August 14, 2023

Mercy ED providers recognized for Barnes Air Show assistance

REGIONAL
Staff report  

Pictured are (left to right) U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick LaFond, 104th Medical Group medical providers; Mercy Medical Center’s Kelly Chevalier, director of emergency services; Jillian Hevey; Dr. Matthew C. Cauchon, EMS medical director and associate medical director of emergency medicine; Erica Nader; Lisa Tyndall, nurse manager, emergency department; Earl Bonett, ESGR area chair; and Lt. Col. Peter Carr, 104FW deputy commander. (iObserve photo/courtesy of Mercy Medical Center)

SPRINGFIELD – Four providers from the Emergency Department (ED) at Mercy Medical Center have been recognized for providing medical care to visitors at the 2023 International Air Show at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield.

Dr. Matthew C. Cauchon, EMS medical director and associate director of emergency medicine, Mercy Medical Center, led the effort that included ambulance coverage and the use of a Medical Gator from the Springfield Fire Department.

Dr. Cauchon, along with Jillian Hevey and Erica Nader, were given ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) Patriot Awards by Earl Bonett, ESGR area chair, during a brief ceremony at Mercy Medical Center. 

Mercy’s Mike Stevens also received an ESGR Patriot Award but was unable to attend the ceremony. The four are credited with working in conjunction with civilian paramedics and the Air National Guard providers and medics to care for members of the public who needed emergency services and were transported to a nearby ED and those who required urgent care for small cuts and abrasions and insect bites.

The Air National Guard’s 104^th Fighter Wing hosted the Westfield International Air Show in May. It was the first such event at Barnes Air National Guard Base since 2017 and it drew an estimated 70,000 attendees. ESGR Patriot Awards are presented to civilian employers in recognition of their exceptional support of guardsmen and reservist employees.