The veteran first responder doesn’t believe in collecting trophies or awards in his line of work. The only reward that Howell, the deputy chief of Fame EMS, thinks about is saving lives.

“This job is a thankless job,” said Howell, who has been a first responder for more than two decades.

Howell and three members of Fame EMS recently received the Service Excellence Trauma Coin from Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital after crew members were involved with the treatment and transport of an electrocution victim in Lewistown on July 2.

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital developed the Trauma Service Excellence program to recognize first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Photo courtesy of FAME EMS
Fame EMS crew member Christiana Stauffer holds her Service Excellence Trauma Coin from Geisinger Lewistown Hospital.

“This team provided excellent care to the patient,” said Alex Haines, RN, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital trauma program manager. “Their swift actions, along with our Geisinger Flight team, provided the patient with the best possible outcome.”

They received coins for their prompt response and the excellent care the patient received, officials said. Recognized for their efforts were:

Eric Howell

Rank: Deputy Chief

18 years at Fame EMS

Previous experience: Became an emergency medical technician (EMT) at age 17 in 1992 then a paramedic in 2011. Overall, he’s worked 24 years as a first responder.

Why you became a first responder: “I got involved in emergency services to help people in need. This has been a rewarding career.”

Matt Evans

Rank: Paramedic

Nine years as an EMT and five years as a paramedic at Fame EMS

Previous experience: 18 years as a firefighter.

Why you became a first responder: “To give back to the community and be a part of something larger than myself.”

Zach Leitzel

Rank: EMT

Seven years at FAME EMS

Previous experience: Been with several fire departments for the past nine years.

Why you became a first responder: “I chose this profession because I have always enjoyed helping people. It’s rewarding being able to go out and help the people of the community in their time of need.”

Christiana Stauffer

Rank: Prehospital Registered Nurse (PHRN)

Less than a year at Fame EMS

Previous experience: Spent three years as a nurse, one year as an ICU technician and four years in the United States Navy.

Why you became a first responder: “I chose this profession after seeing the need for first responders while working inside the hospital. EMS services are a highly-critical need in this area. You’re saving lives every single day, and also creating relationships with the people of the community.”