Waterbury Ambulance Service crew member earns top state honor
June 8, 2024 | By Lisa ScagliottiWaterbury Ambulance Service volunteer first responder Ryan Gladstone has been recognized with a top state honor announced among a list of emergency medical service providers of the year.
National Emergency Medical Services Week was observed May 19-25 and the state announced its annual list of recognitions of Vermont EMS providers. Awards were presented to individuals and EMS agencies around Vermont for their work.
Vermont First Responder Provider of the Year is Ryan Gladstone of Waterbury Ambulance Service. Photo by Gordon Miller
Gladstone, a certified Vermont Emergency First Responder with Waterbury Ambulance Service, was one of two individuals recognized for the First Responder Provider of the Year honor along. The other is Caden Knox at Northfield Ambulance Service.
According to the Vermont Department of Health, Vermont has over 3,000 Emergency Medical Service providers who respond each year to over 117,000 requests for emergency medical care and specialized ambulance transport. EMS providers also support community-based injury prevention and health promotion initiatives – including overdose prevention, response and education.
“When someone has a medical emergency or experiences a traumatic injury, the first people on the scene are usually First Responders, EMTs and paramedics,” said Will Moran, director of the Department of Health’s Division of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Injury Prevention. “These family members, friends and neighbors are on-call for each of us, day or night, bringing the training and skills that often make the difference between life and death,” Moran said. “I congratulate this years’ awardees, and ask everyone to join me in thanking our EMS service providers for their dedication and care.”
Gladstone is a volunteer with Waterbury Ambulance. “Ryan exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in clinical skills, organizational support, and community involvement, making him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition,” wrote Executive Director Maggie Burke in a letter nominating Gladstone for the honor.
Burke noted that in 2023, he responded to “a remarkable 276 emergency calls, covering a total of 1,778.7 loaded miles for our ambulance service. His commitment to serving our community is unmatched, as evidenced by his dedication to providing care during all hours of the day and night, often exceeding the contributions of full-time paid staff.”
Gladstone logged the most shifts with the agency over the past year and he serves as the service’s vehicle maintenance officer, ensuring that the fleet remains in good condition, Burke noted. Overall, however, the supervisor said she recognizes a team member whose commitment and example are exceptional.
“His selflessness and willingness to lend a helping hand embody the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that are essential to the success of our organization,” Burke wrote. “His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his exemplary clinical skills and dedication to community service, truly set him apart as a deserving recipient of this honor.”
In addition to Gladstone’s honor, the other state EMS awards for 2024 were:
Vermont EMS Lifetime Award: Patrick Malone, University of Vermont Initiative for Rural EMS
Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year: Colby Masse, paramedic, Morristown EMS
Ambulance Service of the Year: Fair Haven Rescue Squad
Basic Life Support Provider of the Year: Kyle Anderson, EMT, Burlington Fire Department
EMS Educator of the Year: Tyler Molleur, Hardwick Emergency Rescue Squad
EMS for Children Champion of the Year: Joseph Aldsworth, Barre City
First Responder Service of the Year: Saxtons River First Response Rescue