Bates County Memorial Hospital is honoring Russell (“Russ”) Whisenand on his retirement after more than 12 years of service with the hospital’s ambulance department.
Russ
joined BCMH in November 2013 as a paramedic. During his time with the service,
he also took on a leadership role within the department, serving for several
years as ambulance supervisor and later as ambulance administrator.
Throughout
his career, Russ has been dedicated to supporting both his fellow EMS
professionals and the broader emergency response community. One of his favorite
memories was assisting with training for the Bates County Sheriff’s Office at
the request of the late Kelly Phillips.
Russ has also supported a number of community education efforts during
his time with the ambulance service. He played a role in helping plan and stage
Butler High School’s mock accident program, a live-action training event
designed to help students understand the real-life consequences of impaired
driving.
He also regularly participated in community outreach events and
educational opportunities, reflecting his belief that EMS professionals should
remain connected with the communities they serve.
Reflecting
on his time in EMS, Russ said he most appreciates working alongside staff who
share a strong vision for the culture and mission of emergency medical
services.
