The Colonie EMS Department is proud to announce that Lois DeLuca has been chosen as the 2015 EMT of the Year by the American Legion Zaloga Post on Everett Road. Lois is a 23 year member joining CEMS in 1992 as an Emergency Medical Technician. In 1995, Lois became an American Heart Association CPR Instructor and in 2000 became the CPR coordinator for the department.
Lois was instrumental in the implementation of the 2005 American Heart Association standard changes that have resulted in a remarkable improvement in bystanders CPR, from 0% in 2005 to 65% in 2014, and a survival rate for the victims of cardiac arrest from 3% to 23% respectively. These improvements were so impressive; the Town received national recognition in 2010 as the Heart Safe community by the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Lois has trained or facilitated the training of over 10,000 people since she took on the role as coordinator. Her efforts don’t stop with CPR. She has maintained a productive relationship with our senior population in the town. Lois visits with our senior citizen groups monthly providing blood pressure screening and information about general heath related issues.
There are not many people that have the dedication or compassion that Lois has displayed. Her efforts have made a difference not only for the department but for our entire community.
Thank you Lois!