E. Hughes wins MIEMSS director’s award

Pictured from left are members of Talbot County Department of Emergency Services with EMS Division Chief Brian LeCates, staff of the YMCA with Ehrin C. Hughes (holding her award) and Robbie Gill, chief executive officer of the YMCA of Talbot County, far right. Clay Stamp, director of the Talbot County Department of Emergency Services, is standing directly behind Ehrin Hughes. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MIEMSS

ANNAPOLIS The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems recently presented its annual stars of life awards to emergency medical services personnel, citizens and programs.

Dr. Daniel Ochsenschlager, who serves Kent Island, Queen Anne’s and Chester counties as associate regional medical director for pediatrics, was given the Maryland EMS for children award. He is a national leader in the areas of pediatric patient care, pediatric emergency medicine research, pediatric education for health care providers and child advocacy.

Despite retiring from the Emergency Medical Trauma Center at the Children’s National Medical Center, Ochsenschlager remains busy. He teaches pediatric courses to EMS providers, lectures at EMS conferences in the state and reviews statewide educational programs that reach every EMS provider.

Ehrin C. Hughes, the aquatic and day camp director at the YMCA of Talbot County in Easton, received the MIEMSS director’s award for excellence in EMS. In August 2009, Hughes responded to the wellness center at the YMCA after hearing shouts for help and, upon arrival, saw a man had collapsed. She used the automated external defibrillator and rescue breathing to resuscitate the man. As a result of Hughes’ quick and trained response, the man is alive and back to his normal routine.

The YMCA of Talbot County and Talbot County Department of Emergency Services were also recognized with this award.