LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA — Gregory Maresca, Lehman Pike EMS (LPEMS) paramedic and operations director, was honored as one of the PA EMS Stars of Life at the Pennsylvania EMS Provider Foundation banquet on September 8. 

The award is presented to PA EMS providers who have gone above and beyond, set an example for others to follow, exemplified EMS in the community, served honorably for decades, or cared for a patient in a heroic or life-saving way. 

Maresca has dedicated more than 17 years to EMS. He has been a paramedic with Lehman Pike EMS since it opened in 2022. He became a certified instructor and taught classes to many different groups. 

As operations director, he not only works as a full-time paramedic but also handles the day-to-day operations that keep ambulances and crews running smoothly. He ensures new hires are competent to handle emergency situations, and that they feel comfortable doing so. He exudes a sense of calm and professionalism that keeps those around him secure in the feeling that they are in the best of hands. 

In other news, Lehman Pike EMS was able to utilize funds from a recent grant to purchase cyanokits for our ambulances. Cyanokits are used in an emergency to treat cyanide poisoning. This type of poisoning can occur if you are exposed to smoke from a house or industrial fire; if you swallow or breathe cyanide; or if you get cyanide on your skin. 

Cyanide can be created by mixing certain household chemicals; it can be the byproduct of illegal methamphetamine labs; it can also be created as a result of chemical-assisted suicide attempts. 

While cyanokits are extremely effective and are an important medication to have during such circumstances, they are very expensive, so very few services in our area carry cyanokits. 

Contributed by Lehman Pike EMS.