OXFORD, MD – “Three-legged paramedics are not the norm. I always joke that we get on the ambulance, we get there and they carry me in to treat the patient…”
Paramedic Mike Young says that’s just the way it is when he hops on the ambulance at the Oxford Fire Company.
“When we’re ready to leave, they carry out the patient. Then, they come back for me,” he joked.
At 81, he is the oldest active paramedic in Maryland.
Young was selected as the recipient of the Leon W. Hayes Award for Lifetime Excellence in EMS by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS).
“Mike is a voracious reader of EMS and related medical materials, and is always ready to learn, innovate and strive to improve patient care. He enthusiastically shares his skills, commitment and lifetime of experience with other clinicians and students,” said Dr. Theodore Delbridge, MIEMSS executive director.
Delbridge said the number of people who attended the ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the Oxford Fire Company demonstrates how well-respected Young is. The crowd gave Young two standing ovations to show their appreciation for his dedication and contributions.
The director noted that the annual award, presented during EMS Week, is given to someone who has dedicated a lifetime to excellence in patient care, compassion and respect for each patient as well as commitment to improving the Maryland EMS system.
Young joined the OFD in 1963 and has been a top EMS responder ever since. He was the first mid-shore Advanced First Aid and CPR instructor. He also assisted with writing MIEMSS’ ‘The Maryland Way’ guide for EMT-As.
When he first inquired about being a CPR instructor, he said he was told: ‘No, only doctors can do that.’
But, he and another local provider weren’t willing to go away quietly or at all as they knew how important it was and they wanted to teach others the life-saving skill.
“Another guy who was just as passionate as I was went to a doctor who agreed. “He gave us white lab coats to wear, made us name tags and gave us both stethoscopes,” he recalled with a laugh. “He said 'just keep your mouths shut.'”
They passed the class with no problem.
He continued advancing his certifications through the years after becoming one of the first CRTs in Talbot County. And, he transitioned to paramedic when it became available.
The longtime EMT instructor for Maryland Fire Rescue Institute (MFRI) said it was rewarding from him to know that some of his students went on to become nurses and doctors.
He enjoys mentoring new members as they embark on their EMS journeys.
“I like to show them innovative ways to treat patients by using the tools they have. It gets their attention and keeps it interesting. My goal is for them to learn something that they may use to save someone’s life…That’s what it’s all about.”
He’s seen a lot of changes over the years including the use of ultrasound which he sees as a valuable tool for medics to have as they treat seriously injured or ill patients.
Young has no plans to turn off his pager anytime soon.
“It’s fun. It’s been and still is a great pleasure…I love it.”
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
