Chappell's Olson shares emergency services award

SCOTTSBLUFF – Polly Olson of Chappell and Darin Yates of Torrington, Wyo., were honored by Air Link at Regional West for their contributions to regional emergency health care services.

They are the recipients of Air Link’s Impact award. The $1,000 award was split between the two, and a $500 donation in each of their names will be made to their respective EMS agencies in recognition of their dedication to providing quality emergency care.

Olson, who is also the Deuel County clerk, has been the co-coordinator for the Chappell Ambulance Service for 20 years. She plays many roles and nominator Dru Lutkehus described Olson as “the go to person” if anyone is in doubt about whether medical services are needed.

“She is always available to consult and cheerfully takes a shift for someone who needs a few hours or days of relief,” Lutkehus said. “Her sunny personality lifts everyone’s spirits.”

Olson said she plans on asking the crew how they’d like to use the money. “Grants have helped us keep up on the majority of our equipment, so I’d like to know if there’s some type of training that they’d want to bring in.”

“We have an awesome, compassionate, caring crew. I’m so thankful for all of them. I’m thankful they nominated me, but one person can’t do it all. Each person makes an impact,” said Olson.

Yates was nominated for the Impact award by crew member Christy Gutierrez. Yates has been a full-time medic for Torrington EMS for 22 years and EMS director for 12 years. He oversees a crew of 20 and, according to Gutierrez, is great at motivating employees to do better and give 100 percent to their job.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with more than 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming.