To help promote EMS Week 2014, and recognize those that serve us day in and day out in the emergency medical profession, we held our Truly Dedicated Contest. The contest was open the entire month of May. All women and veterans actively serving in EMS were eligible to be nominated. We ended up with nominations for several extraordinary women, no veterans participated.

Winners were chosen by Braun Industries based on the information provided in their nomination statements. Decisions were based on information that included how they interact with patients, families, and other medical professionals, their contributions to their community, EMS agency, or the EMS profession as a whole, their commitment to their continuing education and certifications, and more.

We are proud to recognize the following women as our Truly Dedicated contest winners. They are so fabulous, we even have a tie for first!

Lt. Elizabeth Belcher, New Orleans EMS
Grand Prize: Kindle Fire HDX 7” 16GB Tablet with a custom Braun Industries Origami case

Lt. Elizabeth (Liz) Belcher has served with New Orleans EMS since March 2005, beginning as a field EMT on the nightshift. Part of one of the largest EMS departments in the country, the area has seen its fair share of big events. Liz took part in the response effort during and after Hurricane Katrina, and also received a commendation from the White House Medical Unit for providing VIP coverage during President Bush’s visit to the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast.

Liz is always considering the needs of her community first, and as such proposed forming the position of Community Outreach Coordinator. While holding this position, Liz worked to reduce the rates of morbidity and injury in NOLA by targeting vulnerable populations and addressing their healthcare and wellness needs through outreach and education. Liz is also an AHA certified BLS instructor, teaching CPR to the public, and a Child Passenger Safety Technician through Safe Kids Worldwide. In 2009, she was appointed to the EMS for Children Advisory Council by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal as the state EMT representative. She also serves as EMS Branch Leader for the City Assisted Evacuation Plan.

If her resume was not impressive enough already, in 2013 Liz became the lead Public Information Officer.  She is charged with ensuring that the media, fellow public safety agencies, and the public receive timely and accurate information regarding EMS operations, calls for service, and special events. She is also a founding member of the New Orleans Public Safety Explorers, a youth mentoring program. Expanding her reach beyond public safety, she has also spent time volunteering with the Good Will Good Guides Program and at the Common Ground Health Clinic. She tackles all of these duties while attending Tulane University for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences; she is truly and impressive and inspiring woman!!!

Liz was nominated by Kathleen Deroo. Here is just a brief excerpt of what Kathleen has to say about her:

Above and beyond does not justify what Liz does. She performs miracles every day for a city that she loves. Liz has worked as a mentor for me for the past year and what I've witnessed every day is SPECTACULAR. One can only dream to aspire to be like her.

Ali March, Westwood Fire Company EMS Division
Grand Prize: Kindle Fire HDX 7” 16GB Tablet with a custom Braun Industries Origami case

EMT Ali March got her start serving her community at a young age. She was 12 years old when she went to “Jr. Medic Camp” offered at a local EMS agency, and then moved on to become an emergency medical responder. On her 16^th birthday, she started her EMT class.

It is Ali’s personality that makes her such a wonderful first responder. Her kind demeanor and soothing personality is a reassurance to any patient, parent, loved one, or individual on scene. She conveys an expertise and understanding that lets her patients know they will be well taken care of when she is in an ambulance with them.

Ali is heavily involved with the many fundraisers and community outreach programs hosted by Westwood Fire Company. She assists with the weekly Bingo night and Quarter Raffles. She also teaches the community basic first aid and CPR. In February, she went to a local senior housing development for people aged 65 and older. They do not have a nursing staff onsite, so she taught the citizens how to work the new AED’s that were being installed, and how to perform CPR until further help arrived. She has even assisted a few groups of local boy scouts earn their first aid badge. She is a thoughtful mentor and educator, who will go out of her way to help other learn and excel. She conducts monthly trainings at the Westwood Fire Company, and has been known to meet people down at the firehouse last minute to help EMT students prepare for their exams.

Recently, Ali has been experiencing some serious medical conditions that have limited her ability to serve as an EMT. She has continued to help train new providers and teach continuing education classes, but is missing her time out on the road. Her nominator, Mackenzie Swain, has the following to say about her:

Ali has not been able to work many shifts lately due to the amount of pain she is in. She has been in and out of the hospital for the past few months, and all she wants to do is be back in her truck serving her community. It breaks my heart to see her not being able to do this. She always puts others above herself.

Rebecca Benelli, New Orleans EMS
Runner Up: Braun Industries Zip Front Jacket

Ms. Benelli, Becky for short, currently holds the rank of Major and serves a dual role with New Orleans EMS. She is the Administrative Liaison and VIGOR (Volunteer In Government of Responsibility) Coordinator. She has had a long-standing career in Emergency Medicine, and has continued to serve others even into retirement!

Major Benelli began her medical career in 1981 as a Licensed Practical Nurse, and was introduced to the world of pre-hospital emergency medicine at St. Charles General Hospital. She knew she wanted to continue her career in that arena and received her EMT-Basic in June of 1982. She joined the NOPD’s Emergency Medical Division shortly thereafter. Over the years, she progressed in the ranks to EMT-Intermediate and worked for the NOPD’s Emergency Medical Division until EMS was transferred to the New Orleans Health Department in 1985. Major Benelli remained with the New Orlean’s Police Department until she retired with the rank of Sergeant in 2008. She held many positions during her tenure with NOPD, giving her a vast array of knowledge.

After retiring, Becky began to volunteer with New Orleans EMS as a VIGOR.  In June of 2011, because of her past passion for EMS and innate ability to lead and organize others, she was asked to expand her role and become the VIGOR Coordinator.  As the VIGOR Coordinator, Major Benelli organizes the volunteers for special events as well as ensures that all licensure is up to date.  In June of 2013, she was hired as the Administrative Liaison and VIGOR Coordinator for New Orleans EMS, where she continues to work today.

Our Grand Prize winner, Lt. Elizabeth Belcher, nominated Becky for the contest. She had the following to say about her in her nomination statement:

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Becky for the last year, and the enthusiasm and dedication she shows for her job never ceases to amaze me.  The sheer fact that she holds the position she does due to her initial work as a VIGOR volunteer speaks volumes; this woman is the epitome of truly dedicated.  Instead of enjoying her retirement, she chooses to help New Orleans EMS continue to shine as leaders in the EMS field.  Additionally, despite all of her hard work (both on and off the clock), she is always there to lift spirits with her infectious smile.  Becky truly embodies characteristics that all EMS providers should strive for - dedication, compassion, and a strong sense of duty.  She has found her second calling in EMS.

Congratulations to all our Truly Dedicated contest winners. Women like you are such an inspiration, and we are honored to share your stories. We hope your enthusiasm and dedication to the profession empowers others to follow in your footsteps.

Thank you to everyone who entered!