Aaron Gilkey
Media Contact:
Aaron Gilkey
T: 1.501.301.1425 | M: 1.501.400.4617
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEMS Graduates 48th Rookie Class
16 individuals successfully complete EMT training
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 21, 2024) – Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) graduated its 48th Rookie Class. Graduates has successfully completed initial screenings and testing throughout the eight-week training program.
Through a partnership with South Arkansas Community College, MEMS offers college credit at its headquarters for EMT training. MEMS EMT-B training, otherwise known as Rookie School, is usually held twice each year as staffing needs occur. Classes and deadlines to apply will be announced prior to the anticipated start date.
“We are very proud of the efforts of our graduates and the staff who conducted this eight-week training,” said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS. “Our 16 newest EMT’s have answered the call, worked hard, and are now prepared to serve our community with skill and dignity.”
After successful course completion, rookies must obtain Arkansas and national licenses. All graduates are offered full-time employment and are eligible to bid for a full-time shift and be a part of an ambulance crew.
For more information on future classes, please visit metroems.org/training. Applications for the August class will be announced soon.
Names of the photographed graduates are listed Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
Summer Bassford, Noah Carraway, Heather Carson, Jacob Davis, Caitlin Esquivel, Amaya Etherton, John Hood, India Hudson-Fain, Jennifer Knight-Brewer, Wyatt Martin, Rebekah McBride, Vivian Noble, Breckin Parent, Carshona Parker, Zoey Patterson, Nicholas Pelczar
About MEMS
MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2004, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers.
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Aaron Gilkey
Media Contact: Aaron Gilkey
Two MEMS Employees Receive Prestigious Award
Photos available here
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Nov. 7, 2023) – Two Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) employees have received the American Ambulance Association’s “Stars of Life” nomination. Stars of Life honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.
Paramedic and Field Training Officer Garrett Whisenhunt and Paramedic Chris Workman were recognized for their contributions as ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession.
“Garrett and Chris represent the best of EMS,” said Greg Thompson, executive director. “We are fortunate that they, day in and day out, have chosen to dedicate their time and talents to improving health outcomes throughout our community.”
Sergeant Whisenhunt completed his Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine with highest honors and has been serving in EMS for more than five years. Garrett is committed to lifelong learning and has formed the "Journal Club" at MEMS to increase knowledge and reduce self-doubt for himself and his EMS colleagues. He is also involved in various initiatives to improve safety practices and interdepartmental relationships.
“I am fortunate to have found a career I love,” said Whisenhunt.” This award is just the icing on the cake.”
Chris Workman is known for his community involvement, volunteerism, and auctioneering skills. Chris has served as a Volunteer Firefighter and Reserve Police Officer and has coached children’s T-Ball teams. He is a member of the MEMS Honor Guard and the Arkansas Emergency Medical Technician Association. Chris is also a small-business owner, operating Workman’s Auction since 2006. He is deeply humble and compassionate and offers non-traditional, outside-of-the-box care for his patients that sets him apart from his peers.
“EMS is a calling, and I was called 23 years ago,” said Workman. “To be recognized by my peers with the Stars of Life” award is an honor.”
About the American Ambulance Association
The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.
About MEMS
MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2004, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers.
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Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
For release September 21, 2023
Contact: Trish Villines
Phone: 501-804-7409
Email:
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – An architect firm, hospital, makeup manufacturer, dental insurance provider, two long-term care facilities and two service organizations had one thing in common earlier today. Each organization was awarded with an Arkansas Governor’s Quality Award during the 29th Annual Awards Celebration at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock. Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald presented the awards.
The architect firm and hospital earned the highest level awarded this year—the Achievement Award. Cromwell Architects Engineers and White River Medical Center have both worked over the last few years to advance to the third of four award levels. Achievement Award recipients have shown a commitment to and practice quality principles demonstrating systematic processes and favorable performance results. These applicants prepare a 45-page application and participate in a one and one-half day site visit.
Delta Dental of Arkansas, Sherwood, and L’Oreal USA, North Little Rock received the second level—the Commitment Award. Applicants are required to respond to a condensed set of questions and receive a feedback report to better understand their process and results strengths and opportunities.
Four organizations received the first award level, the Challenge Award which included: ARORA of Little Rock, MEMS of Little Rock, Manila Healthcare Center of Manila and Gosnell and Rehabilitation of Gosnell. The Challenge Level is the starting point for any organization and requires organizations to define key characteristics such as mission, vision, values, customer groups, and strategic challenges and advantages.
The award process drives organizations toward quality principles. Organizations self-assess and carefully review the award-level requirements before deciding at which level to apply. Each level increases the requirements of the applicant to describe systematic processes and results. In addition to the award recognition, the greatest value for program participants is the in-depth evaluation and written feedback report citing strengths and areas for improvement. Only 27 Arkansas organizations have ever received the highest-level, the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence.
The goal of the program is to encourage Arkansas organizations to engage in continuous quality improvement, which leads to performance excellence. Created as a not-for-profit organization, the program is dedicated to assist in building a strong infrastructure for Arkansas businesses. The award process aligns with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality award and used the Baldrige Excellence Framework.
The Governor’s Quality Award program is coordinated by the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
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Aaron Gilkey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Aaron Gilkey
MEMS Mourns the Loss of Cassandra Peña-Romero
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Aug. 23, 2023) - Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) Dispatcher Cassandra Peña-Romero succumbed to her injuries today sustained from gun violence on Saturday, August 19.
She began her career as a Dispatcher with MEMS in July of 2021.
“Dispatchers are the first step of the life-saving work of emergency services, and Cassandra was a true community hero,” said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS. “We appreciate the care she received at UAMS and the valiant efforts of our law enforcement partners to quickly apprehend the suspect of this heinous act. We mourn the loss of Cassandra and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and colleagues. As an organ donor, Cassandra continues her life-saving legacy.”
The Little Rock Police Department worked with Texarkana Police and the Arkansas State Police, and the suspect was brought into custody at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night. The suspect is a former employee of MEMS and the estranged husband of the victim. His employment was terminated earlier this month.
MEMS will have mental health professionals available for employees in this difficult time.
About MEMS
MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2004, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers.
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