The foundation of Polk County is its community and the people who call it home. Those who live and reside in Polk County can rest assured that the AdventHealth Redmond EMS team will be there if their family, friends or loved ones need emergency medical attention.
While people might understand the enormous responsibility of responding to an emergency, AdventHealth Redmond EMS believes building community trust goes far beyond their primary role of providing emergency services. This dedicated team actively engages in a wide range of community activities, educational initiatives and lifesaving contributions that touch every corner of the county and their commitment to this community remains steadfast.
AdventHealth Redmond’s loyalty to Polk County is evident in the EMS team’s active participation in local events and their unwavering support for the community. “Our involvement in Polk County goes beyond responding to emergency calls,” said James ‘Marty’ Robinson, AdventHealth Redmond EMS director. “We see ourselves as an integral part of this community, and it’s our mission to support and uplift it in every way we can.”
Whether it’s premier events like the Cedar Valley Arts Festival or the Homespun Festival, the AdventHealth Redmond EMS team is there, providing medical and education tents to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. Their participation is not just about being present; it’s about being actively involved in the community’s heartbeat. For example, during the Polk County Special Olympics, the team doesn’t just attend — members are part of the organizing committee, offering their medical expertise to ensure the athletes can compete with reassurance in case of injury or illness. At the Little Britches Rodeo, the team provides essential medical support, ensuring that both participants and spectators have peace of mind. The same goes for all the local high school football games and other sporting events; AdventHealth Redmond EMS is onsite to guarantee safety for Polk County School District’s hometown athletes.
Education is another area where the AdventHealth Redmond EMS team invests heavily in the Polk County community. Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation, they actively participate in the College and Career Academy Advisory Committee. They are not only representatives as they are also sometimes speakers who engage with students through mock interviews and offer valuable recommendations for health care classes. Through the Polk Connect program, they connect graduates with career advice and potential employment opportunities by helping guide them through the application and interview process.
The AdventHealth Redmond EMS team also plays a significant role in local career days and health fairs, contributing to events like the Teen Maze and Community Night Out sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. These events are vital in educating the community about health care careers and the importance of health and safety. The AdventHealth Redmond EMS team is always eager to share their knowledge and experience to help build a future health care workforce and help make the community safe.
The team’s dedication to service extends to their involvement in community service organizations such as the Rockmart Kiwanis and Polk Family Connections. By maintaining active board memberships and participating in various community projects, they demonstrate a deep commitment to making Polk County a better place for everyone.
In addition to their service work, the AdventHealth Redmond EMS team offers lifesaving CPR and AED training to community members. By empowering residents with these critical skills, they are helping to create a safer, more prepared community. “We believe in giving back,” Robinson said. “Offering training to the community is just one of the ways we can help ensure that more lives are saved in emergency situations.”
One of the recent notable contributions by the AdventHealth Redmond EMS team is the donation of a retired ambulance to the Polk County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). This vehicle will now serve as a support unit for EMA operations, enhancing the county’s ability to respond to emergencies. Additionally, the EMS team is working on providing AEDs. For the Polk County Sheriff's Office, these devices can deliver an electrical shock to help a person’s heart re-establish an effective rhythm. This move will greatly enhance the safety and readiness of local law enforcement.
The team’s dedication to Polk County is further exemplified by their work in maintaining and upgrading county-owned EMS stations. “We’ve invested time and resources in repainting and refurbishing the stations,” Robinson explains. “Even though these are county-owned buildings, we take pride in ensuring that our work environment is in top shape, which ultimately benefits the community we serve.”
The story of Antonio Usher, a Cedartown resident, underscores the lengths to which AdventHealth Redmond’s EMS team will go to serve their community. In October 2023, Usher and his wife were involved in a tragic motorcycle crash while traveling to Panama City, FL. Usher’s wife died at the scene, and he was left with severe injuries, including a broken femur and shoulder. He was taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital, where his mother fought tirelessly to have him transferred closer to home.
Despite the challenges, the EMS team at AdventHealth Redmond, led by Robinson, arranged for Usher to be transported from Columbus to AdventHealth Redmond in Rome. Usher stayed at the hospital for two months, where he received extensive care. But the EMS team’s commitment didn’t end there. They also decided to transport Usher to his wife’s funeral and gravesite, further demonstrating their compassion and dedication to the community.
The AdventHealth Redmond EMS team is more than just a group of emergency responders; they are a vital part of the Polk County community. Through their participation in local events, contributions to educational initiatives and dedication to community service, they have made a lasting impact on the lives of many. Their story is one of compassion, commitment and a deep sense of responsibility to the community they serve. As they continue to go above and beyond the call of duty, the AdventHealth Redmond EMS team remains a pillar of support for Polk County, embodying the true spirit of community care and health care excellence.