Wood’s Ambulance employee receives award

By Owen Boss

GARDNER— For the past 16 years, life-long Gardner resident Kurt Ares has devoted his life to providing first class emergency care to those in need, through his work at the Wood’s Ambulance Inc. and Heywood Hospital. In recognition of his outstanding efforts, the Central Massachusetts Emergency Medical Corp. honored Mr. Ares as the EMT- Intermediate of the year. According to James Wood, president and owner of Woods Ambulance, the recognition was well deserved. “Kurt is dependable, and very willing to do whatever is needed to take care of his patients,” said Mr. Wood. “He’s a supervisor, and he works extremely hard.” Mr. Wood said that he was particularly impressed with Mr. Ares’ ability to provide his patients with the same quality care in situations that require on-the-spot decision making. “There have been so many cases just over the past year where Kurt has made extremely good decisions, and he backs up a lot of different people when he’s out there,” said Mr. Wood. James Carleton, clinical coordinator at Wood’s Ambulance said that Mr. Ares deserved the award because having someone on staff with his skill level makes everyone around him better. “Kurt is the type of EMS professional that as soon as he arrives on scene, the pulses of both his fellow EMS providers and patients automatically drop,” said Mr. Carleton. “Time and time again, Kurt has come through for each and every one of his partners, coworkers, and most importantly, his patients.” Although the award recognizes the exceptional care that Mr. Ares has provided his patients, according to his coworkers, it is his unique personality that sets him apart from the rest. “Kurt has the attitude, personality, and uncanny knack for delivering the perfect punchline that makes working feel less like work.” said Mr. Carleton, “Kurt is the definition of what a true partner is.” Employees at Wood’s Ambulance had secretly sent in a nomination letter to the awards committee several months ago, which meant that when Mr. Ares heard that he had won the award, it was a complete surprise. “The employees here at Wood’s Ambulance were able to keep this under wraps from me...it was all very surprising,” said Mr. Ares. “I can’t thank all of them enough, all of the Wood’s, everyone who works here, everyone who nominated me.” Mr. Ares will formally receive the award at a CMEMS awards banquet, which is going to be held on May 6 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Worcester. oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 1 on 4/22/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 96)