PRIDEStar EMS Paramedic Jeff MacDonald with a plaque recognizing him as the Exchange Club of Haverhill’s Emergency Medical Professional of the Year. (Photo Courtesy PRIDEStar EMS) 
From left, Exchange Club of Haverhill First Responders Awards Committee Co-chair Tracy St. Onge, Paramedic Jeff MacDonald, retired Massachusetts State Police Major Scott Pare, and First Responders Awards Committee Co-chair John Bachmann, at the awards luncheon. PRIDEStar EMS) 
From left, Chief Operating Officer Bryan Shanley, President/Owner Dave Daly, Paramedic Supervisor Steve Miller, Haverhill Operations Manager Steve Dube, Paramedic Jeff MacDonald, Director of Operations John Hebert, Senior Vice President John Chemaly and Paramedic Forrest Gyurcsik. (Photo Courtesy PRIDEStar EMS)
LOWELL – PRIDEStar EMS proudly shares that Paramedic Jeff MacDonald was recently recognized by the Exchange Club of Haverhill as the Emergency Medical Professional of the Year in Haverhill.
MacDonald, who has worked for Trinity EMS since 2008, first as an EMT and then as a Paramedic, was honored for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty while not seeking recognition, for providing quality care on a regular basis, and for working to support families within the community.
The Exchange Club of Haverhill recognized Paramedic MacDonald, as well as the Firefighters of the Year, the Law Enforcement Officers of the Year, and the Corrections Professionals of the Year at a First Responders Award Luncheon at Maria’s Family Restaurant in downtown Haverhill on Thursday, June 16.
“Jeff is a really special guy who has all the knowledge and sincerity that really help paramedics and EMTs thrive,” said PRIDEStar Senior Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations Chris Dick. “He’s a low key, under the radar kind of guy who doesn’t want recognition, but he shows up early every day, stays late, and when you have him on scene, he takes control and you’re happy that he’s there.”
Paramedic MacDonald said he always wanted to pursue a career in the health care field so he could help people, and found that his goals and the goals of Trinity EMS matched up when he joined in 2008.
“Whenever I saw somebody that was hurt I always ran toward them to help,” said MacDonald. “In the emergency medical field, I’m able to focus on my skills and really help the majority of people I come in contact with, not only physically by providing care, but also mentally by talking to them if they’re upset emotionally or dealing with trauma.”
MacDonald said his early years as an EMT were challenging, and required him to learn and improve his skills. But 20 years into his career, MacDonald said nothing is more gratifying than working with new EMTs that he helped train and seeing them excel, even as he continues to build his own skills and adapt to changes in medicine as well.
MacDonald said he recently helped to deliver a baby in the field for the first time in his career, and said the experience was among those that drive his passion for emergency medical work.
“A day in the life of a paramedic can range from peace and calm to moments of shear pandemonium and chaos that you need to assess quickly and get under control. Thinking on your feet is so critical,” MacDonald said. “There are days when things sadly go wrong, regardless of your skill level and no matter how hard you try, but there are also days to offset those bad days that help renew your passion for your job.”
To view a video about Paramedic MacDonald created by Haverhill Community Media in collaboration with the Exchange Club of Haverhill, click here.
About the Exchange Club of Haverhill:
Founded in 1946, the Exchange Club of Haverhill, Inc. is one of more than 900 Exchange Clubs across America. Members exchange ideas and information about how to better serve the community. Exchange, organized in 1911, is a nationwide, all-volunteer, national service organization for men and women who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills and enjoy new friendships. Exchange is made up of some 900 clubs and 30,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
To learn more, visit: http://www.haverhillexchangeclub.com/.
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.