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WHEREAS, Crew Chief Mark E. Pinchalk has received the Paramedic of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Service Council; and
WHEREAS, this award is to honor an individual paramedic who has contributed significantly to the development and growth of paramedicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Mark Pinchalk's EMS career spans 20 years, serving with Medical Rescue Team South Authority and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services; and
WHEREAS, Crew Chief Pinchalk serves as a crew chief and preceptor; is active with the EMS Honor Guard and River Rescue Unit and is a medical specialist for Pennsylvania's Strike Team 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his duties, Mark has been instrumental in research that has enabled the Pittsburgh EMS Bureau to remain on the cutting edge, his most recent research has been on therapeutic hypothermia using chilled saline solution to preserve brain function in post-cardiac arrest patients; and
WHEREAS, Mark Pinchalk has also made significant contributions, including, protocols for exposure to weapons of mass destruction; field evaluation of cervical spine injuries; a senior citizen assessment and referral protocol; and community stroke awareness and most recently force-protection and education related to the H1N1 influenza.
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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does, hereby, commend and congratulate Crew Chief Mark Pinchalk for his foresight and service to the residents and visitors of the City of Pittsburgh.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh proclaims Monday, November 23, 2009 to be Crew Chief Mark Pinchalk Day in the City of Pittsburgh.