Walt started his "career" in EMS in 1939 at the age of 16 (the same year Erway Ambulance was founded by "Pop" Erway). Walt began with the only training required back then, a driver's license and a strong stomach. As Erway's progressed in care, so did Walt. Pop Erway wanted his men to do more than just toss the patient in a rig and drive them to a hospital. First there was First aid, then Advanced First Aid, CPR when it first hit the streets, Basic EMT whatever year that was invented, and then when ALS came to Chemung County, Walt was one of the first Critical Care Technicians in the County, or in the State for that matter. Walt spent many a call, many a missed meal, and most of all, many a sleepless night— something that all of us do now, but he also did this on top of his real career as a Corrections Officer for the Department of Corrections (from which he retired after over 30 years). After retirement, he continued to work for Erway until he retired after 55 years. Walt continues to serve in EMS as an instructor. If there was an EMS Dictionary, you could look up the word "longevity" and there would be a picture of Walt.

THE WALT ERSLY AWARD FOR TOTAL EXCELLENCE IN EMS

Qualifications:

• Longevity: someone who has been in EMS for some time.
• Learning: someone who continually seeks to learn more in order to improve patient care.
• Dedication: someone who is dedicated to helping people, who gives of him or herself "above and beyond..."
• Caring: someone who cares about others - patients, patient families, co-workers.
• Teaching: someone who teaches - not necessarily in a classroom, but shares his or her knowledge of EMS with others.
• Exceptional: someone who is extraordinary, incomparable, and outstanding; a person you can look up to in all things.

How does this person qualify for the Walt Ersly Award? Please answer for each qualification - be specific, and give examples, use additional page if necessary.

Longevity:

Learning:

Dedication:

Caring:

Teaching:

Exceptional:

All nominations in this category will be submitted for the Commissioner of Health Award for Excellence in EMS. Please fill in the information for your nominee, and send it to Walt Ersly Award, PO Box 3492, Elmira NY 14905-0492, or fax it to 607-732-2661.