Mercy ED Providers Recognized for Barnes Air Show Assistance

SPRINGFIELD — Four providers from the Emergency Department (ED) at Mercy Medical Center have been recognized for providing medical care to visitors at the 2023 International Air Show at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield. Dr. Matthew Cauchon, EMS medical director and associate director of Emergency Medicine at Mercy Medical Center, led the effort, which included ambulance coverage and the use of a medical Gator from the Springfield Fire Department.

Cauchon, along with Jillian Hevey, PA-C, and Erica Nader, PA-C, were given ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) Patriot Awards by Earl Bonett, ESGR area chair, during a brief ceremony at Mercy Medical Center. Mercy’s Mike Stevens, PA-C, also received an ESGR Patriot Award but was unable to attend the ceremony. The four are credited with working in conjunction with civilian paramedics and the Air National Guard providers and medics to care for members of the public who needed emergency services and were transported to a nearby ED, as well as those who required urgent care for small cuts and abrasions and insect bites.

The Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing hosted the Westfield International Air Show in May. It was the first such event at Barnes Air National Guard Base since 2017 and drew an estimated 70,000 attendees. ESGR Patriot Awards are presented to civilian employers in recognition of their exceptional support of guardsmen and reservist employees.