11,000 Calls in a Career

Eddie Downes, who has answered more than 11,000 calls in his 29 years with the Sag Harbor Volunteer Ambulance Corps, was named member of the year for 2015. Morgan McGivern #98 - East Hampton Village Police Chief Gerard Larsen has submitted his resume as a candidate for chief of the Southampton Town Police Department.

Taylor K. Vecsey

Apr. 21, 2016

Taylor K. Vecsey

At its annual dinner party on Saturday, the Sag Harbor Volunteer Ambulance Corps recognized a member who has answered a staggering number of calls for emergency medical service — more than 11,000.

Eddie Downes was named member of the year — never an easy choice, Stacy McGowin, the president of the corps, said. Mr. Downes put his 27 years of experience as an emergency medical technician to good use on several difficult calls this year.

On one of the 600 calls he went on in 2015, his crew saved a woman who was choking at Baron’s Cove restaurant in November. Mr. Downes, driving a first responder vehicle, was one of the first to arrive. When the Heimlich maneuver was unsuccessful and the woman went into an unresponsive state, Mr. Downes performed chest compressions and was able to force up the piece of meat blocking her airway, Ms. McGowin said.

It wasn’t the first time Mr. Downes had helped save someone who was choking. He was also involved in similar rescues in 2012 and 2014.

Mr. Downes, who lives in Sag Harbor Village and works for East Hampton Cleaners, joined the corps in 1987. He became an E.M.T. two years later.

“Calls are not where it stops for this member,” Ms. McGowin said. He served in an administrative role with the corps, including as president, for nearly 15 years. Since stepping down last year, he still serves in a variety of ways, including coordinating the continuing medical education so that members remain up to date on their certifications.

He also volunteers with the Southampton Town E.M.S. Advisory Committee and the East End Ambulance Coalition. He helped come up with the mutual aid program in place in all six of the districts that serve the Town of East Hampton.

Mr. Downes can always be counted on, Ms. McGowin said. “I don’t think one person could say this person isn’t deserving of this special award,” she said. Mr. Downes embodies what it means to be a dedicated volunteer, she added, “and his dedication is an inspiration to our members and the members of our community that he serves.”