For the people of Gordon County, the AdventHealth Gordon EMS team is more than just a group of emergency responders—they are a trusted source of care, compassion and safety. While citizens can rely on their expert medical training during emergencies, the team’s contribution to the community goes far beyond their role as first responders. Through educational outreach, wellness checks and participation in local events, AdventHealth Gordon EMS continuously strives to improve the quality of life for the people they serve.
"Our mission goes beyond emergency care," said Mark Bramblett, EMS director for AdventHealth Gordon. "We’re committed to the well-being of this community, whether it’s through preventative health measures, safety education or simply being a helping hand in everyday life."
One recent example of the EMS team's extraordinary dedication unfolded this August when a local resident, Levi Rice, shared the story of his friends, Cynthia and Clarence Sanders. While assembling a bookshelf, Clarence—who uses a wheelchair—lost his balance and fell. Cynthia, busy shopping at a local store, received a distressing call from Clarence, who was lying on the floor.
Upon speaking with Cynthia, Rice rushed to their house and walked in soon after the AdventHealth Gordon EMS ambulance pulled in.
Expecting the worst, Rice was immediately caught off guard when he witnessed the heartwarming act of kindness from AdventHealth Gordon EMS team members, Branson Fair (medic) and Colby Ely Adams (AEMT). "They had already gotten Mr. Clarence upright, checked his vitals and were even helping him assemble his bookshelf," said Rice. "This is absolutely above their call of duty."
This story illustrates the compassionate nature of the EMS team, showing how they not only save lives but also care deeply for the community they serve.
One of the unique contributions that AdventHealth Gordon EMS makes is their free well-person checks at the local senior center twice a month. During these visits, the team offers critical services such as medication reconciliation and monitoring for trends in blood pressure and blood sugar issues, helping seniors manage chronic health conditions. "We can help them track medical problems over time and hopefully catch any issues early," said Donald Bowen, deputy director of EMS for AdventHealth Gordon.
In addition to these wellness checks, the team also provides free CPR and first aid training to the community. Whether it's individuals looking to learn life-saving skills or medical offices needing certification, the team is prepared to offer training to the community.
Recently, the team has partnered with AGC Pediatrics to provide CPR training for their staff, ensuring that health care workers in the area are well-prepared to respond in emergencies.
AdventHealth Gordon EMS also takes an active role in Stop the Bleed training in collaboration with the local Emergency Management Agency (EMA). This program provides hands-on training for schools and other community organizations, teaching people how to respond to life-threatening bleeding situations. In partnership with the county bus department, some of the EMS staff even serve as judges for the department’s annual bus review, further integrating the team into the fabric of the community.
With the local school systems, AdventHealth Gordon EMS provides safety days for the elementary and middle schools and participates in career days at the high schools. Their partnership with Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) EMS program allows students to gain hands-on experience and learn from seasoned professionals, strengthening the next generation of first responders.
As part of their dedication to providing timely and efficient care, the AdventHealth Gordon EMS team is continuously refining their operations. "People often ask how fast we can get to them," Bramblett said. "But while speed is important, we prioritize safety above all else. Our goal is to arrive quickly and safely, so we can provide the best care possible."
The team tracks response times across three zones in the county, always looking for ways to reduce them. "We’re constantly working to improve these numbers while maintaining safe practices," Bramblett said.
Looking toward the future, AdventHealth Gordon EMS has launched Vision 2025, a strategic initiative to further enhance the quality of their services. The team is evaluating their standard operating procedures and implementing new strategies to elevate their care.
The Vision 2025 initiative reflects a forward-thinking mindset, driven by a quote from American psychologist Abraham Maslow: “One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth.” For the AdventHealth Gordon EMS team, they are stepping forward.
"We’re here to ensure the safety of our community," Bowen said. "We were called to serve, and we are ready to answer the call.”
Whether it's through providing free education, delivering life-saving care or enhancing response times, AdventHealth Gordon EMS is committed to being there for the community in every way. Their dedication to extending the healing ministry of Christ is evident in every service they offer, every life they save and every partnership they build.
