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Showcasing our family of EMS operations in Florida, New York, South Dakota and Texas
One company. One vision. One goal. We’re committed to providing quality care everywhere!
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Welcome to our new PatientCare newsletter
Hello, everyone, I’m Dugan Radwin, marketing and communications manager for Empress Emergency Medical Services, a PatientCare EMS Solutions Company that operates in New York City and the Hudson Valley in New York State as well as Litchfield, CT. I’ve been asked to launch this newsletter to help bring all of our PatientCare EMS services around the country together so we know more about one another and work together more effectively as one company with the common goal of providing the best possible care to our patients and the communities we serve. This newsletter includes a story about the changes that have occurred recently with PatientCare, including its new financial sponsor, Grant Avenue Capital, and our new CEO Jeff Shullaw. It also includes features about 1
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each of our PatientCare sister companies: Empress, FleetPlus, MedFleet, PatientCare Sioux Falls, Sunstar, and our newest acquisition, Superior Mobile Health.
PatientCare EMS Solutions is a leading provider of ground-based 911 emergency ambulance services and other critical healthcare logistics solutions that has forged solid reputations in communities large and small.
It includes stories about what is going on in all our locations — how we do outreach in our communities, how we provide EMS education and how we establish best practices for our work in the field.
We provide our partners transparency into technology and data, so together we can deploy specialists and dispatch transportation in the most timely manner possible for more than 400,000 patients a year.
We will celebrate employee milestone anniversaries, employees of the month and promotions. An Employee Spotlight feature will focus on an individual up close so we and the communities we serve can all get to know each other better. This issue will feature Empress Employee of the Year for 2025, Patrick Baia, who became an EMT at 17 and is now a paramedic at 23. I hope you enjoy this premier issue! If you have any content suggestions or photos to share, please send them to me at dradwin@empressems.com
PatientCare EMS Solutions was established in March 2018 as Paramedics Logistics Operating Company, LLC, following the acquisition of Paramedics Plus, a ground-based 911 emergency ambulance and critical healthcare services provider founded in 1998. Re-branded in 2018 as PatientCare EMS Solutions, the organization now operates under several well known local brands across the United States. PatientCare was recently acquired by Grant Avenue Capital and a new CEO, Jeff Shullaw, named as part of the process. The company had previously been owned by A&M Capital Managers for the past eight years.
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Grant Avenue Capital acquires PatientCare; new CEO named PatientCare EMS Solutions, the parent company of Empress EMS, FleetPlus, MedFleet, PatientCare Sioux Falls, Sunstar and the newly acquired Superior Mobile Health, announced a new financial sponsor, Grant Avenue Capital (GAC) last fall. GAC took over from A&M Capital Partners, which had supported PatientCare for nearly eight years. As part of the transition, PatientCare also named a new CEO, Jeff Shullaw, who succeeds Herman Schwarz as the company’s leader. Shullaw said he was excited to take the helm at PatientCare. In a message to employees, he cited his extensive background in emergency medical services. “I have worked in the EMS industry my entire career, starting as a part-time EMT, advancing through intermediate, and paramedic,” he said. “Along the way, I entered management, gaining experience in many aspects of ambulance service delivery, and eventually became CEO. ... I understand what you do and how your role impacts you, the company
and our patients.” Shullaw noted PatientCare’s position at the forefront of the EMS field. “I am thrilled to build on this success and maximize the opportunity for innovation and growth we have together, all while delivering a quality product,” he said, citing his commitment to high standards of care, innovation and creating a workplace that rewards employees for quality work with opportunities to grow.
CEO Jeff Shullaw
About Grant Avenue Capital
Empress President Michael Minerva Sr. said he looked forward to the new partnership.
Founded in 2019, Grant Avenue Capital is a healthcare-focused, middle-market private equity firm targeting investments alongside forward-thinking management teams that seek an experienced and innovative investor with operational insight and flexible capital to drive business growth.
“We are pleased to have someone leading our parent company who understands emergency medical services as well as our needs and challenges,” he said. “We expect great things to come from this partnership.”
With decades of healthcare investing experience, deep industry knowledge, and a broad network of relationships, Grant Avenue actively supports the strategic and operational initiatives of its investments in pursuit of exceptional outcomes. 2
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PatientCare Vision, Mission, and Core Values
C A R E 3
Vision: Transforming medical transportation with compassion — every call, every time. ustomer Accountability We are committed to doing the very best for patients, health systems, and communities. ttention to Human Needs We treat our patients' family members, customers, and colleagues as valued individuals. espectful Our behavior toward our patients, colleagues, customers, and the public demonstrates the respect we want to receive ourselves. thical We perform duties in a just and honest way and encourage an organizational culture which balances accountability with fairness.
P L U S
Mission: We build lasting partnerships to deliver quality patient care. artnership We create long-term relationships focused on the needs of the health systems and communities we serve. ead by Example We model our values and promote innovation that supports our mission and vision. nderstanding We understand and value diversity in our workforce and our community by treating all individuals equally and without judgment. afety We are committed to the safety of our workforce, patients, and community.
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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
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Empress EMS is the largest provider of services in the PatientCare EMS family
Empress is one of the largest, most experienced emergency and non-emergency response providers in the Bronx, New York City, Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties as well as Litchfield, CT.
Since 1985, they have been focused on providing state-of-theart patient care in a personal and compassionate manner. Professionally trained and highly skilled, they provide the highest caliber mobile care in the industry with a staff of more than 1,300. They have a fleet of more than 200 vehicles at their disposal. With a primary focus on providing state-of-the-art patient care in a personal and compassionate manner, the success of their approach is reflected by their unparalleled reputation in the region.
Through their dedicated staff and experienced management team, Empress EMS continues raising the standards in ambulance care and demonstrating why so many lives are riding on them. Empress Emergency Medical Services and its employees
hold all necessary and relevant certifications for service within the State of New York. They operate within the framework provided by the New York State Department of Health for EMS agencies. Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers operating as part of 4
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Critical Care teams are trained and certified through the Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Program (CCEMTP). Empress Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances are staffed by New York State–certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) trained to assess, stabilize, and safely transport patients of all ages. Their BLS crews respond to 911 emergencies and also provide non-emergency transports between homes, healthcare facilities, and hospitals. During every call, EMTs perform an initial patient assessment, monitor vital signs, and provide appropriate medical interventions such as oxygen therapy, bleeding control, splinting, and CPR when needed. Whether it’s an emergency response or a routine transfer, Empress teams focus on both medical safety and personal comfort from pickup to arrival. Empress paramedics are skilled in advanced assessment, cardiac monitoring, airway management (including intubation), and medication administration for serious medical and traumatic emergencies, such as heart attacks, major car crashes, and more. Empress ALS teams work 5
Above: The winter 2026 Empress North Academy Class in Poughkeepsie. The Academy is held both in Poughkeepsie and Yonkers three times a year. Bottom right: South Academy students participate in an anatomy skills lab last fall. Bottom left: North Academy students work on a CPR skills lab.
closely with regional hospitals and specialty centers to provide both 911 emergency response and inter-facility criticalcare transports. Each unit is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing real-time
communication with receiving facilities and physicians. Empress has been designated a Gold Level EMS provider by the American Heart Association through their Mission Lifeline
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program. This is their highest level of recognition and certifies that they have shown exceptional commitment to and success in the treatment of heart attacks. Community paramedicine Empress’s Community Paramedicine/Mobile Integrated Healthcare units have won multiple awards for patientcentered programs and services. By helping make sure patients who don’t need hospital transport receive needed care in their homes, these programs have positively impacted thousands of patients’ lives. Empress is under contract providing this service in Putnam County and the City of Mount Vernon in Westchester County. Educational opportunities Founded in 2019, the Empress EMS Academy is an exceptional resource for those wanting to become EMTs and launch careers in emergency medical services.
in Yonkers and Poughkeepsie. Applicants must be at least 19 years old with a valid driver’s license, and there are additional educational prerequisites required for admission. Graduates are asked to work as full-time EMTs with Empress for a year. Empress also provides ongoing community education programs in CPR, first aid and more. For details, visit empressems.com Standby Service provided
Empress EMS is fully prepared to provide on-site emergency care with our vast company resources and extensive experience in This is an immersive, 12-week coordinating care for large-scale course that covers what people events. Since 1985, Empress need to know to pass the state has been the go-to choice EMT exam. Students are paid while participating in the program. of municipalities and private Empress has EMT training sites organizations year after year —
providing mobile medical care at hundreds of special events throughout the Hudson Valley. Tactical EMS Support The Empress EMS TEMS (Tactical Emergency Medical Support) Team is dedicated to providing high-quality, mission-ready medical support for law enforcement and tactical operations. Their team enhances operational safety by delivering rapid, evidence-based emergency medical care in highrisk environments. Through continuous training, collaboration, and innovation, they ensure optimal patient outcomes while supporting the operational effectiveness of our partner agencies. Their motto is Medicina Bona, Locis Malis, which is Latin for “Good medicine in bad places.” 6
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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
MedFleet has served Florida with diverse EMS services since 1993 MedFleet started out as a family owned and operated business offering medical transportation services in the Tampa Bay area in 1993. Their highly trained staff live in the communities they serve and are committed to providing courteous and compassionate care. They joined the PatientCare EMS Solutions family of companies in 2020. MedFleet mainly provides transportation for patients who need to be moved from hospital to hospital or other facilities (interfacility) or who are discharged and returning home. MedFleet also provides “prehospital” calls for patients going from a facility into the hospital for care. They also serve as a mutual aid partner to their local county fire departments, ensuring they have backed up resources in times of high call volume and limited 7
capacity. In addition, they provide critical care transports, in which patients receive highly-skilled care, and facilities maintain their in-house staffing levels. They have critical care ambulances on duty around the clock staffed by critical-care experienced, state licensed, certified paramedics and specially trained certified EMTs. Each team member has completed specialized training in treating obstetrics, advanced medical life support, pediatric advanced life support, and advanced cardiac life support. Their critical care team provides
transportation for patients on cardiac monitors, IV Infusion pumps, ventilators, and highflow nasal cannulas. These crews can also transport patients with blood transfusions. Critical Care Paramedics can transport complicated patients who require blood or blood products, heavily sedated patients, multiple IV drips, patients on ventilators, and carry multiple medications that can keep a patient stable during transport. In-Home service provided In 2022, MedFleet launched PatientCare Community Health to provide in-home services for
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patients to avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room. Often, patients leave the hospital and need some level of follow-up care, but that care often does not have to happen in a hospital. It can be taken care of in the home by highly trained and qualified paramedics or registered nurses who have phone and video access to physicians if needed. These are the things this kind of care provides: • In-home patient care by a certified community paramedic with a community health worker certification. • Visual inspections of the home exteriors to determine if they are in disrepair, if the yard is maintained and generally safe for the patient. • Assess interior conditions for unsafe food or other conditions. • Determine if medications are in sufficient supply, stored appropriately and being administered correctly. • Determine if patients are attending telehealth visits as needed and assisting with appointments. • Conduct clinical assessments including ear, nose, and
so they have easy access to nationally recognized emergency medical education. Providing high-quality, standardized Through PatientCare Community NAEMT programs such as PreHospital Trauma Life Support Health, MedFleet helps reduce (PHTLS), Advanced Medical Life and eliminate excessive visits Support (AMLS), and Mental to healthcare providers and achieves more positive outcomes Health Resource Officer (MHRO) directly at MedFleet facilities for patients’ longer-term health. allows for hands-on training and It alleviates providers’ high patient loads and helps insurance practical application in a familiar providers fulfill their commitments learning environment. to plan members in a way that This approach allows team prioritizes good health while members and community controlling escalating costs and keeping the patient in their home. partners to strengthen their clinical skills, stay current with evolving best practices, and In-House training offered maintain required certifications without the need for extensive MedFleet is a National travel. This in-house NAEMT Association of Emergency program demonstrates Medical Technicians (NAEMT) MedFleet’s commitment to Training Center. MedFleet offers professional development, clinical in-house training to all employees excellence, and community and local healthcare partners collaboration. throat, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate, weight checks, etc.
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Standby service provided MedFleet also provides professional medical standby services for special events, such as parades, community gatherings, concerts, sporting events, and corporate functions, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all attendees and participants. With fully stocked ambulances, MedFleet ensures comprehensive coverage tailored to the specific needs of each event. Stretcher service available MedFleet also provides stretcher service for clients confined to a bed or unable to sit upright in a wheelchair for a sustained time, but who do not need immediate medical attention or monitoring during transport. 9
Trained professionals will safely transfer the client to and from the stretcher, secure them in the vehicle, and ensure their comfort throughout the transport to their destination. This type of transportation is commonly used for hospital
discharges, hospice services, doctor appointments, and outpatient diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. MedFleet also frequently transports clients by stretcher to the airport or to destinations out of the area.
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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
For more than a decade, PatientCare Sioux Falls has handled EMS, transit Company is a top EMS provider in South Dakota
PatientCare EMS Sioux Falls has been the franchise provider of ground ambulance service for the City of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, since May 2015. Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state of South Dakota, with an estimated population of 215,058 residents. With a workforce of around 100 employees who collaborate closely with six fire departments, PatientCare Sioux Falls handles both emergent and nonemergent ambulance services for any EMS call originating and terminating within the City of Sioux Falls. Besides their work within the City of Sioux Falls, they also provide ground ambulance service to the City of Harrisburg, City of Tea, and long-distance ground ambulance transport
PatientCare EMS Sioux Falls provides EMS services for both emergent and nonemergent calls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the largest city in the state.
Did you know?
PatientCare EMS Sioux Falls is the busiest EMS system in South Dakota. In 2024, they responded to 25,817 calls for service and transported 19,279 patients. 10
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throughout the region. It has a state-of-the-art fleet of 10 ambulances equipped with Lifepak 15 ECG devices with 12-lead transmission capability, FERNO power X2 stretchers and ruggedized Dell laptops to run EPCR software. In addition, their ambulances have the LUCAS Chest Compression System. They also have the latest in dispatching software, and a driver monitoring and feedback system. Metro Communication’s Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) provides all the dispatch services with their EMD-certified and “System Status Management” trained staff. PatientCare EMS launched PatientCare Mobility in 2021. With this service, they provide stretcher and wheelchair services as well as home health options for patients who do not require ambulance transportation. PatientCare Sioux Falls is the only Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) accredited ambulance service in the state of South Dakota.
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PatientCare EMS Sioux Falls has a fleet of 10 state-of-the-art ambulances and other sophisticated equipment.
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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
Since 1998, Sunstar has provided exceptional care in Pinellas County, Fla. Sunstar has served the Pinellas County, Fla., community since 1998 and has been recognized locally and nationally for the exceptional care its team provides.
The Sunstar team has access to guidance from a medical doctor when responding to emergencies. They follow strict patient-care protocols based on the most current industry standards and survival data. Sunstar works closely with receiving hospitals to evaluate patient outcomes for emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes and other serious problems. They use the data to continually revise and improve their treatment protocols and identify the closest, most appropriate hospitals to take patients for the highest quality care.
County. They also work closely with hospitals to reduce emergency room wait times and help them earn advanced certifications treating heart attacks, strokes and perinatal care.
Sunstar also follows up on many of the patients they transport, and their unique system has elevated Sunstar handles over 250,000 patient care throughout Pinellas calls for service per year. It has
79 Advanced Life Support vehicles ALS, 25 Basic Life Support vehicles, two mental health vans and two critical care transport vehicles. They employ 198 fulltime/part-time paramedics, 294 full-time/part-time EMTs and 33 full-time emergency medical responders, with a total staff of 737. 12
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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
FleetPlus gives old ambulances new life Since 2004, FleetPlus has been quietly reshaping the ambulance remount industry, one high-quality build at a time.
What started as an internal solution for East Texas Medical Center has evolved into a full-scale remount manufacturing operation with a singular focus: delivering top-tier remounts that look, feel, and perform like new. At FleetPlus, emergency vehicle remounting and refurbishing is what they do. Their specialized team is dedicated to giving ambulances a second life with precision, care, and craftsmanship that meets the highest standards of safety and performance. Whether clients are looking to extend the life of their fleet, upgrade critical systems, or customize for specialized medical needs, FleetPlus delivers solutions that are cost-effective, compliant, and built to last. They replace flooring and seating with durable, easy-to-clean materials that meet healthcare standards. Clients can choose 13
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from a range of finishes to match their fleet’s branding and functionality. They install sirens, strobes, and emergency lighting systems using trusted brands like Federal Signal and Whelen Engineering. From LED upgrades to full lighting system replacements, they enhance visibility and safety for both patients and providers. Custom cabinetry and trim upgrades improve storage, workflow, and aesthetics. They tailor every detail to their clients’ operational needs. Enhanced crew safety is available with airbag retrofits designed for emergency vehicles. FleetPlus ensures compatibility and compliance with current regulations. They also refresh emergency vehicles’ looks with custom paint jobs and high-visibility graphics. They offer full wraps, decals, and reflective striping. Both prior to initiating the remount process and during varying intervals of the remount process, clients’ ambulances are decontaminated. This benefit is offered for the protection of employees and the clients’ peace of mind upon completion and delivery of their ambulance.
Learn more
For more information, visit https://fleetplus.org
They specialize in pediatric ICU and bariatric ambulance builds, customizing interiors for specialized care and transport needs. They also offer generator and incubator system upgrades to
ensure uninterrupted power and safe neonatal transport. They back their workmanship with a 12 month/12,000-mile warranty. A written copy of the warranty accompanies each refurbished vehicle. 14
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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
Superior Mobile Health joins PatientCare Company serves San Antonio and South-Central Texas
PatientCare EMS is pleased to announce its acquisition of Superior Mobile Health (SMH). SMH provides basic life support and advanced life support emergency medical services, non-emergency transport, and standby care for San Antonio and South-Central Texas.
As the only NEMTAC-accredited paratransit provider in Texas, Superior Mobile Health delivers scalable, accessible, and accredited non-emergency medical transportation. Their services ensure safe transitions between healthcare settings, supporting patient flow and reducing delays for discharges, appointments, and facility transfers. “We are a stronger, more capable company today than we were yesterday, with a wider reach and a deeper commitment to the communities we serve,” PatientCare CEO Jeff Shullaw said. “Our new partnership also creates real opportunities for innovation 15
and collaboration across both organizations, which we believe will be critical as we continue to scale our footprint. Superior Mobile Health has built a highly respected organization grounded in quality care, operational discipline, and strong local leadership. We are excited to welcome Superior to the PatientCare family and look forward to supporting the team as they continue serving their patients, employees and communities with the same dedication and professionalism that define their organization today.
Superior’s team has built an exceptional company in San Antonio and across South Central Texas. The care they deliver and the reputation they have earned in their communities reflects the same values we hold here at PatientCare,” Shullaw added, noting that Superior Mobile Health’s founder and CEO, Aaron Castro, would remain at the helm of the company. “I look forward to working alongside him and their leadership team. We win and lose as a team, and today our team got bigger and better,” Shullaw said.
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Superior Mobile Health has a staff of more than 300 and a fleet of more than 45 vehicles.
Castro launched the San Antoniobased EMS provider in 2011 to expand access to quality, affordable medical transport. Since then, it has grown from one ambulance to more than 45 units and 300 team members. It now serves thousands annually across multiple Texas counties. As Vice President of the Texas Ambulance Association, Castro advocates for EMS policy, education, and innovation, driving system integration and sustainable growth in healthcare transportation. “Joining PatientCare provides Superior with a partner that shares our values and long-term
Standbys at events are one of the many services Superior Mobile Health provides.
commitment to our people and the communities we serve,” Castro said. “This partnership enhances our ability to invest in our operations
and team while maintaining the local relationships and patient-first approach that have been central to our success.”
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OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
Above: Empress EMTs Erika Opokuware, left, and Shawn Jackson, right, recently visited Barack Obama School for Social Justice in Yonkers, NY, to teach students how to set up non-rebreather, nasal cannula, and albuterol nebulizer. Here they pose with the school’s EMS instructor Nicholas Cacciola. Right: Jackson works with students. Left: Empress Lt. Andrea Downs reads to fifth graders at Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village, NY, recently for National Read Aloud Day. The kids loved the excerpts she read from the book, “Restart,” that sparked a discussion about bullying.
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SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
35
YEARS
5
YEARS
Empress Deputy Chief David Grass, Assistant Director of Education, is recognized for his 35 years of service. Here he poses with Senior Director of Operations Scott Holland, left, and Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Minerva.
Empress EMT Denise Jones, right, is recognized for her 25 years with Empress. With her at left is EMT Emmanuel Vargas, who was also honored for his five years with the
company.
30 YEARS
Empress Senior Director of Operations Scott Holland, right, is recognized for his 30 years at Empress. With him is Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Minerva.
25 15
Empress Administrative Assistant Marie Hart is recognized for her 15 years with Empress. At her left is Empress President Michael Minerva Sr.
YEARS YEARS
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COMMENDATIONS & AWARDS Paramedic, EMT handled complex incidents with finesse By Shalisha Preston
Director of Operations, Sunstar
and Bryn Bailey
Operations Manager, Sunstar
Paramedic Haley Enstall and EMT Kasi Nelson of Sunstar were part of two very different but equally meaningful incidents alongside our EMS partners. On the first call, what began as a simple “lift assist” turned out to be much more. They encountered a sweet 95-year-old patient who, though normally independent, was having a tough day while her caregiver was away. Nelson and Enstall went above and beyond — preparing her a meal, helping her to the bathroom, changing her clothes, and staying until her caregiver returned. Their compassion and patience never wavered.
EMT Kasi Nelson, center left, and Paramedic Haley Enstall, center right, and pose with commendations for their service on recent calls with colleagues.
Later that evening, they again responded with the same EMS partners to a call involving a male patient struggling with personal challenges and attempting to use EMS for transportation. Rather than react with frustration, Nelson and Enstall approached the situation with empathy and professionalism. They took time to listen, educate, and guide him toward a safe and appropriate
solution to get home safely. While these moments may seem small in the big picture, they represent the heart of patient advocacy. One patient was fed, comforted, and treated with dignity; another was supported and educated with respect and understanding. These are the quiet acts of kindness that define who we are.
Paramedic, EMT praised for exceptional care during call By Jazmin Soloman
Director of Clinical Services, Sunstar
and Shelby Papa
Clinical Services Manager, Sunstar
Paramedic Wyatt SalernoLangley and EMT Phillip Tavano of Sunstar recently played a critical role in a response to a patient with 19
severe facial and neck injuries. Through swift bleeding control and pain management, the crew ensured the patient received life-saving care. Their outstanding hospital handoff was praised by the trauma team for its professionalism and detail.
Thank you for your dedication and excellence!
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COMMENDATIONS & AWARDS Employee of the Month
Empress EMT Arianna Maldonado, left, stands with Lt. Rose Moran, holding her Employee of the Month Award from October 2025. She was recently presented with the award in Yonkers.
20th work anniversary
20 YEARS
Lt. Tom D’Anna, right, is celebrating his 20th anniversary with Empress. He is seen here at right holding his Daniel J. Minerva Founders Award with Deputy Chief Assistant Director of Education Dave Grass.
Paramedic uses American Sign Language to help patient
By Shalisha Preston and Bryn Bailey
communicate with the patient and made sure he was comfortable until his interpreter arrived.
SSC/Paramedic Craig Brown of Sunstar in Florida was recently commended for his knowledge of American Sign Language, which made it possible for him to help a patient who was deaf.
This type of commitment to patient-centered care should be applauded and celebrated. We appreciate Craig and all he does for our patients coming to HCA Florida Largo Emergency Department!”
Director of Operations, Sunstar Operations Manager, Sunstar
“I just wanted to take a moment to recognize Medic Craig Brown and the wonderful care he
provided. He brought a patient into Largo who was deaf. Craig knows ASL (American Sign Language) and was able to communicate with the patient. Craig also stayed in the ER to ensure that the staff was able to
Great job, Craig! We are so proud to have you as a member of the Sunstar Team. 20
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CELEBRATING LIFESAVING CARE
Cardiac arrest survivor meets, thanks first responders who saved his life in Sioux Falls By Sam Schauer Dakota News Now SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A man who nearly lost his life to a cardiac arrest recently got to meet the heroes who saved him and gave him a new purpose. “I didn’t have a heartbeat for 40 minutes,” said Wes Engbrecht. In January, Wes and his wife were watching TV. “I was sitting at the end on the edge of the couch and for me, that is the last thing I remember,” Engbrecht recalled. Engbrecht suffered a cardiac arrest. Without CPR, he would have had irreversible brain damage from the lack of oxygen. His wife called 911, and he was helped by many people, including the operator who coached his wife on how to do CPR and the police officers who were the first to arrive on the scene. “I just took over for the wife, and then had the recruit take her 21
Wes Engbrecht, second from right, and his wife, at far right, meet with first responders who helped save his life when he had a cardiac arrest in January.
away out of sight as I continued chest compressions until EMS was all set up,” said Sioux Falls police officer Alyssa Palmer. Engbrecht’s heartbeat returned as they approached the Avera
Heart Hospital. “[It took] seven shocks to his heart and multiple medications to try and get that heart beating again,” said Emergency Room Dr. Jeff Anderson.
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Above: First responders, including police officers and PatientCare EMS employees EMT Brandi Farwell, Paramedic Megan VanDusen and Operations Supervisor Kaitlin Skidmore, meet with Wes Engbrecht and celebrate his recovery. Below: Wes Engbrecht’s wife, in the black and white blouse, speaks with the PatientCare EMS staff who helped save her husband’s life.
After a couple of days, Engbrecht woke up. “They call it a medical miracle. I consider it a heaven-sent miracle ... using amazing professionals to help,” Engbrecht said. “Against all odds, he’s recovered completely,” said Dr. Anderson.
‘They call it a medical miracle. I consider it a heaven-sent miracle using amazing professionals to help.’
Wes Engbrecht cardiac arrest survivor
his wife, too, because she was obviously distraught, so it was fun He never got to meet all of the to see them in this light versus people who saved his life until where we last saw them,” said recently. walked around that corner was Palmer. really cool. They really helped me “I bet a lot of them were in my out. I’m here because of them, “It’s so rewarding for us to see living room,” said Engbrecht. him be able to live the rest of his but to see them and everybody The day meant a lot for him, but it life and have a meaningful quality that had that part means a lot. It means a lot,” said Engbrecht. also touched the first responders of life. It gives [us] a reason to who don’t always see the impact keep doing what we do,” said Dr. Engbrecht still has a long road Anderson. of their work. ahead, but he said he is the “It’s great to see him, because he “To meet them and to thank them author of his future and will continue writing future chapters was really and truly important looks nothing like what I saw at that time, and it was nice to see to me, and to see them when I of his story. 22
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Patrick Baia continues his family’s tradition of dedication to healthcare
Paramedic Patrick Baia, 23, was recently named Employee of the Year for 2025 at Empress EMS.
"It's been a pleasure watching him grow as a provider, consistently deliver exceptional patient care, and serve as a strong mentor and role model to his BLS (Basic Life Support) partners,” said Lt. Rose Moran when announcing the award. “Congratulations, Patrick — and thank you for everything you do!” Patrick said the award was a great honor and surprise. “I am extremely honored and humbled by it. I was shocked when I got the email. Empress has gotten so much larger than when I started here when I was much younger, and I think it shows that I’ve earned the respect of my supervisors and coworkers. I am super honored to get the award.” Patrick Baia is the third generation in his family to be involved with health care. His father, Daryn Baia, is a paramedic with Empress; his 23
Paramedic Patrick Baia poses in front of the Putnam County fly car. He often works in Putnam County.
mother, Erin Baia, is a nurse at Westchester Medical Center, and his younger brother, Connor Baia, is an EMT with Empress. His grandfather, Dr. John Sheridan, was an emergency room doctor at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Northern Westchester Hospital as
well as a telemetry doctor for the New York City Fire Department. His grandmother, Mary Sheridan, was a nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital and New Rochelle Hospital. On the other side of his family, his grandmother Lori Baia and his grandfather Jim
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Baia volunteered for Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Patrick is also a third-generation volunteer for the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Patrick said he didn’t originally intend to go into EMS work, but that his involvement started when he volunteered to fulfill a high school requirement. “I joined a volunteer youth corps when I was around 14-15. When I first joined, I wasn’t necessarily interested in EMS, but I just needed to get community service for high school, and then I enjoyed it. I did it as community service — and I kind of got addicted to it — and I decided to just keep going up the chain and continue to try to get better. After that, I took my EMT at Phelps Hospital during my senior year; it was a night class. I finished in December 2019, and I started working as an EMT during COVID.”
Above: Paramedic Patrick Baia, left, poses with his father, Paramedic Daryn Baia, and his brother EMT Connor Baia in front of a Yorktown ambulance, where they volunteer. Below: Patrick and Connor pose in front of an Empress paramedic fly car as children.
“He was with the Yonkers Medical Evacuation Transport Unit (METU). It’s like a giant ambulance that holds up to 40 people. The Yonkers police ran it with Empress. He worked like crazy helping out, and that’s “When I first got the certification, I when he decided he wanted to had heard what was coming down become a paramedic. I told him the pipeline,” Patrick Baia said. “It I wanted him to get a degree,” was a very brief timeframe before Daryn Baia said. it happened in New York, but I did want to be part of it and do my Patrick Baia went on to best to help out.” earn a bachelor’s degree in paramedicine and a His father said it wasn’t long master’s degree in healthcare before Patrick got to the front administration at the University lines. of New Haven, where he
received the school’s Presidential Scholarship. Now he is taking his critical care flight paramedic 24
PERSPECTIVES
DEBUT ISSUE
certification at Yale New Haven Hospital Center for EMS while working full-time at Empress. “My motivation is that I’m just trying to become as educated as I can be and be a better provider. It’s more just having that knowledge of critical care and maybe doing something like that down the line. I’m always trying to improve,” Patrick Baia said. He said the different situations encountered on the job is one of the things he likes best about the work. “I like the variety of situations you find yourself in. I think it’s one of the few jobs where every day is truly different. It’s a medical emergency, but no patient is the same. That’s what I like about where I work. One shift, I could be in Yonkers working in a fly car, then I could be in a critical care unit in New York City, then in a fly car upstate in Putnam County. In one week, you can have three completely different environments.” “When you’re a new medic, you start in Yonkers on an ALS ambulance, and after a few months, and you’re a cleared A medic, you can be cleared to work in a fly car. From there, you can go through the clearance process for various different systems throughout multiple counties, cities, and towns. 25
Above: Patrick Baia in 2020, when he was a new EMT at Empress during COVID. Below: Patrick Baia poses with his father, Paramedic Daryn Baia, in front of a fly car in Putnam County. I primarily work in Putnam County and Yorktown in a fly car.” When he’s not working, Patrick Baia said he enjoys skiing, golfing, and traveling. “In the winter, I ski a lot. In the summers, I golf, and I try to travel a good amount with my friends and family. Nothing crazy with hobbies, just the average things for a 23-year-old.”
DEBUT ISSUE
PERSPECTIVES
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Safety awareness is essential in EMS: Lieutenant John Hill makes it clear why By Captain Paul Mellamphy Empress EMS
I recently spoke with Lt. John Hill, who has been in EMS since 1990 and has unfortunately experienced more than his fair share of injuries, while also witnessing others suffer entirely preventable injuries. It was interesting to hear his perspective on safety and how his experiences have shaped his approach.
Lt. John Hill
trailer driver. He participated in several driving competitions, earning a third place award in South Carolina.
In 2000, he transitioned to full-time EMS. In 2007, while treating a patient in the back of an ambulance, his partner fell asleep at the wheel. This resulted in the vehicle leaving the road, causing no vehicle or property damage, but Hill’s injuries were far from minor. He required multiple Hill spent over surgeries, including cadaver bone five years in the Paul Mellamphy grafts and titanium implants. This United States was obviously not an injury that Marine Corps. It goes without someone recovers from overnight. saying that USMC members are trained to maintain peak physical Hill openly shares these condition and keep their mental experiences with younger EMTs and physical readiness at the and paramedics in the hope that highest level. After committing his story helps develop better to re-enlist, Hill suffered a safety habits and a stronger serious back injury when he fell safety culture in our company and over concertina wire, resulting throughout the EMS community. in multiple epidural injections, He is determined to turn a terrible which are not always successful. experience into something positive. Ultimately, his military career was cut short. As he joked during our conversation, “I’m old for a reason.” Hill later moved into EMS, Hill believes many incidents occur volunteering from 1990 to when people get an adrenaline rush 2000 while also working as a heading to a scene. The mindset, professional long distance tractor- he says, should not be to hurry, but
rather to move with purpose without developing tunnel vision. If we do not make it safely to the patient, then we cannot help them. He frequently sees preventable mistakes, such as someone guiding a vehicle while standing between the ambulance and another object where the driver cannot see them. Another common issue occurs when crews try to navigate tight spaces without stopping to assess whether the ambulance will actually fit. Hill also mentioned a site he reads regularly, the EMS Memorial, which tracks line-of-duty deaths and injuries. According to EMS Memorial and CDC data, EMS professionals experience the highest injury rates in public safety, exceeding those of police officers and firefighters, with injury rates more than four times higher than the national average. Statistics like these are sobering and should make all of us pause and reconsider our choices during daily operations. I am sure you would agree that Hill’s experience is worth its weight in gold, and we are fortunate to have someone with that level of knowledge and perspective willing to share it with the rest of us. 26
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