U.S. Surgeon General Speaks at 26th Annual Paramedic Luncheon


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Acadian's Paramedic Jason Hunt received the 2004 Medic of the Year Award at the annual Acadian Ambulance Service Paramedic Luncheon. Pictured from left are Acadian CEO & Chairman of the Board Richard Zuschlag, US Senator John Breaux, who acted as master of ceremonies, US Surgeon General Richard Carmona, MD, who was the featured speaker, Medic of the Year Jason Hunt and Acadian President & COO David Pierce.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, August 18, 2004

Dr. Richard Carmona, .Surgeon General of the United States , joined in honoring the paramedics of Acadian Ambulance Service Wednesday. Carmona was featured speaker at the 26 th annual Acadian Ambulance Service Paramedic Luncheon. The luncheon honors an outstanding member of the Acadian Ambulance Service team, chosen by his or her fellow Paramedics. The honoree receives the Dr. Arthur Vidrine, Jr. Memorial Award, named for a Lafayette physician who was deeply involved in upgrading the level of out-of-hospital emergency medical service. This year's recipient was Jason Hunt, a member of the Acadian team since 1997.

Besides paying tribute to Hunt, Carmona spoke of his mission as Surgeon General, which he says has a global view and a global impact. The focus, he said, is on prevention, health care access and diversity and health literacy. He cited the extreme need for prevention programs because of such things as the great public expense resulting from a lack of physical fitness practices, the high incidence of substance abuse, accidents, and injuries resulting from criminal acts. The 9/11 terrorist attack has added a new dimension, he said.

He spoke of the need for health care access for the 40 million Americans who are without health insurance. Health literacy is essential “because of the gap between what we know about staying healthy and what we need to know,” he said.

Carmona cited the crucial importance of emergency medical services since most of those citizens without health insurance receive treatment in emergency rooms.

A combat-decorated Vietnam veteran, Carmona is uniquely qualified to speak on emergency medical service. He worked as a paramedic and registered nurse before graduating at the top of his class from the University of California Medical School. Prior to becoming Surgeon General, he was chairman of the State of Arizona Regional Emergency Medical System as well as professor of surgery, public health and family and community medicine at the University of Arizona .

Carmona was introduced by Dr. Margaret Longo who, before her retirement, served as the first full-time medical director of Acadian Ambulance Service. Chairman and CEO Richard Zuschlag said she was directly responsible for many of the company's advances in patient care. “Her knowledge, skill and guidance were invaluable to us,” he said. “During her years with us, she kept Acadian on the cutting edge of patient care.”

Acadian President and COO David Pierce presented the 2004 Medic of the Year Award, calling Jason Hunt “a caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated professional who is respected by his peers and the local management team.”

Hunt joined Acadian's apprentice class shortly after graduating from McKinley High School in Baton Rouge . In addition to his full time paramedic position in the Baton Rouge area, he is a Basic Life Support instructor and is currently a candidate for Advanced Care Life Support instructor. According to Pierce, he frequently represents Acadian Ambulance in its public education programs and assists at the Baton Rouge branch of the National EMS Academy . “He will represent us well as our Medic of the Year,” Pierce said.

Hunt received a Medic of the Year plaque and pin and a check for $1000. In accepting the award, he expressed gratitude to his fellow medics, the company, his wife and family and his church. He also shared with the audience and his fellow medics his formula for success in life. “The key,” he said, “is never give up.” He urged acceptance of suffering, “because it builds character.”

“If you have a dream, live it; if you have a goal, achieve it, and if you have a belief, stand for it,” Hunt said.

Besides Hunt, finalists for the Medic of the Year Award were Bill Evans, Brad Wynn, Toby Bergeron, Kelli Steele, Lisa Valadie, Louis Eschete, Taylor Jacobsen and Gifford Saravia.

Another highlight of the luncheon was the special announcement of the establishment of the Senator John Breaux Center for Research in EMS Education. The center was formed by the National EMS Academy in Lafayette in partnership with the American Heart Association and Laerdal, an international leader in emergency medicine products and total training solutions.

The announcement was made by Dr. Frederick P. Cerise, Secretary of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, who said that, through the center, the academy and its partners will conduct and publish research that will shape the future of emergency medical services. “We find it most appropriate,” he said, “to name the center's physical plant after a person who continuously demonstrated his support of EMS .”

Breaux, who is retiring as Louisiana 's senior U.S. Senator, was present at the luncheon as master of ceremonies, a role which he has performed for 23 of the 26 annual banquets. In his closing comments, Zuschlag praised Breaux's positive impact “on our company, our lives and our EMS mission.” He said Breaux's leadership and guidance “have helped to assure that we provide the people of Louisiana -- his constituents -- with an unsurpassed level of emergency medical care.” Zuschlag also recognized and praised the total Acadian Ambulance Service workforce.

Others participating in the luncheon program were Bishop Michael Jarrell of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette who presented the invocation and benediction, and Acadian Paramedic John Smith, an officer of the U. S. .Air Force Reserve who recently completed a tour of duty after being activated for Operation Enduring Freedom. Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.