First Responders Honored by CMC at Recent Event
11/3/2023
Carlsbad Medical Center was pleased to present its annual EMS & Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on Saturday, October 7, at Riverside Country Club.
“We cannot thank our Emergency Services, law enforcement and all first responders enough for what they do for our patients, for our hospital and for Carlsbad,” said Nick Arledge, Carlsbad Medical Center CEO. “We’re so lucky to have such great partners. These are the heroes who help us day-in and day-out to take care of the people in our community.”
In addition to gifts presented to law enforcement and EMS leaders, several awards were presented to members of the Carlsbad Police Department and Eddy County Sherriff’s Office. “Their presence and commitment to their jobs has resulted in making our employees feel safe,” said Arledge. “The efforts of these teams describe what true public servants exemplify.”
Former Carlsbad Fire Chief Rick Lopez was presented with a special award congratulating him on his recent retirement, after 19 years with the Carlsbad Fire Department.
The final awards of the evening were the Lifesaving Awards, presented to first responders Larry Yturralde, Xavier Melendez and Dylan Munoz.
Dr. Murugan Athigaman spoke about the exceptional teamwork between CMC and EMS to save a patient’s life after a horrific accident. “Many times, the surgeon will get all the credit for a good outcome,” Athigaman said. “But had it not been for the heroic efforts of the first responders on the scene of the accident, this patient would not have made it to the hospital alive.”
The patient, Jessie Madrid, thanked the team for the outstanding care he received and provided an update on his continued recovery.
At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Arledge thanked the organizer of the event, CMC EMS Director Kris Armendariz, and also thanked community sponsors:
- Crestwood
- AR Foreman Construction
- Native Air
- Trans Aero Medevac
- Emergent Air
- Immediate Nurse Care
- Rio Pecos Chiropractic, Sports & Wellness
- Elite Medical Transport
- Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
- Kelsey Parrish & Ryan Cloud
Lifesaving Awards - L-R: CMC CEO Nick Arledge, Dr. Murugan Athigaman, Jessie Madrid, Larry Yturralde, Xavier Melendez, Dylan Munoz
Athigaman and Madrid, L-R: Dr. Murugan Athigaman, Jessie Madrid
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