Lehman Pike EMS’s Gregory Maresca honored

Gregory Maresca, Lehman Pike EMS paramedic and operations director, was honored as one of the “PA EMS Stars of Life” at the Pennsylvania EMS Provider Foundation’s 17th annual banquet on September 8. According to Lehman Pike EMS, this award is presented to a limited number of PA EMS providers who have gone “above and beyond, set an example for others to follow, exemplified EMS in the community, served honorably for decades, or cared for a patient in a heroic or life-saving way.”

Maresca has dedicated more than 17 years to EMS. He has been a paramedic with Lehman Pike EMS since its opening in 2022. During that time, he has become a certified instructor. Maresca has taught many classes to varied groups, including the Lehman Pike EMS staff, outside emergency service agencies, township HOAs, and even residents of Lehman Township interested in the ability to perform CPR or provide first aid to family and friends in times of need.

Maresca has been the operations director at Lehman Pike EMS for over a year now. In addition to working as a full-time paramedic on one of the company’s ambulances, he handles the day-to-day operations and ensures new hires are competent to handle emergency situations, and that they feel comfortable doing so.

“He exudes a sense of calm and professionalism that keeps those around him secure in the feeling that they are in the best of hands,” Lehman Pike EMS said in its announcement. “It is our hope that Gregory remains a part of Lehman Pike EMS for a long time to come.”

Lehman Pike EMS

Thanks to a recent grant, Lehman Pike EMS was able to purchase Cyanokits for its ambulances to treat cyanide poisoning, which can occur if you are exposed to smoke from a house or industrial fire, if you swallow or breathe cyanide, or if you get cyanide on your skin. It can be created by mixing certain household chemicals. It can be the byproduct of illegal methamphetamine labs. It can also be created as a result of chemical-assisted suicide attempts. Due to the cost of Cyanokits, Lehman Pike EMS says few services in the area carry them. So the EMS unit has notified surrounding agencies that it carries Cyanokits, should such situations arise.

Lehman Pike EMS has received accreditation in Pennsylvania’s Prepared for Pediatrics Program and is currently accredited at the Master Level, with the goal to earn Expert Level accreditation once certified car seat safety inspectors join the staff. In order to participate in this program, all staff must complete additional classes specific to the pediatric population, carry additional equipment geared towards pediatric patients, and provide community services that will benefit the children of Lehman Township.

Lehman Pike EMS offers free CPR, AED, and first aid classes to Lehman Township residents, and discounted rates for classes to HOAs and businesses in Lehman Township. Anyone interested in such classes can contact Lehman Pike EMS at 570-588-9365, ext. 7, or email lehmanems@ptd.net.