Last week EMS Coordinator Sander Schultz was awarded for his knowledge, experience, passion and energy that he brings to the Paul Coverdale National Acute Stroke program.  This program and its collaborative committee which Sander is a key pre-hospital partner is setting policy not only in the Commonwealth but leading the Nation in an effort to directly impact patient outcomes by improving stroke care from the time of call to 911 through discharge of the patient to their home.  Please see the attached Press Release and picture from the award ceremony.

The Department is very proud and fortunate to have Sander representing not only the Gloucester Fire Department but pre-hospital EMS care providers as a critical partner in the patient care continuum for stroke victims.   

Best regards,

Eric L. Smith

Fire Chief

City of Gloucester Fire Department 

Firefighter/EMS Coordinator Sander Schultz received the 2015 Coverdell EMS Collaborative Star Award from the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). This award recognizes one EMS coordinator who has provided outstanding leadership to the Coverdell EMS Collaborative.
The Massachusetts Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program relies on shared learning to raise the quality of care for stroke patients by EMS agencies EMS Coordinator Schultz is a leader dedicated to providing exceptional care, and committed to sharing his expertise with his Coverdell EMS Collaborative colleagues.
“The Star Award was given to EMS Coordinator Schultz, is recognition of his exceptional leadership in stroke care at over many years,” said Fire Chief Eric Smith, “We’re grateful the Massachusetts Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program has provided this opportunity for Sander to share his knowledge, experience and passion with other Primary Stroke Service hospitals.”
Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the Commonwealth, and a leading cause of adult disability. Immediate assessment and treatment is critical to help improve outcomes.
Knowing the key signs and symptoms of stroke and calling 9-1-1 immediately can save a life. The F.A.S.T. acronym is an easy way to remember:
• Face: Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile
• Arm: Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms
• Speech: Does the speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a phrase
• Time: If you observe these symptoms, call 9-1-1
For more information the Massachusetts Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry, or about FAST and the DPH stroke awareness campaign, here: www.mass.gov/dph/heartstroke .