Oak Crest EMS Team Receives Star of Life Award in Geriatrics

PARKVILLE, MD---Oak Crest, the Erickson Living retirement community, received the Star of Life Award in Geriatrics from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS).
The state agency's presentation to the Oak Crest Emergency Medical Services team was held on May 21st at the Miller Senator Office Building in Annapolis.
The recognition was given "for providing high quality care for Maryland's geriatric population through effective institutional policies, outreach in the community, health & well-being and training staff in administering basic first aid."
The Security/EMS team at Oak Crest is comprised of sixty employees in positions ranging from dispatcher, security officer and paramedic, many of whom have professional and volunteer fire department experience.  Part of the General Services Department, they provide 24-7 emergency medical and transport services to 2,100 residents.
"On behalf of Oak Crest, it is an honor to receive this recognition from MIEMSS," stated Eric Trautman, Senior Facilities Manager.  "We are particularly proud of the daily coordination that goes into serving our residents."
He stated that the synchronization between physicians in the Oak Crest Medical Center and access to electronic medical records is part of the integrated health system that residents enjoy.  Those partnerships enhance preventive care and can actually eliminate some non-emergency trips to area hospitals.
Each resident also has multiple emergency pull cords in their apartment homes.  Mr. Trautman noted that the average response time is 2.8 minutes, a testimony to the responsiveness of the team in covering an 87-acre campus.
"Training is a vital part of our operations.  Our dispatchers receive the same preparation as 911 operators, and our responders take continuing education and monthly courses as well as satisfy state requirements," said Mr. Trautman.
With its two ambulances, the team conducts approximately 1,000 emergency and non-emergency transports to local hospitals such as Franklin Square, St. Joseph's and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center. 
To Ernest Rehmeyer, Chair of the Oak Crest Residents' Advisory Council, the systems provide comfort.  "These professionals are very prepared to do their jobs," described Mr. Rehmeyer.  "Just as important, it's the human element that makes the difference.  These men and women care about us, and their presence provides peace of mind to our families."

About Oak Crest:  Oak Crest is one of sixteen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living.  Located in Parkville, Maryland, the scenic 87-acre campus is home to more than 2,100 residents.  Oak Crest is the ideal greater Baltimore retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.

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