posted August 06, 2024

Friendly competition brings area agencies together in Sylacauga  

Sylacauga, AL, Aug. 6, 2024 – America’s pastime was in full swing on Saturday, Aug. 3 when teams representing 17 different EMS, fire, police, and hospital departments gathered at the Sylacauga Parks and Rec fields for Life Saver’s 8^th Annual Customer Appreciation Softball Tournament. The family-friendly event was sponsored by Life Saver’s emergency air medical bases in Sylacauga and Cusseta to thank those who partner with them to serve the people of central Alabama with emergency care.  

“We want our EMS partners to know they are greatly appreciated,” said Jake Slick, flight paramedic with Life Saver 4 in Sylacauga. “This tournament is not just about sports; it’s about building a supportive network and celebrating our mutual dedication to serving the community. It’s an opportunity to unwind, connect outside of work, and strengthen professional relationships that ultimately benefit patient care.” 

Participating agencies included Alabaster Fire, Alex City Fire, Center Point Fire, Coosa Valley Medical Center, Emergency Medical Transport, Lee County Heat, Lincoln Fire Department, Oxford Fire, Regional Medical Center, St. Clair Sheriff’s Office, St. Vincent’s East Hospital, Sylacauga Ambulance, Sylacauga Fire, Talladega Sheriff’s Office, and Vestavia Fire.  

“I look forward to the Life Saver tournament every year,” said Lieutenant Josh Forbus with Sylacauga Fire. “We are all family that share a bond based on a love and passion for helping our neighbors in their most difficult times. Everyone talking, laughing, catching up on what our children are doing, and enjoying each other’s company is what I love the most on this day.” 

The community was invited to come cheer on the teams while enjoying a day at the park. With teams representing agencies around central Alabama, the tournament trophies went to Talladega Sheriff’s Office for the upper bracket and Life Saver for the lower bracket. The event started in 2016 and has been held each year except 2020. The tradition has become a meaningful point of unity among those who provide emergency care for Alabamians.

“I’d like people to understand how different agencies work together seamlessly to provide great patient care,” said Slick. “By participating in events like this tournament, EMS, fire, law enforcement, and hospital staff showcase their teamwork, preparedness, and commitment to ensuring community well-being, beyond emergency response scenarios.” 

Life Saver is part of Air Methods, the leading air medical service provider in the United States. The highly trained flight nurses and paramedics onboard their helicopters are equipped to transport pediatric, high-risk obstetrics, cardiac, stroke, and other patients with a wide variety of critical care needs. They carry blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering significant blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock, which causes the body’s organs to fail and can lead to death. 

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country. Additionally, its patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.