The Pulse: Winter 2026

THE PULSE WINTER 2026

Welcome to The Pulse: Winter edition

Happy New Year! As we head into 2026, we are pleased to welcome a new CEO, Jeff Shullaw, to the helm of our parent company, PatientCare EMS Solutions. He has an extensive background in EMS, having started out as an EMT who worked his way up to become the CEO of Midwest Medical Transport Company.

This transition comes about as part of our shift to a new financial sponsor, Grant Avenue Capital (GAC), which took over in December from A&M Capital Partners, who had been our sponsor for nearly eight years. Founded in 2019, GAC is a healthcare-focused private equity firm that brings new funding to our company that will allow us to grow market share and invest in our people and equipment. We will continue to provide top-quality care to our clients and communities.

Last fall brought some important developments in Empress’s Hudson Valley presence. Our acquisition of Northern Dutchess Paramedics (NDP) was announced in October. The acquisition increases our coverage area not only into northern Dutchess, but also into Columbia County and Litchfield County,

Connecticut.

We were also excited to start a partnership with Dutchess BOCES on a program that allows high school students to begin studying to become EMTs.

Last summer, Empress donated an ambulance to the For Paul Foundation, which is dedicated to helping first responders on the front lines as well as the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. The vehicle has since been refurbished and is was recently used to help the organization carry out its extraordinary work, delivering gifts and treats to families of first responders during the holidays.

Paramedics offer extended

We are actively seeking paramedics and have extended our sign-on bonus into the new year. With our competitive salaries, quality health benefits and 401(k) with employer match, we are offering an amazing opportunity to those who are qualified. So if you know anyone who would be a good fit, please help us spread the word. We are offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus to new hires, and those who live more than 60 miles away from our coverage are also eligible for a $2,500 relocation bonus. Visit us online at empressems.com/careers

ON THE COVER

for more details or to apply.

This issue includes Employee Spotlights featuring our Vice President of Corporate Development Jim O’Connor, who has been involved in EMS for nearly 50 years, and has recently been honored by multiple organizations for his community involvement.

Our other spotlight focuses on Lt. Omar Stout, who works in community outreach/recruitment and education. His experiences with EMS professionals as a child left such an impression on him that he wanted to enter the field himself.

We have promotions to celebrate — five new lieutenants, Jayvee Delossantos in South Division Operations, Sandra Wilson in North Division Education, Omar Stout in outreach/recruitment and Frank Ludwig and Sarina Bodnar in the North Division Communications Department. We also have one new Captain, Ileene LaBoy, who was recently named Community Paramedic Division Manager.

I hope you enjoy this edition of The Pulse!

— Dugan Radwin Marketing & Communications Manager

This photo was contributed on Instagram by our follower, Kim. If you have any photos of Empress vehicles out in the community that you would like to share, please feel free to send them to dradwin@empressems.com We will use what we can both on social media and in The Pulse.

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ABOUT EMPRESS

Since its inception in 1985, Empress has made a firm commitment to the development of Emergency Medical Services and quality after-care transportation.

Our coverage area now includes the Bronx, Columbia Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, as well as New York City and Litchfield County, CT.

With a primary focus on state-of-the-art patient care in a personal and compassionate manner, the success of our approach is reflected in a reputation that is unparalleled in the region.

Employing some of the most capable and experienced individuals in the business, Empress handles more than 200,000 transports a year.

Through our dedicated staff and experienced management team, Empress EMS continues to raise the standards in the ambulancecare workplace.

Visit empressems.com to learn more about our services, job opportunities and more.

Have questions?

You may submit them at empressems.com/contact-us

We look forward to hearing from you!

Grant Avenue Capital acquires PatientCare

PatientCare EMS Solutions, the parent company of Empress EMS, recently announced a new financial sponsor, Grant Avenue Capital (GAC). 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 in a note to employees. “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.

Empress President Michael Minerva Sr. said he looked forward to the new partnership.

“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.”

About Grant Avenue Capital

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.

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.

“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.

NDP acquisition boosts Empress’s reach EXPANDING COVERAGE

Empress announced the acquisition of Northern Dutchess Paramedics Emergency Medical Services (“NDP”) in October, further strengthening its role as the leading EMS provider in the Hudson Valley and reaffirming its commitment to investing in local EMS systems, supporting providers and enhancing patient care.

Empress, with headquarters in Yonkers and Poughkeepsie, has worked with the NDP team to ensure seamless continuity of care for the patients and communities they serve.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to invest in the people, resources, and systems that keep our communities safe,” said Michael Minerva Sr., president of Empress EMS. “This step underscores our belief that

strong EMS systems are built by supporting the professionals who deliver care every day and reflects our long-standing commitment to the region. By working together, we will expand capabilities, improve systems, and continue delivering the high-quality care residents and healthcare partners deserve.”

NDP EMS had more than 30 years of experience delivering emergency and non-emergency medical transportation in the region and built a respected legacy of service operating from its Rhinebeck headquarters.

“After many years of operating independently, we felt it was the right moment to partner with an organization that shares our values,” said Edward Murray, founder and CEO of NDP. “Empress’s commitment to

its employees, patients, and communities made them the clear choice. We are excited about what this partnership means for strengthening EMS in our region.”

As part of the PatientCare EMS Solutions family, Empress brings more than four decades of experience in providing stateof-the-art emergency services, non-emergency transportation, and compassionate patient care. Empress holds emergency and non-emergency service contracts with municipalities, hospitals, correctional institutions, and private care providers throughout Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.

For more information about Empress and PatientCare, visit empressems.com and patientcareems.com

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Putnam adopts Community Paramedicine EXPANDING SERVICES

Empress has reached an agreement with Putnam County to provide Community Paramedicine/Mobile Integrated Healthcare for Putnam County residents.

Community paramedicine involves delivering needed services to residents in their own homes rather than having people call 911 to be transported to the hospital for conditions that are not emergencies. The program started last fall.

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne announced the new initiative on social media and in his 2026 budget address.

“Back in 2023, we entered into a new contract for countywide advanced life support services. That contract set Putnam County apart from most counties across the state. … Putnam was the first county government in New York to directly fund countywide paramedic services, sparing our towns and villages from shouldering that enormous financial burden. … It was the right thing to do and has been a vital service for our residents,” Byrne said. The cost now stands at $2.8 million annually.

“We know we can improve upon the current system. That is why we are updating our contract to launch a community paramedicine pilot program. Community paramedicine takes paramedics out of the traditional respond-and-transport model and empowers them to serve in ex-

Community Paramedicine makes it possible for people to receive needed services in their homes rather than resorting to calling 911 to receive them.

panded roles,” Byrne said. “These professionals will assist with public health, primary care and preventative services right in people’s homes, especially for our seniors, homebound residents and those struggling with chronic conditions. That means fewer unnecessary emergency calls and fewer costly ER visits, which not only equate to savings for taxpayers, but a better quality of life for our residents.

Variety of services provided

“Services could include things like wound care, medication adjustments, blood draws, even telehealth consultations and fall prevention efforts. It’s about meeting residents where they are, literally at their

doorsteps, to provide the care they need before a crisis ever occurs. It’s about ensuring that no matter your age, income or circumstance, that you can count on Putnam County to have your back, and it’s worth noting that this program already has the full support of the Putnam County EMS Council.”

“We are pleased to expand our services in Putnam County to include community paramedicine/mobile integrated healthcare. These expanded services will not only save communities money, but also keep our emergency services ready and waiting for when true emergencies occur,” said Empress Executive Director Robert Stuck.

Empress donates ambulance

Above: The For Paul Foundation crew recently decorated the home of fallen Battalion Chief Flight Paramedic Terryson Jackson for the holidays. In this photo, his daughter stands outside the house with some board members. The donated ambulance was repainted with the For Paul Foundation’s logo and Empress’s logo on the door in acknowledgment of the donation.

For Paul Foundation is using the vehicle to provide support for first responders and their families

Last summer, Empress donated a 2009 Ford E350 ambulance to the For Paul Foundation, an organization founded by Florida resident Dawn Witherspoon in memory of her husband, Paul Besaw, a critical care flight paramedic who was killed in the line of duty in 2017.

The ambulance has since been repainted with the For Paul Foundation’s logo as well as Empress’s logo on the door acknowledging the donation.

Witherspoon shared that the ambulance’s first task was holiday decorating and delivering gifts to children of first responders who died in the line of duty and EMS/ fire station staff in Florida.

Empress staff pose last summer with Dawn Witherspoon and her daughter, Allison Besaw, co-founders of the For Paul Foundation. From left are Lt. Manuel Perlera, Empress Fleet Director Kyle Stevens, Dawn Witherspoon and Allison Besaw of the For Paul Foundation, and Empress Senior Director of Operations Scott Holland.

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The donation will also make it easier for the For Paul Foundation to transport meals and supplies to first responders during emergencies. Witherspoon said they have been able to help during some severe events, including the 2021 Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside, Fla., and hurricanes.

“We brought meals at 3 a.m., and there were 300 people that were searching at the towers. We had cold water in our coolers and oil for the generators,” she said. “We’ve previously had to rent trucks to bring supplies to the front lines.”

A place of sanctuary

The ambulance will also be used as a sanctuary for any first responders in need of respite during crisis situations. Witherspoon said she took refuge in an ambulance to get away from the media during her husband’s funeral and hopes the ambulance will help others who need time out.

“One of the services that we came out of — my daughter was 5 at the time — and there were so many people, flashes and cameras. So we hid in the back of an ambulance until people went away. I just really appreciated that it was there at the time. We just sat there on the stretcher and waited for a little bit. It was a little moment when we could take a break and not be in the public eye,” she recalled.

Witherspoon has roots in the Yonkers area. Her grandfather, William Boryk, attended Saunders High School, and her grandparents lived in Yonkers before moving to Florida when Witherspoon’s mother

Empress Fleet Director

who played a major role in the ambulance donation, poses in back of it with a toy bear and book that the For Paul Foundation provides for children affected by first-responders’ line-of-duty deaths.

THE FOR PAUL FOUNDATION

The For Paul Foundation supports and honors first responders and their families. They also offer scholarships for individuals

was a child. She said she thinks she got her concern for others from her grandparents.

The connection to Empress came through a cousin, Michael Kramer, who she had never met.

“My cousin called me out of the blue. I had always kept in touch with my grandmother’s sister, my great aunt. One year, right around Christmas, we got a call from my cousin that my great aunt had passed away. We started talking. He used to be a firefighter, and now he works for Healey Parts,” she said.

It turned out that Kramer knew Kyle Stevens, who is fleet director at Empress. They talked about her foundation, and how it could use an

wishing to become EMTs, paramedics, or firefighters.

Learn more at theforpaulfoundation.org.

ambulance. When he learned about it, Empress President Michael Minerva Sr. agreed to donate one.

“That’s how it happened. It’s cool, and we’re so honored and wowed,” Witherspoon said, adding that she came to Yonkers to accept the donation in person, and then drove the ambulance back to Florida. The ambulance will help the foundation fulfill its mission to support, honor and educate. We are excited to see the journey it will have in helping others,” she said

“It is a pleasure to sponsor the For Paul Foundation,” Minerva said. “We appreciate all the great work they do to support first responders and their families.”

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

For nearly 50 years, EMS has been VP Jim O’Connor’s calling

It all started with job delivering oxygen tanks in the 1970s

Jim O’Connor, Empress’s Vice President of Corporate Development, has been involved in EMS for nearly five decades.

His career began in 1976 as one of the first paramedics in Westchester County, where he worked for a private ambulance service, Abbey Richmond Ambulance, providing 911 and inter-facility transportation.

He started out in a job delivering oxygen tanks to people’s homes. This work awakened a desire to help people, as he realized that for many of them, the contact they had with the person delivering the oxygen was the only interaction they might have in a day.

“I was delivering oxygen tanks to people’s homes working for a respiratory company in the Bronx, and the person who owned the company heard about an EMT course being offered. He thought it would be good if the people delivering the tanks and interacting with patients were EMTs.”

O’Connor took what was then an approximately 40-hour EMT

Empress’s Vice President of Corporate Development Jim O’Connor speaks at the United Way of Westchester and Putnam Day of Golf on Sept. 8.

course and discovered he enjoyed the work.

“It was taught by some of the paramedics from the first Jacobi Paramedic Program class at Jacobi

Medical Center,” he said.

“When I got married in 1975, I was 20 years old and wondered if I wanted to keep delivering oxygen. I was living in Yonkers at the time,

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so I went to the local ambulance company, which ironically was Empress Ambulance (under different ownership). At the same time, I applied for an EMT job with Abbey Richmond Ambulance in White Plains.”

A few weeks later, the manager of Abbey called him back, and O’Connor’s EMS career journey began.

“The owner of Abbey offered to sponsor me in what was then an EMT-III Critical Care program, so that’s where Advanced Life Support started for me. By ’77, I was a paramedic, by ’78, I was a supervisor, and by ’79, I was general manager of the company. I stayed there until 1981, when I got hired by White Plains Hospital to be their first EMS coordinator.” White Plains Hospital was then designated as the Area Resource Hospital for Advanced Life Support (ALS) for all of Westchester County; there were only a handful of places doing ALS in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Paramedic program started

“At White Plains Hospital, we started the first Level IV paramedic program in Westchester, which earned college credits through Westchester Community College. Additionally, we created an accepted New York State Department of Health curriculum to “bridge” EMT-III to ParamedicIV.”

In 1987, O’Connor was recruited to join the staff of Saint Francis Hospital (now known as MidHudson Regional) in

Poughkeepsie. At this time, he also served as the executive director of a small, nonprofit ambulance service in Dutchess County.

O’Connor returned to Westchester County in 1992, taking a position as vice president of operations for Empress Ambulance, which was by this time owned by the Minerva family. The company was providing EMS for the City of Yonkers and soon added New Rochelle.

“Many successful programs

started during these years with some wonderful people working at Empress,” O’Connor reflected.

In 1997, he joined a regional ambulance company, where he held executive positions, including a promotion to president in 2012 during Superstorm Sandy. He worked with his team to expand services in New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley; Philadelphia and its suburbs; Wilmington, Delaware; Baltimore, Maryland; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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In 2015, he joined Empress’s senior leadership team as vice president of business development and government affairs. Since then, the company has seen significant growth and strategic development of new business opportunities.

O’Connor has also been active with many EMS organizations and held board positions locally, regionally and nationally. He continues to work tirelessly for EMTs and paramedics as well as the healthcare facilities and municipalities that contract for emergency medical services.

Recently, O’Connor was honored by the Westchester County Association, Hospice of Westchester, the American Ambulance Association and the United Way of Westchester and Putnam at its Day of Golf.

“It was a great day to be out with my adult kids and my wife,” O’Connor said of the Day of Golf, “Empress and PatientCare EMS Solutions (Empress’s parent

Above: Jim O’Connor, second from right, poses with his children Brian, Katie and Christopher, at the Day of Golf event for the United Way of Westchester and Putnam held at Scarsdale Golf Club. Below left: O’Connor speaks at a Westchester County Association event. Below right: O’Connor poses with Tom Gabriel, president and CEO of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, and Bill Mooney, who serves on the board of directors for the United Way of Westchester and Putnam.

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company) have allowed me the opportunity to be in a position to be out in the community. I tell everyone that the men and women working 24/7 in the ambulances and in all the departments that support the company are the folks to recognize. They do the hard work, and I am always inspired by them.”

O’Connor said he looks forward to seeing what the future holds for all the employees of Empress and PatientCare Solutions as he continues to do whatever he can to make it a great place to work.

Reflecting back on his career, O’Connor said, smiling, “It’s been a good run, and there’s still gas in this tank. I love the people; I love the idea we want to keep growing and giving people an opportunity to have jobs, grow in those jobs and do good things in the community.”

Above left: Jim O’Connor accepts an award from Hospice of Westchester. Above right: O’Connor speaks after accepting the Hospice award. Below: O’Connor poses with other Empress staff during a Westchester County Association dinner where Empress and O’Connor were honored by the organization.

AWARDS & PROMOTIONS

Paramedic, EMT honored for key roles in saving Rombout fire chief’s life

By Lt. Chris Aiello

Paramedic Dustin Moore and EMT Gladys Plaza-Guzman were recognized at a ceremony in the Town of Fishkill in October for helping save the life of Rombout Fire Chief John Lucariello.

At the scene of a fire on Aug. 11, Empress’s dedicated town unit found Lucariello in a battle for his life after a cardiac arrest. Moore, who had known Lucariello for 17 years, began lifesaving ALS interventions, and the crew transported him to St. Luke’s Montefiore Hospital, where the ER team worked on him aggressively for nearly an hour.

At that point, Lucariello was believed to have died, but a few minutes later, he began breathing on his own again and had a pulse, a situation known as the Lazarus Effect. Lifesaving care was resumed in the ER, and after successful cardiac care at St. Luke’s and Westchester Medical Center, he returned home.

AWARDS & PROMOTIONS

2 dispatchers in north are promoted to lieutenants

By Deputy Chief Joe Bilotto

As Empress continues to grow and advance, so does the North Communications Center. Please help me congratulate SSC Frank Ludwig and SSC Sarina Bodnar on their promotions to the rank of Lieutenant in the communications division.

Frank and Sarina have consistently utilized their extensive knowledge of our five-county service area to make critical, split-second decisions daily. Their leadership comes at a crucial time; our current System Status Controllers (SSCs) continue to do an incredible job streamlining IFT and 911 calls, while our EMTs and paramedics on the street make it all happen. Accomplishing this mission is no easy task, but when the entire team comes together, nothing is impossible.

Lieutenant Frank Ludwig brings numerous years of experience in the communications center with Transcare, EMStar, and now Empress. Frank previously served as communications manager for both Transcare and EMStar. He is

Paramedic honored for saving life of person hit by vehicle

Paramedic Trey Roberts poses with challenge coins he recently received at Westchester Medical Center’s Trauma Symposium in honor of a job well done. Roberts came to the aid of a patient who sustained life-threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle in May.

also an EMT.

Lieutenant Sarina Bodnar brings five years of dispatch experience, having served in communications centers at both Mobile Life and Empress.

We have the utmost confidence that both of them will excel in their new positions.

AWARDS & PROMOTIONS

LaBoy named Community Paramedicine Division Captain

By Hanan Cohen

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Lt. Ileene LaBoy from Community Paramedic Division Supervisor to Captain- Community Paramedic Division Manager

In her role as Community Para-

medic Supervisor, Ileene has demonstrated outstanding leadership, clinical expertise, relationship building and a strong commitment to both our patients and our team.

Her dedication to advancing patient care, innovation, collaboration, and supporting staff has had a significant

impact on our department and the patients and communities we serve. As department manager, Ileene will continue to build on this success, providing strategic leadership and guidance while supporting the growth and excellence of our services.

Wilson made Lt. in North Education Division

By Deputy Chief David Grass

Sandra (Sandy) Wilson has been promoted to Lieutenant in the North Education Division. She started her EMS career as an EMT in 1992 and earned her CIC (Certified Instructor Coordinator) Credentials in 2018. She has been the lead instructor for the Empress North Academy for the past two years.

Wilson said her parents were a big

inspiration in her involvement with EMS.

“My parents were both EMTs, so I thought when you grew up you were supposed to be an EMT. I started out at Mobile Life working as a paid EMT, I also volunteered for Montgomery Ambulance,” she

Delossantos becomes South field operations Lieutenant

By Deputy Chief Walt McCabe

Jayvee Delossantos has been promoted to Lieutenant of Field Operations in the South Division!

He began his EMS career in 2016 and became a paramedic in January

2020. Starting out during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic came with many challenges, but he consistently rose to the occasion with resilience and a positive outlook. Since joining Empress in July 2024, he has distinguished himself as a mentor and a leader.

said. She eventually took a break from EMS, but it was temporary.

“I got out of it for a bit and then got back in it. Once you’ve got that EMS bug, you’re not out too long. I came back as a volunteer for Montgomery, and then I became an instructor about 11 years ago with Mobile Life.”

“I’m looking forward to doing my best in this new role,” she said.

He shares that his journey has always pointed him toward leadership. As a new father, he brings

a fresh perspective and a deep appreciation for guiding the next generation of EMTs and paramedics.

VITAL SIGNS CONFERENCE

Sean O’Brien honored with NYS Harriet C. Weber Leadership Award

Recruitment innovation and leadership cited

Deputy Chief Sean O’Brien, Assistant Director of Quality Assurance, was awarded the New York State EMS Council’s Harriet C. Weber EMS Leadership Award during the opening session at the Vital Signs EMS Conference in Syracuse in Mid-November.

“Sean was nominated for his exceptional dedication to advancing EMS education, workforce development and patient care in his

VITAL SIGNS CONFERENCE

Empress staff in the Exhibition Hall during the Vital Signs Conference. From left are, Dugan Radwin, Marketing and Communications Manager; Deputy Chief Joe Bilotto, Assistant Director of Operations; Deputy Chief Dave Grass, Assistant Director of Education; Deputy Chief Sean O’Brien, Assistant Director of Quality Assurance; and EMT/photographer Edwin Stone.

work at Empress EMS,” said Ryan Greenberg, director of New York State EMS. “He is a leader in innovative recruitment strategies, notably at the forefront of the Australian Paramedic Initiative, which helps international paramedics transition into the U.S. healthcare system.

“His meticulous work ensures that these paramedics are well-trained and supported as they begin their careers. Despite his administrative duties, Sean remains committed to the front line of EMS work, serving patients directly,” Greenberg said.

O’Brien was one of several Empress staff members who attended the conference, held at the Oncenter in Syracuse from Nov. 12-15.

Apart from going to educational presentations at the conference,

Conference attendees pose in front of the Empress booth at the Vital Signs Conference.

staff members also tabled in the Exhibition Hall as part of a recruitment effort to attract paramedics and EMTs to seek employment with Empress. The effort was focused primarily on paramedics,

for whom there is a $10,000 signon bonus if they are hired. Those who live more than 60 miles away from Empress’s coverage area are also eligible for a $2,500 relocation bonus.

CONGRATS FALL 2025 ACADEMY CLASS!

Graduations were held in November for the Fall 2025 EMS Academy. The North Academy graduates are above and the South Academy cadets are below.

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CONGRATS FALL 2025 ACADEMY CLASS!

GRADUATES

North

Caleb Arvizu Hall

Lauren Bell

Christopher Boryk

Catherine Boshart

Alexis D’Amore

Mckayla D’Amore

Mackenzie Delmonico

Brian Fuchs

Marcus Guzman

Dylan Jowell

Marco Martinez

Jennifer Meade

Kara Palmietto

Fabrice Richards

Justin Rivera

Jeremiah Seymour

Christina Tocco

Renee Williams

South

Raphael Coffino

Devin Cooper

Matthew Friedman

Isabella Kennedy

Lillian Lauriti

Atzael Lopez-Pelaez

Evelyn Medina

Anais Miranda

Angelina Montalto

Jackson Marte Nunez

Asher Tareen

Tai Timmerman

Edwin Vanegas

Angelica Stolz Velazquez

Erica Wilczek

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

School of EMS: Saving lives through education

Instruction offered in U.S. and internationally

For more than four decades, the School of EMS (SOE) has been preparing emergency responders to meet the moment when lives are on the line. What began as a local training effort at a hospital based EMS system in Texas has grown into one of the largest and most respected EMS education providers in the country, now reaching students across the U.S. and beyond.

SOE employs more than 300 dedicated staff and faculty members, each bringing unique expertise to a shared mission: saving lives through education. Together, they support a student body of over 1,400 learners every year. These students come from diverse backgrounds, but they share one goal — developing the skills, confidence, and compassion to serve their communities in moments of greatest need.

SOE’s training programs span the full spectrum of emergency care. From the “first” first responders, Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), to advanced clinicians

Students at the School of EMS work with a training mannequin to practice life-saving procedures.

such as paramedics, the school provides structured pathways that meet learners where they are and carry them to the next level. Each program blends the flexibility of online coursework with immersive skills labs and clinical/field experiences. This model allows students to master both the science of emergency medicine and the

split-second decision-making required in real-world crises.

At the heart of the School of EMS is its faculty. Many are active or former 911 providers, bringing lessons learned on the street into the classroom. Their stories and perspectives transform textbooks into lived wisdom, helping students

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prepare not only for exams but also for the unpredictable realities of emergency response. This commitment to practical, handson education has earned SOE graduates consistently strong pass rates on national certification exams and praise from employers across the country.

SOE’s reach is a broad one. Clinical programs are offered nationwide and internationally, with students enrolled from Guam, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. This global footprint reflects a universal truth: the need for skilled, compassionate emergency providers knows no borders.

Grads often become leaders

More than 10 percent of all paramedics in the U.S. graduate from SOE. Graduates of SOE’s paramedic program often step directly into leadership roles as lead paramedics aboard 911 ambulances.

In these positions, they guide teams, deliver critical care, and embody the school’s values of competence, courage, and compassion. Whether it’s stabilizing a patient after a car accident or reassuring a family during their worst night, SOEtrained professionals bring skill and heart to every call.

The School of EMS continues to grow and evolve to meet the demands of healthcare and public safety. But one thing has never changed: Its mission remains rooted in the belief that the best

way to save lives is to educate those who respond when it matters most.

Impact more than training

The story of the School of EMS is more than just a story about training. It’s about impact on communities, on healthcare systems, and on the lives of countless patients and families who will never forget the face of the provider who showed up, knelt down, and said, “I’m here to help.”

For more than a decade, PatientCare Sioux Falls has handled EMS, transit

Empress’s sister company is top provider in

SD COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

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 non-emergent ambulance service 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 throughout the region.

PatientCare Sioux Falls is the only Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) accredited ambulance service in the state of South Dakota.

PatientCare EMS Sioux Falls provides EMS services for both emergent and non-emergent calls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the largest city in the state.

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.

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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 EMS Sioux Falls has a workforce of about 100 employees who collaborate closely with six fire departments to cover a 73-mile area in South Dakota.

PatientCare EMS Sioux Falls has a fleet of 10 state-of-the-art ambulances and other sophisticated equipment.

Meet our parent company

PatientCare EMS Solutions is the parent company of Empress, the School of EMS, PatientCare EMS Sioux Falls and other EMSrelated operations around the country.

These stories are part of a series featuring our sister companies.

PatientCare is a leading provider of ground-based 911 emergency ambulance services and other critical healthcare logistics solutions.

PatientCare provides its partners transparency via technology and data, to deploy specialists and dispatch transportation in the

most timely manner possible for more than 400,000 patients a year.

PatientCare EMS Solutions was established in March 2018 as Paramedics Logistics Operating Company, LLC, and rebranded in 2018 as PatientCare EMS Solutions.

It operates under several local brands known throughout the United States, including Empress, Sunstar Paramedics. PatientCare EMS Sioux Falls, FleetPlus and the School of EMS.

Watch for another story in our next issue showcasing another one of our sister companies!

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Empress and Dutchess BOCES partner for EMS training program

By Dutchess BOCES

High school juniors interested in a career saving lives as an emergency medical technician have a new opportunity through a partnership between Dutchess BOCES and Empress Emergency Medical Services. The Career and Technical Institute’s EMT program debuted in September.

The first year of the two-year program covers 12 topic areas, which may qualify students who successfully complete the program to take the Certified First Responder exam at the end of the school year. Topics include CPR and AED, scene safety/size-up, primary and secondary assessment, vital signs, airway management, bleeding and shock, splinting/fracture management, burns and soft tissue injuries, medical emergencies, obstetrics and childbirth, EMS operations and legal/ethical responsibilities. A half credit each of English and science is incorporated each year.

This means that if they were to volunteer with a fire department or an entity that accepts the first responder certificate, they would be able to help stabilize patients at the scene, according to Joanne Williams, coordinator of health occupations at BOCES.

Instructor Danielle Bohlmann has more than 18 years of EMS experience, first as an EMT-B, then

Dutchess BOCES Coordinator of Health Occupations Joanne Williams spoke about the launch of the Career and Technical Institute’s EMT program at the school’s June Main Advisory Council Meeting.

as a paramedic. She is a certified instructor coordinator with the state and can teach everything from CPR/First Aid to paramedic (ALS) courses. She is also an EMS coordinator for a local fire department.

“When I look at pre-hospital medicine, I see a lot of potential. We are healthcare professionals,” said Bohlmann, who herself completed a Dutchess BOCES healthcare program in 2005.

Deputy Chief David Grass, Empress’ assistant director of education, said, “The more people we can open up to this industry and occupation, the better it will be for everyone.”

Students who complete both years

will be eligible to take the EMT exam. Through their work as EMTs, they will be exposed to other occupations, including nursing, patient or laboratory technician, respiratory therapist and more, which may give them an edge if they choose to pursue one of those careers.

The decision to offer the program at CTI was based on student interest and the market, Principal Nick Millas said.

“We track the labor statistics and try to identify the gaps we have to help with workforce development to meet the needs of industry and look for student interest,” he said, adding, “We knew we have students who are part of ambulance

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corps and are junior firefighters.”

According to the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the University at Albany, demand for EMT and paramedics is expected to grow 25% between 2022 and 2032. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a national growth rate of 6% through 2033, which is higher than average. The median pay for the job in 2024 was $46,350.

“There is an EMS crisis nationwide based on the shortage of personnel in the field, whether its EMTs or paramedics, which results in a shortage of staffed ambulances in communities,” said Dutchess County Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Response William Beale. He was happy to hear about the program’s launch, noting that Empress provides two basic life support ambulances and one advanced life support fly car to the county.

“This gives students an opportunity, firsthand, to be certified and receive the practical skills training to prepare them to enter the workforce right out of high school or while they are in high school, and that is unique and has never existed before,” Beale said, referring to the fact that New York lowered the age for EMTs from 18 to 17, making this possible. “Dutchess BOCES offering an EMT program at the high school level complements the county executive’s overall initiative on improving emergency medical services in Dutchess County,” he added.

To help students get a true sense of the work, BOCES is purchasing

Empress Emergency Medical Services staff wheel a patient on a stretcher. Empress is teaming with Dutchess BOCES on a program giving students access to EMS education while still in high school.

‘The more people we can open up to this industry and occupation, the better it will be for everyone.’

Deputy Chief David Grass

Assistant Director of Education, Empress EMS

an ambulance simulator that represents the back of an ambulance in which students will work.

Empress brings a level of expertise to the program and will support the program with speakers, advice, and in the second year, opportunities for ride-alongs with EMTs to help students practice their live skills in a real-world environment, Grass said.

“We see this as a win-win as it’s part of giving back to the commu-

nities we already serve,” he added, explaining that Empress will have firsthand knowledge of students and will be able to interview them for openings.

“This new program, as you build it out, can supplement and help fill personnel gaps and vulnerabilities in the system in both career and volunteer capacities. Congratulations,” Beale said.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Quality care by EMS staff as a child sparked a calling to the field

Lt. Omar Stout works in outreach and education

For Lt. Omar Stout of White Plains, his passion for EMS work began when he was a child suffering from frequent asthma attacks. EMTs and paramedics took him to the emergency room on many occasions. While he eventually outgrew the asthma, he didn’t outgrow the impression the emergency medical professionals made on him.

“I appreciated the quality of care I received, and I wanted to return that kind of care to the community,” Stout said.

Stout has been with Empress for about 3 1/2 years and was recently promoted to lieutenant.

He obtained his EMT qualification at age 17 through Code One EMS in the Bronx, becoming an EMT for SeniorCare EMS, also in the Bronx. Eventually, he began working as an instructor for Code One as well.

“I learned that Empress has an earn-while-you- learn program. I read about the company through

Lt. Omar Stout stands by a secret service vehicle during a TouchA-Truck event in Westchester.

Code One. All Empress had to offer grasped my attention,” he said. He started out with Empress as an EMT on the road and was later recruited to the Quality Assurance

Quality Improvement (QAQI) Department, where he teaches clinical skills at the Empress EMS Academy in addition to doing community outreach.

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Lt. Omar Stout answers questions at an event at White Plains High School. He frequently speaks about EMS work in the community.

Participating in an outreach program at the Barack Obama School for Social Justice in Yonkers gave him the inspiration for his outreach role.

“I went to a program that they have at the Barack Obama School. We taught the students the fundamentals of EMS. After doing that, I realized that I had found my niche,” he said. “I inquired about being the Outreach Coordinator for Empress. Then I was able to go out to high schools and colleges to educate the public on EMS and our opportunities within the company. I also do outreach through the Westchester County Association at high schools in the surrounding areas of White Plains.”

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He said he tells the young people he meets that EMS work is more than just a career decision.

“The field is a calling. It’s not like you’re just going to decide you want to go into EMS. If you have the patience, the dedication, the drive and the empathy to want to help people, then it’s the perfect job for you,” he said.

He added that one of the things he likes most about being an EMT in the field is that you never know who you might meet in the process.

“There’s times that I’ve picked up many different celebrities, so it’s a rewarding part of the job as well as the patient care,” he said.

In the future, Stout said he hopes to broaden his reach and help more people become aware of EMS opportunities at Empress.

EMS work is also central to his longer-term goals.

“I was actually thinking about paramedic school,” he said. “My long-term goal would be becoming a police officer,” he said, explaining that he is particularly interested in mixing EMS work with police work.

“When I joined EMS, I learned about ESU units (Emergency Service Units) that most municipalities have ... I learned that their trucks are staffed by EMTs and paramedics. It blends both medical care and law enforcement.”

He said that when he speaks to young people during his outreach

Above: EMT/Outreach Coordinator Omar Stout demonstrates how to splint someone’s leg. Below: Stout, center, poses with Paramedic Paulina Afriyie, left, and EMT Jouse Acevedo.

efforts, he emphasizes that EMS is a great place to start on the path to a wide variety of medical careers.

“I share with them that if they aspire to become a police officer or even a nurse or doctor, most of them started out as EMTs or paramedics,” he said.

When he’s not working, Stout said he enjoys trying new restaurants and foods with friends and family and getting exercise outdoors walking and running.

Empress is one of the largest, most experienced emergency and non-emergency response providers in the Bronx, Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties, as well as New York City and Litchfield County, CT.

EMPRESS SOUTH 722 Nepperhan Ave., Yonkers 914.965.5040

EMPRESS NORTH 10 S. White St., Poughkeepsie 845.621.9300

EMPRESS BRONX 1315 Loomis St., Bronx 888.965.5040

EMPRESS RHINEBECK 3 Hook Road, Rhinebeck 845.876.0448

EMPRESS ROCKLAND 16 Carol Ave., Suite 5, West Haverstraw

EMPRESS SULLIVAN 266 Main St., Hurleyville 845.436.9111