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Contact: Matt Edwards
925.525.3037
medwards@amr-ems.com
AMR River Rescue Program Earns Top National Lifesaving Status; Reach and Treat Team in Action as Summer Water Season Begins
Portland, OR, May 18,
2004 – Just days before another dramatic water rescue, the American Medical Response (AMR) Portland-area Reach and Treat Team was designated as an Advanced Lifeguard Agency by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA). As the top certification possible, AMR's River Rescue Program is the only program in the Northwest to receive this prestigious achievement.
The Team was activated last Friday, when four people suddenly became stranded while traveling down Sandy River in Portland , OR . Aided by the Sandy Fire Department, AMR's Reach and Treat Team safely retrieved all four people from the river.
AMR's river rescue team is trained in lifeguard skills and swift-water rescue. The team is comprised of certified EMTs (emergency medical technicians) and paramedics who, in addition to conducting hands-on rescues, increase community safety awareness and identify potential hazardous water conditions.
The unique community service program for the citizens of Clackamas and Multnomah Counties is now one of only 40 distinguished agencies throughout the U.S. to be recognized as an Advanced Lifeguard Agency. The USLA is the open water rescue standard setting and certifying organization throughout the United States .
American Medical Response, Inc. (www.amr.net), the nation's largest provider of medical transportation, is locally operated in 32 states. More than 18,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs and other professionals transport over four million patients nationwide each year in emergency, critical and non-emergency situations. AMR, a wholly owned subsidiary of Laidlaw International, Inc. (NYSE:LI), is headquartered in Greenwood Village , CO .
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