Mount St. Mary's celebrates EMS Week with awards dinner, launch of new simulation lab

Catholic Health's EMS liaison team honored EMS providers and first responders from across Niagara County on Wednesday during the annual awards dinner at the Sanborn Fire Co. The event recognized outstanding calls submitted by regional partners, highlighting the skill, expertise and lifesaving work that often goes unseen.

The evening was designed to shine a spotlight on the lifesaving work performed by first responders. Honorees included the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Wilson Fire Co. No. 1, South Wilson Fire Co., Olcott Fire Co., Wrights Corners Fire Co., Mercy Flight, Adams Fire Co., Twin City Ambulance, South Lockport Fire Co., Lewiston Fire Co. No. 2, Mercy Flight EMS, Town of Niagara Active Hose Co. Inc., Tri-Community Ambulance Inc., Pekin Fire Co., Sanborn Fire Co., Niagara County EMS, City of Lockport Fire Department, Barker Fire Co., and Wendelville Fire Co. – named Agency of the Year.

Catholic Health Mount St. Mary’s Hospital • Lockport Memorial Hospital leadership honored local EMS departments at a dinner on Wednesday, honoring the Wendelville Fire Co. as Agency of the Year.

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This recognition came as Mount St. Mary's Hospital expands its commitment to emergency preparedness and cross-agency collaboration through a new simulation lab (SiM Lab), a key initiative during National EMS Week.

Led by EMS System Manager Emily James, the EMS liaison team serves as a vital link between Catholic Health hospitals and first responders throughout Niagara and Erie counties. The team regularly works in the field with EMS agencies, fire departments and dispatch partners to ensure providers have the most up-to-date information on hospital capabilities and services when making critical care decisions.

At the same time, the team is advancing hands-on training opportunities, including the development of the new SiM Lab at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston. The space will feature multiple simulation rooms and a realistic home environment, allowing EMS crews to train in scenarios that mirror real-life emergency situations.

"These collaborative training experiences allow us to function as one team," James said. "By training together, we improve communication, coordination and, ultimately, patient outcomes."

Hospital President Jeremy Essman emphasized the importance of these partnerships.

"Strong collaboration with our EMS and first responder partners is essential to delivering exceptional care," he said. "When we train together and understand each other's capabilities, we ensure safer transitions and better outcomes for our communities."

The first training in the new SiM Lab took place May 16-17 and featured a prehospital trauma life support (PHTLS) course led by EMS liaison team member Taylor Zaccarine.

In addition to professional training, the team plans to expand public education offerings, including CPR, Stop the Bleed, and NARCAN training.

During EMS Week and beyond, Mount St. Mary's remains committed to strengthening partnerships, advancing education, and supporting the region's frontline responders – ensuring high-quality care for patients across Western New York.

Wendelville Fire Co. team members.

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Established in 1907, Mount St. Mary's became part of Catholic Health in 2015. The 110-bed hospital provides comprehensive medical, emergency, and intensive care services, along with a range of specialty programs – including Clearview Treatment Services, a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation program for individuals struggling with substance use disorder; the Center for Women's Services; Cardiac Center; Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine; and a multi-specialty clinic offering a broad spectrum of care.

In 2023, Mount St. Mary's expanded access to care with the opening of Lockport Memorial Hospital and the Niagara Ambulatory Surgery Center, serving residents throughout Eastern Niagara County.

Lockport Memorial Hospital features a full-service emergency department, a 10-bed inpatient unit, advanced imaging and diagnostic services, and an outpatient center offering both primary and specialty care.