News Release: July 18, 1997

Albuquerque, NM - On July 18, Ruidoso Emergency Medical Services will be presented with the 1997 State of New Mexico EMS Systems Excellence Award. The award recognizes the highest level of patient care for all emergency medical units throughout the state.

"Ruidoso EMS deserves this award. They have developed an excellent model by partnering with rural volunteers. Jim Stover has a strong cadre of paramedics and they are considered a vital resource for the area," said Barak Wolff, Chief, New Mexico Injury Prevention and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Bureau.

The EMS Bureau consists of over 300 emergency medical services units that operate in all 33 counties of New Mexico. Units range from fire rescue units to ambulance services. There are over 5,200 emergency medical technicians throughout the state.

The Systems Excellence Award is almost ten years old and most nominations are accepted by peers in the state. "To be recognized at the state level is such an achievement for us. We don't just provide a service, we feel that our patients deserve the best. Everybody here is dedicated to proving that to our patients," said Jim Stover, Director, Ruidoso EMS.

Ruidoso EMS (REMS) covers over 4,000 square miles including Lincoln County, parts of Otero County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The area is diverse ranging from rural ranching areas where there are no healthcare facilities for several miles to a large tourist population in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Their staff includes seven special skills paramedics, 4 EMT- Intermediates and 1 EMT-Basic, all licensed as nationally registered emergency medical technicians. REMS responds to over 2,000 calls annually and covers a diverse geographic and demographic area. REMS also provides Advanced Life Support mutual aid to all other emergency medical services in Lincoln County, including coverage and support for four of the five County Volunteer EMS Services.

Nick Herrera, Chief of the Ruidoso Downs Fire Department, nominated Ruidoso EMS for the award. "We have a combination paid and volunteer unit at Ruidoso Downs. They take the time to educate and train us. My dad has survived three heart attacks. He might not be here if it wasn't for them.

" Ruidoso Emergency Medical Services is owned by Lincoln County Medical Center in Ruidoso. The Medical Center provides a wide range of physician services, comprehensive emergency, diagnostic and surgical care. A local community Board of Trustees governs Lincoln County Medical Center. Lincoln County Medical Center is managed by Presbyterian Healthcare Services, the state's largest private, not-for-profit healthcare organization providing health insurance, home care, rehabilitation and primary, acute and long term care. Presbyterian's statewide delivery system includes 10 hospitals, a number of outpatient centers and integrated physician groups.