February 2009 News Archive:
EMS Director Recipient of TASA President's Award
By: Jon W. Knowles, Public Information Officer
Published: 02-25-2009 @ 21:35
Anderson County EMS Director Robert Byrd was recently awarded the L. Gale Allen President's Leadership Award, an award given annually by the Tennessee Ambulance Service Association (TASA). Eligibility for the award is open to anyone and any service deserving recognition for leadership and dedicated service to EMS in Tennessee, as chosen directly by the sitting President of TASA.
Byrd was awarded the honor at the TASA mid-winter conference held annually in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. TASA President Doug McQuary presented Byrd with the award, named for the late Gale Allen, former Sevier County EMS director and founding member of TASA. "Robert has done more for Tennessee EMS than any one single person in the last ten years. This man has no time stamp on his cell phone, e-mail or office door." McQuary said. "It has been my pleasure to serve with this EMS champion, a man TASA considers as the patient's champion."
Prior to receiving the award, Byrd presented a lecture to over 150 statewide EMS leaders detailing the responsibilities and regulatory oversight of the State of Tennessee EMS Board, where Byrd is currently serving his second term as Chairman. In an acceptance statement, Byrd credited those serving around him in work and at home:
"I accept this award on behalf of my staff and all those within Anderson County Government who provide the resources and support for our system. I also offer my full appreciation to Governor Bredesen who has given me the opportunity to lead Tennessee EMS at the regulatory level. Furthermore, I must recognize the influence behind my success, my wife Lisa. Most importantly I give full credit to the Lord who always serves as my number one counselor."
Byrd serves in his 11th year as Director of Anderson County EMS and will achieve his 30 year milestone of overall EMS service this April.
Byrd To Offer Presentation At Annual TASA Conference
By: Jon W. Knowles, Public Information Officer
Published: 02-12-2009 @ 23:30
Anderson County Emergency Services Director Robert Byrd will address a state-wide EMS audience Thursday February 19th, at an annual conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Director Byrd will offer lecture to several hundred EMS providers at the annual Tennessee Ambulance Service Association (TASA) conference which provides educational seminars, networking and EMS related sales demonstrations from industries nationwide. Speaking in his second consecutive year, Byrd will offer a one hour presentation on the roles and responsibilities of the State EMS Board. In addition to serving as Director for the Anderson County EMS system, Byrd serves as the current Chairman of the Tennessee EMS Board, a post he has held for over two years.
TASA conducts it's mid-winter conference each year within the Park Vista Resort Hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, just outside the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Other 2009 presentation topics include EMS Leadership, Customer Service and EMS for Children. Former University of Tennessee Head Football Coach Phillip Fulmer is scheduled as the 2009 TASA keynote speaker, a speech slated to take place Friday the 20th.
During the 2008 TASA mid-winter conference, Director Byrd presented a speech entitled "Finding your Champions," a speech highlighting how to effectively build a successful EMS system around today's personnel and leaders. Byrd is also slated to serve as guest speaker during an EMS awards banquet ceremony, scheduled for later Thursday evening.
More information can be found at www.tennesseeambulance.com
Commission Approves Additional Funding For ACEMS
By: Jon W. Knowles, Public Information Officer
Published: 02-04-2009 @ 22:33
The Anderson County Board of Commissioners approved a $355,000 levy for the Anderson County Emergency Services (ACEMS). A January County Budget Committee meeting yielded unanimous support for the measure which allows ACEMS funding for building allocation, a new ambulance, and new advanced life support equipment. According to Anderson County EMS Director Robert Byrd, current advanced equipment was becoming obsolete which required urgent upgrades and improvement. "Overall, this funding allows the citizens of Anderson County to receive the most advanced life support available," Byrd said. "Our objective is to always place patient care first and foremost. By supporting this measure, our Board of Commissioners have indicated that their objective is to also provide the best emergent care possible to it's constituents, a gesture that speaks volumes to the character of this commission."
ACEMS Operates under a $4.3 million a year budget, climbing from $3.9 million the previous year. The additional $355,000 was drawn from exceeding revenue earned by ACEMS itself. "Specifically this funding allows the purchase of various equipment including all new heart monitors with defibrillators. This equipment provides better diagnostic tools to an already highly trained EMS staff, ultimately resulting in the best possible outcome for the patients we serve," Byrd said.
The additional funding would also allow a fourth new ambulance for ACEMS, in addition to three new ambulances currently on order. With the addition of three new ambulances purchased in 2008, the incoming four ambulances would showcase an entire new fleet within the ACEMS Advanced Life Support Division. ACEMS maintains a fleet total of 18 ambulances including five Basic Life Support ambulances used on a daily basis. Other units include 7 back-up or support units, a supply unit, and three command vehicles. "Our fleet allows us the flexibility for any event, to include mechanical difficulties, special events and disasters," Byrd said. With the added new ambulances, ACEMS will surplus, donate and sell four older models to other entities.
Anderson County Emergency Services is a countywide EMS agency covering over 300 squre miles, while serving over 73,000 people in Anderson County and the Roane County portions of Oliver Springs, Kellytown and Blair. ACEMS responds to over 24,000 calls for service per year.