HGH EMS Rescue Chief announced Wednesday, February 15, that he will be
leaving Humboldt General to take a position as an EMS Chief with a large
hospital system in Colorado. Following is Pat's farewell message to
the community:
Dear friends, colleagues and community members:
For nearly 12 years, I have held the position of EMS Chief and, more recently,
Administrative Director of Humboldt General Hospital Emergency Medical
Services & Rescue (HGH EMS). This position has been the opportunity
of a lifetime; my family and I have been equally blessed to call this
community home for more than a decade. So it is with heavy heart that
I announce that I have accepted the position of EMS Chief with an organization
in Colorado.
I want to take this opportunity to give thanks to the community that has
given me so much over my tenure in Winnemucca. When I arrived on September
19, 2005, I knew I would face many challenges and tribulations as I worked
to improve the system of care provided locally. I was, however, astonished
by the level of commitment and support the community as a whole showed
as we worked to bring about positive change.
The expansion and improvements made to the local EMS system were only made
possible by a collective effort that, above all else, valued life. I have
never looked at the success of this department as “my success”;
rather I have looked at this as our collective success as a community.
From hospital leadership to locally elected officials, to our brothers
and sisters in law enforcement and fire, and the dedicated staff and network
of first responders and others, we have all played a role in developing
a great EMS system that has become a model for rural communities across
our great country.
Collectively, we as a community have challenged the status quo. When faced
with limitations and challenges, we have developed innovative ways to
meet the needs of our community. Buy-in from multiple stakeholders has
equated to a system of care that not only works, but works very well.
Partnerships with local mines and industry, fire departments, and law
enforcement departments in three counties have delivered lifesaving response
to our fellow community members. This network of care is something I am
not only proud of but, more importantly, I am thankful for the level of
cooperation that has made it possible.
As my time here in this amazing community comes to an end, I know my family
and I will shed many tears. However, I am comforted knowing that we as
a community have remained committed to preserving and protecting life.
In closing, I thank community members for their years of support of our
vision of developing sound systems of care, in a compassionate and community-centric
manner. As I depart, I ask that the community continue the work, and always
remember that even though our rural way life is different, it does not
mean we deserve or are willing to accept anything short of excellence
relative to emergency medical services and healthcare.
May God continue to bless this community and the amazing men, women and
children who call it home.
With the utmost thanks,
/s/
Pat Songer