Meshak named Paramedic of the Year

By Brent Frankenhoff

Adam Meshak and Wisconsin EMS Board President Chanse Kaczmarski.

The Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Association (WEMSA) recently announced its annual award recipients. Amherst Fire District (AFD) Assistant Chief Adam Meshak was among the eight individuals and one department receiving awards for their contributions to Emergency Medical Services in Wisconsin.

Meshak is a Wisconsin State Licensed Paramedic and a full-time AFD employee. In his letter nominating Meshak for the award, AFD Chief Victor Voss wrote, “He not only works his normal shifts but also commits much of his off time to EMS in our entire County. Adam manages our highly active Emergency Medical Response (EMR) group, is our Point of Contact for protocol development and implementation, and is active in the planning and execution of our County’s annual Rescue Task Force (RTF) training. Additionally, Adam provides training for any EMR group in our County that asks for it.”

Voss added that Meshak works with the Tomorrow River School District’s athletic trainers and the school’s sports medicine team. There is a trained EMR at most home athletic events and they travel to many away games, especially football. “We have been told that it is unbelievable that when teams come to Amherst for sports events, our EMS team is working hand in hand with the trainers,” Voss wrote.

If that weren’t enough, Meshak has also actively lobbied with state lawmakers on statewide initiatives related to EMS needs. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been added to many area businesses through Meshak’s efforts, which include making the units and their supplies more affordable, often at the AFD’s cost. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training is also offered through the AFD and coordinated by Meshak.

Voss concluded his nomination letter by writing, “If I need to call an ambulance, I want Adam on the call.”

Formally recognized at WEMSA’s annual conference in Green Bay in early February, Meshak told the Spirit, “It was an honor to be recognized as the Paramedic of the Year in Wisconsin. It has been overwhelming to say the least. As coworkers, friends, and family have reached out since I found out about the award, it was a great reminder of the many mentors throughout my life. I am thankful for everyone who has helped me grow into the person I am today. Putting your best foot forward each day and leaving things better than you found them were instilled in me throughout my entire life.”

He said that he’s had an interest in health services for many years. “Starting at the age of 12 when I was a Counselor In Training at the Stevens Point Area YMCA’s summer camp program, we were trained in first aid and CPR,” he added. “In high school, I was a part of the SPASH health assistant program where we worked with our school nurses in the health office each school day. Then, while in college at UW-Stevens Point, a family member suffered a head injury and was treated at UW-Madison Hospital for 10 days before passing away. During that time the staff at UW were incredibly kind and, we felt, went above and beyond to care for our loved one and to support our family. After that I started classes at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids to become a Paramedic. Ultimately knowing that I could never say thank you enough, I want to pay it forward by providing kind and compassionate care the same way the staff at UW Health provided to our family.”

Meshak encouraged those interested in EMS and other emergency services to “give it a try! Being a pre-hospital medical provider has its challenges, but they are worth it. The impact that you can make on a patient, their family, and your local community is invaluable.

“Walt Disney once said ‘People often ask me if I know the secret of success and if I could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is you do it by working.’ No matter what you choose to do, do it well! Put your best foot forward every day and never stop working towards your goals.”

He said that he plans to continue in his roles at the Amherst Fire District and added, “Our department has a fantastic group of people and I am thankful for each and every one of them! The community is incredibly supportive. I truly can’t imagine living or working anywhere else!”