REMSA PARAMEDIC TO CARRY OLYMPIC TORCH THROUGH SPARKS

One of 80 torch bearers to carry in northern Nevada

January 19, 2002 - REMSA (Regional Emergency Medical Service Authority) Paramedic, Lisa Bartuska, will have the honor of carrying the Olympic torch on Monday, January 21. The 30 year-old Paramedic, who is eight months pregnant, will carry the torch in Sparks, Nevada from 10th street to Super Pawn, roughly five blocks. Bartuska’s husband Frank applied for her last spring to carry the torch, and now her dream is being realized.

“I enjoy the Olympic spirit. I am very enthusiastic to be able to represent the United States and participate with other people who have dedicated their lives to Olympic sports,” she said. “When I found out in August that I would be carrying the torch, I was very excited and thrilled!”

Bartuska graduated in 1999 as a Paramedic, and has worked in the northern Nevada area since January of 2000. The couple has attended Olympic events in Atlanta in 1996 as well as the Sydney events in 2000. “The international community that comes together to compete on equal territory is very inspiring to me,” she said.

REMSA will be providing paramedic advanced life support services during the Winter Olympic torch run through Reno and Sparks, Nevada. A REMSA unit will join the procession at the south end of Washoe Valley and continue with the caravan through Reno and Sparks.

REMSA is a private, non-profit organization that provides the region with Advanced Life Support Paramedic ambulance services, the Care Flight emergency helicopter program and emergency medical dispatch services. Additionally, REMSA provides excellent patient care with no taxpayer support or other subsidies.

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