MELODY HARDWICK

Location: Region 3 (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Counties)

Summary: Dynamic leader responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the emergency medical services (EMS) system within designated Region 3. Drive the efficient implementation and rigorous evaluation of EMS objectives, ensuring alignment with Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines and regulatory standards. Lead and develop a high-performing team, including the Assistant Regional Director and Safety and Compliance Specialist, to ensure comprehensive compliance and operational excellence across eight counties. Build robust collaborative networks with stakeholders to enhance the safety and efficiency of regional EMS systems. Leverage strategic leadership, regulatory expertise, and strong stakeholder relationships to ensure superior EMS system operations and public health safety within the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Development:
• Lead and mentor the Assistant Regional Director and Safety and Compliance Specialist, managing over 1,700 pieces of apparatus and 150+ EMS and non-EMS agencies. Focus on professional growth and performance optimization to uphold high safety and compliance standards.
• Regulatory Compliance & Oversight:
• Implement systematic inspections and evaluations of EMS vehicles and agencies, ensuring compliance with DPH regulations.
• Supervise thorough licensing processes for ground and air ambulances, first responder units, and neonatal vehicles, maintaining rigorous compliance levels.
• Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration:
• Engage with regional and local committees, including Local Emergency Management Agencies and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC), to boost EMS operational readiness.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with healthcare coalitions, hospitals, and key stakeholders to advance EMS regional strategies.
• Representation & Policy Advocacy:
• Function as the primary liaison to the Department of Public Health and EMS Regional Council, advocating for regional needs and ensuring seamless policy implementation.
• Represent the Department across influential committees such as the Bylaws Committee, Regional Trauma Advisory Committee (RTAC), and EMS for Children Committee.
• Emergency Preparedness & Leadership:
• Champion regional initiatives in emergency preparedness, leading coordination efforts for natural and manmade disasters, as well as public health emergencies.
• Ensure the region’s preparedness and capability for effective incident response and disaster recovery.

Location: Region 3 (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Newton, Rockdale Counties)

Summary: Spearhead operational management and leadership of comprehensive emergency medical services (EMS) systems across Region 3. Ensure strategic regulatory compliance with Department of Public Health (DPH) standards and support the streamlined licensing processes for EMS agencies. Drive the implementation and evaluation of EMS objectives to optimize service delivery and operational excellence. Maximize EMS operational success by leveraging strategic leadership, regulatory expertise, and collaborative partnerships to advance public health safety and service quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Compliance & Auditing:
• Execute rigorous evaluations, inspections, and oversight of EMS agencies and vehicles, including both ground and air ambulances, ensuring strict adherence to DPH protocols.
• Lead detailed licensing inspections to guarantee that all EMS assets meet and exceed compliance standards.
• Investigation & Oversight:
• Conduct comprehensive investigations into EMS personnel and agency operations, ensuring resolution of compliance issues.
• Strategically plan and lead annual audits, reinforcing procedural integrity and licensing validity.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
• Forge strong partnerships with healthcare coalitions, hospitals, and key stakeholders to enhance EMS capabilities across the region.
• Function as a pivotal liaison to facilitate effective communication and policy enactment between DPH and the EMS Regional Council.
• Committee Involvement & Representation:
• Represent the department on various critical committees, including the Bylaws Committee, RTAC, and EMS for Children Committee, playing an instrumental role in policy discussion and development.
• Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Management:
• Propel the state’s emergency preparedness initiatives, ensuring robust planning and responsive actions for natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other crises.

• Responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating the organization’s emergency preparedness and response plans, working closely with various departments to ensure effective disaster response, continuity of operations, and risk reduction strategies.
• Also responsible for training and exercises to enhance the organization’s emergency response capabilities.
• Developed and maintained comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, aligning them with regulatory requirements and best practices to address various hazards, including natural disasters, accidents, and other emergencies.
• Led and supported incident response efforts during emergencies, collaborating with internal teams and external agencies for a prompt and effective response.
• Provided guidance and implemented protective measures to safeguard employees, assets, and the public.
• Conducted risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and hazards within the organization.
• Implemented risk mitigation strategies, focusing on enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure and operations.
• Designed and delivered training programs and workshops to educate employees on emergency response protocols, procedures, and best practices, fostering a culture of preparedness and raising awareness throughout the organization.
• Established and maintained strong relationships with local, regional, and national emergency management agencies, community organizations, and relevant stakeholders, actively participating in collaborative planning efforts to enhance overall community resilience. Trained thirty-five CERT volunteers.

• Responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating emergency response plans to safeguard the safety and well-being of the community during times of crisis.
• Involve close collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, first responders, and community organizations, to design and execute comprehensive emergency preparedness strategies.
• Created and updated detailed emergency response plans addressing a wide range of potential scenarios, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, and industrial incidents.
• Collaborated with municipal authorities, law enforcement, fire departments, medical services, and other relevant organizations to ensure seamless coordination and integration of emergency plans and resources.
• Identified potential hazards and assessed the vulnerability of the community to various emergency situations, utilizing data analysis and consultation with experts.
• Designed and led simulations to test the effectiveness of emergency plans, evaluated the response of personnel, and identified areas for improvement.
• Kept abreast of the latest developments in emergency management, best practices, and regulations to ensure preparedness efforts aligned with industry standards.

• Responsible for leading the testing branch with responsibility for overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of COVID-19 testing operations.
• Play a key role in ensuring the timely and accurate testing of individuals, which was essential in the ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Developed and implemented effective COVID-19 testing strategies and protocols, adhering to guidelines provided by public health authorities and relevant organizations.
• Led and managed a team of testing personnel, including technicians and administrative staff, ensuring smooth and efficient testing operations.
• Oversaw testing schedules, resource allocation, and workflow to meet testing targets.
• Ensured the accuracy and reliability of testing processes through the implementation of rigorous quality assurance measures.
• Monitored and analyzed testing data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement.
• Collaborated closely with other departments, local health authorities, and community stakeholders to coordinate testing efforts and share relevant information.
• Communicated testing results and updates to relevant parties in a clear and timely manner.
• Ensured strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory guidelines related to COVID-19 testing.

• Responsible for playing a vital role in fostering a supportive and engaging environment within the organization's community.
• Responsible for facilitating communication, encouraging collaboration, and promoting positive interactions among members.
• Ensured a positive and supportive atmosphere by promptly responding to questions and concerns in a helpful manner.
• Organized and executed community events, workshops, and webinars, promoting unity and collaboration.
• Acted as a moderator during events to maintain a respectful and constructive environment.
• Welcomed, on boarded, and supported new community members, providing essential information and guidance for effective community navigation.
• Fostered active engagement and inclusivity by initiating and participating in discussions among community members.

• Responsible for monitoring and ensuring the optimal functioning of the organization's systems, networks, and servers.
• Oversaw and monitored the organization's IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, databases, and applications, utilizing advanced monitoring tools to ensure optimal performance and stability.
• Responded promptly to system alerts, swiftly troubleshooting technical issues to ensure efficient problem resolution and minimize downtime.
• Executed regular system maintenance tasks, such as software updates, security patches, and system backups.
• Collaborated closely with the IT team to analyze system performance data, identifying bottlenecks and implementing strategic improvements.
• Maintained meticulous records of system status, incidents, and troubleshooting procedures.

• Responsible for delivering advanced pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients in diverse settings.
• Efficiently responded to emergency calls and promptly assessed patients' conditions, administering immediate medical interventions.
• Successfully performed complex medical procedures adhering to established protocols and standards.
• Prioritized patient care based on injury severity and medical conditions.
• Demonstrated exceptional critical care skills, continuously monitoring and providing interventions to stabilize critically ill or injured patients.
• Acted as a mentor and leader for junior paramedics, providing constructive feedback, guidance, and training.

• Responsible for ensuring the safety and security of personnel, property, and assets within the organization.
• Maintained accurate records of all fire incidents, security breaches, and emergency responses.
• Provided training and guidance to firefighting and security teams on emergency response procedures.
• Developed and enforced security protocols to safeguard the organization's premises.
• Conducted regular inspections of the facility to identify potential fire hazards and safety risks.
• Led and coordinated the response to fire incidents, hazardous materials spills, and other emergencies.

• Proficiently saw and coordinating fire investigations and emergency dispatch operations.
• Conducted regular training sessions for fire investigators and emergency dispatch staff.
• Prepared comprehensive and detailed investigative reports, documenting findings, evidence, and conclusions.
• Maintained accurate records of emergency calls, response times, and dispatch actions.
• Collaborated with law enforcement, firefighting units, and other emergency services.