Health Care District Ground Transportation Team and School Nurse Celebrated for Life-Saving Public Service
West Palm Beach, FL – At its September 30th meeting, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s board of commissioners recognized two of the first responders on the District’s ground transportation team - paramedic Tony Camejo and EMT Tre’ Lawrence – who went above and beyond to protect and serve the community. While returning from a transport in the rain the night of August 29, they noticed a woman walking alone along Southern Boulevard who appeared to be in distress. When they stopped to assist her, the team contacted the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, which confirmed she had been reported missing. As a result of their public service, Tony and Tre helped reunite the woman with her grateful family.
One of the Health Care District’s school nurses, Luisa Lara, was also honored at the meeting for receiving the American Heart Association’s Lifesaver Award. Luisa was recognized for her quick and heroic actions while working as the school nurse at Palm Springs Middle School. She implemented CPR and used an AED to revive a 14-year-old student who collapsed on campus – his heart wasn’t beating.
“You never want to be faced with an emergency like a child who has stopped breathing,” Lara said. “I am so glad that I was CPR trained, and that he is healthy and happy today.”
Lara was announced as the 2024 Lifesaver Award recipient at last year’s Palm Beach County Heart Walk. This recognition highlights the critical role our School Health Program plays in safeguarding the health of nearly 160,000 students through the largest workforce and financial investment of its type for Palm Beach County.
“On behalf of the Board and our leadership team, thank you for showing us what it means to live our mission and care for all - stepping outside your line of duty to help someone in need. I am grateful to work with such passionate first responders who will always ensure community health and safety unconditionally,” said Darcy J. Davis, President and CEO.
For more information about the Health Care District, visit WeCareforAllPBC.org.
From left: Carlos Videiura, Health Care District Board Member; Albert Borroto, Board Member; Jyothi Gunta, MD, MPH, Board Member; Tony Camejo, Health Care District Paramedic; Tre’ Lawrence, Health Care District EMT; Pat Rooney, Jr., Board Chair; Tracy Caruso, Board Secretary and Darcy J. Davis, Health Care District President and CEO.
From left: Jessie Brooks, Senior Development Director, American Heart Association, Palm Beach County and Luisa Lara, RN, Health Care District School Nurse