New Plum EMS leader plans more community programs
A Wilkins resident and former Elizabeth Township EMS captain now is operations director at Plum Emergency Medical Services.
Brian Maloney started work June 7, after the EMS board unanimously hired him in mid-May. He was introduced at a Plum Council meeting June 12.
“Plum EMS has an incredible reputation for its patient care and professionalism,” Maloney said. “You hear it's pretty much like a tight-knit family. They take care of each other here. The reason why I did my education is to get to a point like this.”
Maloney, 39, earned a bachelor's degree in emergency medical services from the University of Pittsburgh in 2001, and a master's in professional leadership from Carlow University in 2007.
“We wanted someone with a degree, and that's where EMS is going nowadays,” Plum EMS cofounder and board president Greg Sahene said. “It certainly bumped him up. We're looking for fresh new ideas for moving forward.”
Plum EMS has about 48 active members including full- and part-time workers, volunteers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, prehospital nurses and physician assistants.
Maloney was selected from nine candidates. He was Elizabeth Township EMS captain for the past 3 1⁄2 years.
Maloney also taught classes at the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2014, and worked for Eastern Area Prehospital Services and EMS departments in Shaler and Baldwin prior to teaching.
Maloney replaced Chris Hendershot, who became Allegheny Valley Hospital's prehospital care coordinator. He remains a part-time paramedic at Plum EMS.
“He really was a good asset and had experience in the fire industry as well as EMS and is a good paramedic,” Sahene said about Hendershot, who joined Plum EMS as an emergency medical technician in August 2005. He later became a paramedic and was named operations director in 2015.
“We wish Chris the best in all his endeavors, and we welcome Brian and his vision and philosophy,” Plum EMS administrative director Joe Festa said. Maloney said he plans to increase community outreach and public programs.
“It's an honor to be here and make this place that much better, and continue to help maintain a good relationship with the community,” he said. More information about Plum EMS is available at plumems.com.
Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer.
