NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (November 13, 2018) — Emily Smith, Director of Human Resources for Mobile Life Support Services, the largest emergency medical provider in the Hudson Valley, recently spoke at the American Heart Association’s 15th annual Go Red for Women Luncheon. The event, which focuses on preventing heart disease and stroke by promoting healthy lifestyles and building awareness, was held on Nov. 9 at The Grandview, located at 176 Rinaldi Boulevard, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Go Red for Women provides a platform for women and their families to lead healthier lives. Cardiovascular diseases, which include stroke, claim the life of a woman approximately every 80 seconds. Smith, a paramedic and Mobile Life administrator, was asked to speak about the importance of CPR in the pre-hospital setting and to recognize first responders and the significant, life-saving service they provide.
“The knowledge to do your part in saving a life is a powerful thing,” said Smith. “I believe it is our human duty to be as educated as we can, so in an emergency we have the tools to act. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization as the American Heart Association, whose goal is to put that knowledge in as many hands as possible.”
Coinciding with American Diabetes Month, the event also took place on National Diabetes Heart Health Awareness Day. People who have diabetes are at a higher risk of serious heath complications, including heart disease and stroke. People living with type 2 diabetes are more than twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease and live seven or eight years less than people without diabetes. Of people with diabetes, less than half are aware of their increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Recognizing the common occurrence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association lists diabetes as one of seven major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
“We proudly support Emily and the American Heart Association in their efforts to educate the community about heart disease prevention and treatment,” said Mobile Life President & CEO Scott Woebse. “We strive to keep our staff and other local EMS providers up to date on the latest treatment modalities and protocols through educational programs focused on emergency care for heart-related issues.”
Mobile Life is an AHA Authorized Provider of CPR and ECC (Emergency Cardiovascular Care) courses and its New Windsor headquarters has been an American Heart Association Community Training Center for more than 20 years.
Hudson Valley residents and healthcare professionals interested in becoming certified can participate in educational courses provided by Mobile Life and their community healthcare partners. The AHA programs range from 30-minute at-home courses to multi-day Advanced Life Support classes.
For a full list of training and educational courses, visit the Mobile Life website www.mobilelife.com/education.
About Mobile Life Support Services, Inc.
Mobile Life Support Services, Inc. is a New York State Certified Advanced Life Support paramedic ambulance company that provides emergency services to communities and healthcare facilities throughout the Hudson Valley Region of New York State, including the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester. Founded in 1981 by Rick and Gayle Metzger, Mobile Life is composed of more than 500 EMS professionals across the region and operates a fleet of more than 60 ambulances and 26 stations. With a collective population of more than 1,000,000 residents, Mobile Life handles approximately 100,000 calls per year. For more information, visit www.mobilelife.com.
