SVAA Honors Some of Its Most Deserving

On March 22, as it approaches its fiftieth year of operation, the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association Annual Awards Banquet was held to celebrate all of those who contribute to the success of an organization which serves the town so well, and to identify a few individuals for special awards. Once again serving as MC, Chief John Spencer began by recognizing various committees that have reached some important milestones of the organization this past year, including the Clinical Care Committee, that keeps the organization of the leading edge of Emergency Medical Services care. Also recognized was the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Committee, which has not only paved the way for the use of an Advanced EMT, which with additional special training can perform even more critical services. Not only has this made the SVAA a leader in the advancement of Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, but the committee also successfully advocated for changes to state regulations that allow for enhanced use of AEMTs across the state.

In a similar vein, longtime member Steven Pedneault, working with his son (and the Zak award winner described below) led the charge for changes on a state and regional level, which allow EMTs to do supraglottic placements. The procedure opens the upper airway, allowing a person to breathe when there is an airway obstruction. Allowing trained EMTs to perform the procedures allows them to improve airway management and, therefore, patient outcomes.

After dinner the meeting turned to recognizing many extraordinary individuals, primarily volunteers, who dedicate their time and effort to serve our community. With apologies to some award winners not included in this article the “Lifetime Achievement Award” went to Marie Bliss, who was apparently surprised that her family was able to attend covertly, to celebrate her. Bliss has been with SVAA for twenty-five years, most of them as a paramedic. She not only handles numerous calls, but she is also a mentor and instructor to countless EMTs, and community members learning CPR, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed. She has long been the individual most recognized as making sure our volunteers and others feel appreciated, organizing picnics, trips to Yard Goat games, the Thunderbirds’ Hometown Heroes night, and the banquet itself.

The Chris Schmeck Service Award is awarded to an individual who has consistently demonstrated performance to enhance the SVAA organization. The award was given to Steven Pedneault who, as noted, was instrumental in getting state approval for EMTs to perform a critical task, improving services for the SVAA and throughout the state.

The Perreault Award is given to any member other than the Chief of Service or the President of the Organization, who demonstrates service above and beyond the ordinary. Receiving this award was Christopher Johnston, who played a pivotal role expanding the role of AEMTs statewide.

The Zak Awarded is presented to a member who has gone above and beyond, who stands as a leader, role model and a person of exceptional commitment. This year’s recipient, Justin Pedneault, has been involved with the organization for thirteen years, starting with the organization’s Explorer Program, volunteers as a paramedic and was selected by members to serve on the Board of Directors. In his “spare time” he was trained, and recently hired, by Life Star as a Flight Nurse/Paramedic.

The Directors’ Award, which is decided and awarded solely by the SVAA Board of Directors, was awarded to both Lorriane Nutini and Maha Maria.

The Officers Award goes to an individual who, through participation in standard operational activities, contributes to the welfare and success of the organization. It was awarded to Tracy Whelen. The Rising Star Award, awarded to a new member rising quickly through the ranks and stands out among their peers, went to Riley Bevis, while the appropriately named “Dependability Award” went to Jacob Audet.

Don Miner was recognized and warmly applauded for his incredible thirty-five years of Service, while Jackie Guzie was recognized for making one thousand calls. Honored for the greatest number of ambulance hours went to Jennifer Michalman (in-town) and Cameron Wood (out of town).