Meritus Emergency Department recognized for contribution to EMS system

It was one of only three emergency departments honored by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. 

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Meritus Medical Center Emergency Department was honored by a statewide organization for its excellent partnership with Emergency Medical Services to care for the community.

The Maryland Stars of Life award was given to the Emergency Department staff by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) on Tuesday, July 8. The department is one of only three in the state to receive the award.

Meritus was honored because it has reached certain benchmarks in service and care set by MIEMSS, which oversees and coordinates all components of the statewide EMS system in accordance with Maryland statute and regulation.

“We realize providing emergency care for the community is a team effort,” said MIEMSS Executive Director Ted Delbridge, M.D. “Meritus is one of those places in the state of Maryland that contributes immensely to the functioning of the EMS system.”

The award was given “in recognition of exceptional expertise, dedication and partnership with the Emergency Medical Services system to provide state-of-the-art service and care for the community.”

The Meritus Emergency Department is the fifth busiest in the state and sees around 60,000 patients each year, Dr. Delbridge said. When it comes to EMS patients, the department has treated 11,000 so far this year.

Additionally, the hand-off between EMS ambulance crews and Emergency Department staff is about 19 minutes 90 percent of the time, Delbridge said. The statewide target is 35 minutes 90 percent of the time.

“That makes a huge difference for the community and EMS system, because, in the case of Meritus and Hagerstown and Washington County, it actually means almost an entire extra ambulance is available in the community 24 hours a day because of the work that happens in the ED at Meritus,” he said.

Tammy Mariotti, MSN, R.N., Meritus director of emergency services, trauma and forensics, said the department staff was honored and humbled to receive the award.

“Our Emergency Department provides 24/7 access to neuro, thoracic, orthopedic and trauma surgeons, along with a dedicated trauma team,” Mariotti said. “This recognition affirms the exceptional care we provide in partnership with our EMS crews to serve our community.”