The recent discussion about naming our new. world class location has stirred passions among a few of us. Management memos will refer to the site as “The Star” but the people of Medstar will have many names for this place. Monikers such as Star Command, Star Base, Alta Mere or simply Post 4 will all refer to our new site and there will be no confusion about “what” the handle refers to. As one who is proud to be a part of this fantastic new beginning, I’d like to offer a slight twist to the sobriquet discussion. My history with Medstar goes back to its very first year. During the decades since, “The Star” has been important to my clan on multiple occasions. It has only been in the last few years that I’ve been on the inside, looking out but I can guarantee this: “The Star” is not a place on the map. We are the medics who make sure a patient’s pet is cared for when we make that last trip to the hospital. Medics who take the time to sort out a basket of expired medications. Medics who cook breakfast for the hypoglycemic patient. “The Star” includes account representatives who compassionately work out payments and find help for patients and families who were surprised with an emergency. We are the 911 operators who patiently assure, coach and console a distraught caller whose family member is in a struggle for life. I think about crews who support each other when life takes a dump on them. I think about crews and supervisors who promote teamwork and solidarity with our first responders. And our mechanics who vigilantly maintain the fleet we need for safely carrying our crews and our patients (there’s a reason that “Ambulance Service” voids all warranties!). How about our Logistics crews -- I challenge you to pick up a Logistics shift where you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for what they bring to the game. Think about our controllers - yes, those folks who keep dishing out the calls when we’ve already had enough. Imagine playing “Whack A Mole” where the moles keep multiplying and they act like they’re on meth. Our operations, IT and management teams are tasked with keeping a million moving parts from flying in all directions. Like a family, we may have a skeleton or two hiding somewhere and we probably have a crazy aunt locked in the basement but that just adds to the lore and legend of The Star. In spite of the challenges, and because of our drive, our merry band manages to serve an area that ⅓ the size of Rhode Island with nearly as many people; We’re changing the way health care gets done and we’re attracting attention from all over the globe. Our new star base is second to none (even if we need to add a refrigerator to the employee lounge :) This sparkling facility represents us, as well as previous members of The Star who “paid it forward.” It will take us well into the future of EMS and Mobile Health Care and I’m exuberantly proud to play my tiny part in the new story it ushers in. But it’s just a building. YOU, my friends, are The Star.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 08:04:39 +0000
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