07/01/2023
Congratulations Dr. B!
Press Release
Contact: Nyeshia Aldridge, Director of Public Outreach
naldridge@easimedics.com
Phone: 870-536-0734
www.easimedics.com
For Immediate Release
RE: Director of Wellness
Emergency Ambulance Services, Inc 514 West 5th. Street Pine Bluff Arkansas 71601.
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, June 30, 2023 – The greatest asset of any agency is its people; however, being there for our patients and their family members and friends during medical emergencies is inherently stressful. Our emergency medical staff often work under unpredictable and rapidly changing circumstances.
In recent years there has been a growing concern within the EMS profession about emergency medical staff's physical, mental, and emotional health. A 2015 survey of EMT’s and paramedics published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) found a high rate of suicidal ideation among EMS personnel.
In 2016, NAEMT’s National Survey on EMS Mental Health Services found that 42% of EMS companies provided no health and wellness mental health support for EMS staff.
A study conducted by the University of Phoenix of 2,000 EMS employees found that 84% had experienced a traumatic event on the job, and 34% had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress.
These alarming statistics mean one thing: EMS companies must start providing total wellness programs for their staff.
EASI is dedicated to providing positive solutions— we are happy to announce that EASI has hired a Wellness Director. Dr. Buster Lackey, Ph.D., is a dual licensed mental health and alcohol and drug abuse counselor. He will oversee the newly created Wellness Unit. Dr. Lackey will provide mental health, life coaching, and critical incident debriefing to our staff and assist in training our EMS staff to provide mental health services to our patients and their families. Dr. Lackey will be assisted in the Wellness Unit by Nyeshia Aldridge, Wellness Coordinator, and Director of Public Outreach.
Help us welcome Dr. Lackey!