Glad you asked! The answer to this question has been very much apparent lately.  At a recent municipal board meeting in a town where NEMHS currently provides 9-1-1 paramedic service, another EMS service submitted a competing bid. One of the selectboard members read aloud a long list of the community services provided by NEMHS not required by contract. And there was an outpouring of taxpayer support for North East's brand of service, one resident saying "don't get me wrong, but North East's style of care is more like that of local volunteers, rather than uncaring, big city crews who don't have time for anything other than grabbing the patient and getting to the hospital."

We appreciate the compliment, though we'd be the first to point out that excellence in EMS is the same in big cities or small towns, and whether crews are volunteer or paid. When recognized for her leadership, our Division Commander for this area is quick to declare that it's a team effort, and a company-wide way of thinking about doing your job. "I want to thank ALL of the NEMHS staff that have responded to calls here, and treated citizens of this town like family. The ones who fed the dogs, brushed a patient's hair who couldn’t do it themselves, locked up the house, stayed well beyond their shift to spend hours consoling grieving family, shoveled the walkway, jumped in the river in December so an AED could be purchased and those who sponsored them, and made these patients consider us part of their community. That was the tone last night. Being part of their community. I cannot thank the NEMHS staff enough for proving that professionalism is not based on what uniform you wear. It’s about caring for our patients. I will always be proud to wear this uniform. You guys are awesome!"

Since we posted these comments on our FaceBook page [you'll find us at www.facebook.com/nemhs], we've been blown away by the thoughtful and heartfelt feedback from our own employees, as well as those who work with us and those who are served by us. Said one: "The patient is so much more than their illness or their wounds...they are our mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, our children and our friends!"  Another expressed appreciation "to be recognized for the little human things we do. So glad I work with such a great group of folks."  A third voice chimed in to share another viewpoint: "I work in the Billing Office and I speak with your patients daily. As EMS providers you may not always hear it directly-- but taking the time to hold a hand and show you care really does make a difference. You make a difference. Great job! I am always proud to pass along a message to the North East crew from a pleased patient."

To learn more about North East Mobile Health Services, visit our website: www.mobilehealthmedics.pro