid when requested. Also in 1996, merger talks were started with Lehigh Twp. Emergency Squad and Allen Twp. Ambulance Corps. In November, 1997, the merger talks concluded and the Northampton Regional Emergency Services was formed from the former Allen Twp. Ambulance, Lehigh Twp. Emergency Squad, and the Northampton Emergency Squad. Also in 1997, NREMS purchased a Wheel Chair van and early this year began providing another needed patient transport service to our communities. In the spring of 1998, Rick attended meetings with the municipal officials from Catasquaua Borough, Hanover Twp (Lehigh County) and North Catasauqua Borough due to their need for ambulance services. In April and June, we added these areas to our coverage area.
Although the organization has grown from serving one community with two BLS ambulances to six communities with 3 ALS and two BLS ambulances and a wheel chair van, Rick still shines as one of our most dedicated and respected volunteers. Due to Rick's leadership, NREMS continues to exist as one of the most inovative and respected EMS services in Eastern Pennsylvania.
Rick can be contacted at 610-262-0800 or via email at nrems@usa.net