Bay Shore-Brightwaters EMS wins national award

Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance won a national award that recognizes outstanding performance by an emergency medical services team.

The Impact Volunteer EMS Service of the Year was given to the agency at the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians’ annual meeting in August in Las Vegas, officials said.

“It’s a big indication that they are a progressive agency,” said Nancy Perry, editorial director of EMS World Magazine, which selected Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance for the award.

The agency competed with dozens of others from around the country, Perry said. She added that its in-house health and wellness programs and training classes, as well as its use of innovative technology, made it stand out.

Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance responded to about 4,000 emergency calls last year. It is made up of about 180 volunteers and 25 paid paramedics, said Laurie Hughes, a member of its board of directors.

“We don’t do it for awards or recognition, but it’s nice when people say, ‘Hey, you guys are doing an excellent job,’” she said. “Our biggest thing is just giving back and helping others.”