DANVILLE — Several local emergency medical services (EMS) providers were honored at Geisinger’s 2008 Outstanding EMS Provider of the Year Awards tonight at Geisinger’s Center for Health Research.

EMS personnel provide a vital system of life-saving care for victims of sudden and serious illness or injury.

During National EMS Week, Geisinger honors the paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, ambulance volunteers, police, firefighters and hospital emergency personnel who provide day-to-day lifesaving services on medicine’s “front line.” Thanks to their daily commitment, skill and professionalism, our EMS system in Danville and surrounding communities is able to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most.

“We are excited to honor these selfless men and women each year,” said Scott Danowsky, Geisinger’s EMS program coordinator. “EMS providers are an essential link in our emergency care system and play a crucial role in survival and recovery rates of those who experience serious, sudden illness or injuries.”

Every year, emergency first responders engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills.

“They do this every day without special recognition, which is why we want to recognize EMS providers each year,” Danowsky said.

Nominations were received from EMS providers in Danville, Mount Carmel, Berwick, New Columbia, Cogan Station, Wapwallopen, Wellsboro, Pottsville, Hawley, Bloomsburg and Moris.

The nominees included: M. Amarose, of Mount Carmel; Chad Cope, of Berwick; Thomas Derby, of Berwick; Jeff Green, of Danville; Robert Manenkoff, of New Columbia; Joseph Murton, of Pottsville; Stephanie Solomon, of Danville; Robert Spagnuolo, of Hawley; Tim Wagner, of Bloomsburg; and Richard Wilcox, of Moris.