In celebration of National Emergency Medical Service (EMS) week, Steward Health Care System hosted the inaugural “EMS Stewards of the Community” Award Ceremony on May 23 at The Tirrell Room in Quincy.

Boston-based Steward, which operates ten hospitals across Massachusetts, including Holy Family Hospital in Methuen and Haverhill, recognized 14 EMS providers, and among them were Christopher Carey from Trinity EMS for going “above and beyond” in their interactions with Holy Family Hospital patients.

“EMS providers are unsung heroes on the front lines in the battle against illness and injury,” said Paul Smith, Vice President of Operations at Holy Family Hospital, who presented the awards to Christopher Carey from Trinity EMS. “We are immensely proud to unveil the ‘EMS Stewards of the Community’ to honor their hard work and commitment to quality care.”

Christopher Carey has been a paramedic for over 20 years. As a full-time paramedic, field training officer, educator, and CPR instructor for Trinity EMS, Chris consistently blends his outstanding bedside manner with concern for patients and their families, impressive knowledge of current protocols and treatment modalities, and emergency medicine.

The “EMS Stewards of the Community” awards show appreciation for emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who not only carry out the noble work of caring for others, but do so with a high degree of expertise, professionalism, and compassion. An internal committee of physicians and EMS Directors selected recipients from among providers in current practice in a Steward Hospital area.

Roseann Sdoia, injured during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, delivered the “Stewards of the Community” keynote address, telling her story of strength and perseverance. As Sdoia waited for a friend to finish the race, the second bomb went off right next to her; she ultimately lost her right leg due to injuries sustained on that horrific day.

“If it weren’t for first responders like those being honored tonight, I might not be standing with you here today,” said Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Roseann Sdoia. “It is human instinct to flee an emergency for safety and yet these courageous men and women willingly rush into dangerous situations every day – they are and forever will be my heroes.”

Christopher Carey
Paramedic Christopher Carey receives the EMS Stewards of the Community Award from Holy Family Hospital Vice President of Operations Paul Smith. Pictured from left, are Holy Family Hospital EMS Manager Richard Shellene, Steward Health Care EMS Director Brenden Hayden, Award Recipient Christopher Carey, Holy Family Hospital Vice President of Operations Paul Smith, and Trinity EMS Director of Business Development and Marketing Christopher Dick.