Start Your Engines! AMR`s EMS Night Marks 5

American Medical Response's Northeast Division is revved up for its fifth special EMS Week evening celebration on May 18. In keeping with the party's theme, The Starting Line of Emergency Care, party planners have engaged F-1 Boston, a unique entertainment and conference center boasting first-class indoor racing: go-cart style. No, you don't watch, you drive. Racers will be decked out in real racing gear, in state-of-the-art Superkarts, looking every bit the Indy 500 starting line-up. No sirens, no lights, just fierce competition and an awesome sense of speed.

Since 2000, the Boston-based ambulance provider has hosted an annual regional awards gala event, which has been so successful, organizers have decided to pull out the stops, bring in additional sponsors, and open it up to EMS and other public safety professionals nationwide. Over 1,500 people are expected to attend. No registration is required and it's free.

Making this no-holds-barred event even more attractive to EMSers who live outside the northeastern seaboard, this year's awards, which are open to all providers, come with travel and accommodations for each winner and one guest. Special rates will be available to anyone else requiring lodging in the area.

Nominations for 12 awards in four categories will be accepted from all over the country, in every aspect of EMS.

"Since it's AMR's fifth year of throwing this event," says Bob Zagami, the NE Division's media spokesperson, "we're giving awards based on all the themes from the past four years of EMS Night celebrations."

These themes are:

Pride of Public Safety: Recognizing longevity and excellence in EMS.

Women of Excellence: Recognizing an outstanding female EMS professional.

Answering the Call: Recognizing an individual's work in a remarkable single event/rescue.

I Remember 9/11: Recipients of this "spirit" award must have either aided in the rescue and recovery operations from September 11, 2001, or participated in the rescue/recovery of any major mass casualty response since then.

Nominating someone for an Excellence Award is easy. Just fill out the form available online at www.emsnight2004.com/nominations.html. The deadline for nominations is April 2. Winners will be chosen by a committee of EMS professionals from a variety of disciplines and affiliations.

According to organizers, guests should plan to be inspired by speakers and dignitaries from around the nation. Massachusetts governor and chief organizer of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, Mitt Romney, is expected to crown the occasion. The multiple-sponsor event at F-1 is the ultimate celebration to reward all public safety personnel for their dedicated commitment and courage. Doors will open at 6 p.m. EDT. Racing is free, though limited to availability during the allotted time period. Outside of that, $35 will get you your F-1 license and on the track. The high-energy night will also include door prizes, a DJ and a buffet dinner.

For more information, visit www.emsnight2004.com or e-mail Sandee_Buckley@amr-ems.com.

-KR