Ed Hampton Retires from Southeastern Emergency Equipment

It is with both sadness and joy that I announce the retirement of Ed Hampton, National Sales Manager of Southeastern Emergency Equipment, effective Feb. 29, 2012.   

After enjoying a career that spans over four decades, Ed is putting away his demo bag to spend more time with his family–especially his (5) grandchildren–and the Pinecroft-Sedgefield Fire Department where he has been a Firefighter/EMT for over 15 years.  

Like many of you, I hold fond memories of the time I have spent with Ed. I consider it an honor and privilege to have worked alongside such a distinguished professional and a wonderful person. While I will miss his knowledge and insight, I congratulate Ed on launching this new phase of his life that he has worked his entire career to enjoy. 

Ed will leave Southeastern as one of its most successful and effective representatives. He started his 12-year career as a Regional Manager before advancing to the position of National Sales Manager. As a result of his exceptional performance, Ed earned the following awards: 

  • Southeastern President’s Circle Award (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) Southeastern President’s Award (2003)
  • Philips BLS Rep of the Year (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
  • Philips ALS Rep of the Year (2009, 2010)
  • Laerdal Sales Achievement Award (2002, 2003, 2004, 2007)

Like many of us, Ed’s career began meagerly. He was introduced to the EMS industry while working for a local funeral home. At a time when funeral homes provided emergency transport services, Ed was bitten by the emergency service bug.  Over the years, he worked for such distinguished EMS services as Winston-Salem Rescue Squad, Watauga Emergency Rescue Unit and Charlotte Life Saving Crew.   

Ed first ventured into sales to help support his family, as it was tough to make a living in EMS “back in the day.” In 1982, Ed joined Counts Rescue Equipment calling on customers in North Carolina.  As his sales skills enhanced, so did Ed’s responsibilities. He joined the manufacturing side of the business in 1992 with Laerdal Medical where he won such coveted awards as “Laerdal Spirit Award” (1994), “BLS Specialist Award” (1994), and “Quota Buster” (1992, 1993 and 1994).   

Ed has been equally successful–perhaps even more so–while giving freely of his time to help others. Over his lifetime, Ed has earned countless titles and awards. Among the more prominent are: 

Titles

  • Rescue Chief
  • Training Officer
  • Firefighter/EMT
  • Husband
  • Dad
  • Granddad
  • Friend
  •  

    Awards

    • Co-Firefighters of the year (with his wife Sue) (2002)
    • Certificate of Commendation for saving a life (2006)
    • Pinecroft-Sedgefield FD Medical Life Saving Award (2011)
    • American Heart Association Heart Saver Hero Award (2011)
    • American Heart Association Heart Saver  Hero Award (2012)
    • North Carolina Certified Rescue Instructor (continuously since 1985)
    • Member of the North Carolina Fire Rescue Commission Certification Board (1990 -2011)

    Please join me in wishing Ed all the best in his retirement.

No-Bid Ambulance Contract Riles Henry County (KY)

Henry County officials have approved a transition to a private EMS provider, leaving some residents and emergency responders with concerns.
Paramedics with man on stretcher in ambulance, showing low angle view.

Most NY First Responders Experience Mental Health Challenges, Survey Finds

A survey of more than 6,000 first responders in New York found most experience stress, while others have dealt with anxiety and burnout due to their professions.