Habersham commissioners honor EMS employees, proclaim EMS Appreciation Week

CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Commissioners on Monday recognized two Habersham County EMS employees for their response to a cardiac emergency earlier this year and proclaimed May 17-23 as EMS Appreciation Week in Habersham County.

During the meeting, Habersham County Emergency Medical Services Director Chief Jeff Adams honored Story Jackson and Charlie Davis during an employee spotlight recognition tied to a Jan. 13 medical call involving a 72-year-old man suffering from severe chest pain.

According to Adams, Med Five and Engine Five responded to the residence after the man reported chest pain that began while performing heavy lifting outdoors. Adams said the patient described the sensation as “someone standing on my chest.”

Within five minutes of arrival, responders obtained an EKG and identified what Adams described as a likely acute cardiac event. Jackson, Davis and Chris Moore immediately began treatment under cardiac care protocols, administering aspirin, nitroglycerin, Brilinta, heparin and fentanyl while also notifying the cardiac catheterization lab at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in advance of the patient’s arrival.

Adams said the crew’s actions helped ensure rapid continuation of care.

“Story and Charlie, like many of their peers in emergency services, rarely speak about their successes,” Adams said. “To them, providing exceptional patient care is simply part of their job.”

Adams said the incident only came to wider attention after social media posts by Jackson’s former English teacher, Linda Church, highlighted the response.

“As we recognize them this week, this serves as a reminder of the professionalism, compassion and high level of care being delivered every day to the citizens of Habersham County,” Adams said.

The board also recognized EMS Appreciation Week through an official proclamation read by Commissioner Dustin Mealor.

The proclamation stated that emergency medical services personnel provide lifesaving care “24 hours a day, seven days a week” and highlighted the role EMS workers play in emergency response, preventative medicine, follow-up care, community paramedicine and telemedicine access.

The proclamation also recognized the “professionalism, compassion, and commitment” demonstrated by Habersham County EMS personnel while responding to emergencies under difficult circumstances.

This year’s national EMS Week theme is “Improving Outcomes Together,” which recognizes collaboration between EMS professionals, health care providers, public safety agencies and community partners.

The proclamation officially designated May 17-23, 2026, as Emergency Medical Services Week in Habersham County and encouraged citizens to observe the week through programs and activities honoring EMS professionals.