Submitted photo
Fame EMS paramedics Mike Coldren, second from left, and Troy Long, second from right, were presented with the Trauma Token as part of the Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital Trauma Program. On hand from the hospital to present the recognition were, at left, Matt Coldren of the GLH Emergency Department and Mike’s son, at center Alex Haines, manager of the GLH Trauma Program and, at right, Bonnie Bowsman, nursing operations manager at GLH’s Emergency Department.

LEWISTOWN — To honor the work of local emergency medical services personnel in the Juniata River Valley, the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Trauma Program has awarded two paramedics with the Geisinger Trauma Token. Troy Long and Mike Coldren received the special honor on Feb. 16 from the hospital’s Alex Haines, Trauma Program manager, and Bonnie Bowsman, Emergency Department nursing operations manager.

“We want to express to Troy and Mike how much we appreciate what they do for our patients and the community,” said Haines. “Trauma care doesn’t start at our door, but out in the community where the injury or illness occurred.”

Long and Coldren were nominated for quick thinking and nimble care in saving the life of a 93-year-old in 2021.

A 22-year veteran of Fame Emergency Medical Services Inc., Long has been a paramedic for 38 years.

“I’m very appreciative of this honor,” said the Port Royal resident. “There are others who deserve this.”

Coldren, a resident of Mifflintown, has served Fame EMS for 30 years.

“It’s a great honor,” he said — even more so because his son Matt Coldren, a registered nurse in the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital emergency room, was present to give the token to his dad.

Long and Coldren were among 12 nominees whose names were submitted to be honored with the Trauma Token. They are the first to receive this recognition from Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.

The Trauma Token is presented to those who exemplify care and commitment to our community. The winners are recognized for demonstrating Geisinger’s core values, providing care to the injured patient and for going beyond the expected duties of their job.

“We appreciate the commitment and dedication of our local EMS,” Haines said.

As a Level IV trauma center, Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital provides enhanced care to injured patients in the hospital’s emergency room and stabilizes and transfers patients to higher-level trauma centers, if needed.