Mega Doctor News
First responders stand at the crossroads of public health and public safety. From identifying continuing threats, facilitating evacuations and treating the ill and injured, these brave men and women are the backbone of our communities.
In the United States, there are more than one million firefighters and approximately 155,000 nationally registered emergency medical technicians (EMTs), per the Department of Homeland Security.
In the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, first responders are a critical bridge between survival and tragedy during a medical emergency or traumatic event. Their role goes beyond applying bandages or performing CPR; they’re the first line of defense in crisis situations, offering immediate care and reassurance.
Throughout the year, South Texas Health System honors individual first responders with its prestigious Hometown Heroes Award for going above and beyond the call of duty, providing timely treatment and transport of critically ill or injured patients to STHS’ facilities. But during STHS’ recent event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of STHS ER Weslaco, the system presented its first-ever Hometown Heroes Department Award, a distinction meant to highlight the dedication of an entire unit, to Weslaco Fire/EMS.
Committed to providing swift medical attention and initial stabilization, as well as the timely transport of critically ill and injured patients, Weslaco Fire/EMS is instrumental in helping save lives throughout the Mid-Valley, a rural area with a population of about 250,000.
As one of the region’s few fire/EMS departments, Weslaco Fire/EMS doesn’t only respond to emergency calls for fires, water rescues and incidents involving hazardous materials. Each year, the department manages approximately 10,000 911 EMS calls and transports more than 17,000 patients needing immediate medical attention for diabetic complications, heart attacks, strokes, motor vehicle accidents and various other traumas.
As one of the Valley’s most progressive and pro-active EMS agencies, Weslaco Fire/EMS has transported more than 2,100 patients to STHS ER Weslaco alone, ensuring Mid-Valley residents experiencing a medical emergency get swift, close-to-home care.
“Weslaco Fire/EMS has played a significant role in helping STHS ER Weslaco save thousands of lives over the last decade, providing instrumental on-the-scene treatment to patients and swiftly getting them to the facility for life-saving care,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “This award recognizes the entire department for their unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the residents of the Mid-Valley.”
The first of its kind distinction not only recognizes the department for the exceptional skills of its members who face a myriad of situations when providing life-saving care, it also honors the efforts of Weslaco Fire/EMS to engage with the community and provide important injury prevention education.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve the community of Weslaco,” says Weslaco Fire Chief Antonio Lopez. “To receive this award is an honor, and I cannot express how grateful we are for this recognition. But, most of all, we are grateful for the support of our community.”
If you would like to nominate a first responder for their outstanding service – whether a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician or Border Patrol agent — to receive South Texas Health System’s Hometown Heroes Award, visit https://www.southtexashealthsystem.com/hometown-heroes-award/nomination-form to complete and submit the online form.
