Winker named new EMS medical director

Dr. Guy Winker, MD, will take over the position of Medical Director to provide medical oversight of emergency medical services within Rutherford County on March 1. Winker follows Dr. Bobby England, who has served in the position for several years. The Medical Director provides oversight of all protocols that govern 911 tele-communicators, EMS personnel, fire departments and rescue squad personnel.

“Our EMS system is blessed to have Dr. Winker come on board as our medical director. He is an excellent physician and highly regarded within our community. We are excited to work together to grow and strengthen our entire emergency medical system.” stated Kerry Giles, Transportation Services director.

“Dr. Winker is very invested in the community in general,” Giles continued. “We are very blessed to have both he and Dr. England, who were born and raised in Rutherford County and returned home to serve the county. It’s an asset.” 

In his role as medical director, Giles explained, Winker will review emergency calls to ensure proper medical care is provided from the initiation of a 911 call through onsite treatment and transport to a hospital facility. Some of the key tasks performed include ensuring that that medical control is available 24 hours a day; establishing and updating all treatment protocols, system orientation and continuing education of all EMS personnel, and medical review of care provided to patients. 

All who operate in the public safety realm, Giles said, fall under the medical director’s license. For Rutherford County, that includes the County’s EMS department, which employees 65 trained personnel including EMT paramedics, EMT Intermediates and EMT Basics; 27 9-1-1 tele communicators; 12 fire departments that function as first responders; and both Hickory Nut Gorge EMS & Rescue and Rutherford County Rescue Crew. 

Dr. Winker is a board certified family practitioner with Spindale Family Practice, where he will continue to practice. A physician in Rutherford County for more than 25 years, he has served as Chief of Staff for Rutherford Regional Health System in 2011 and 2012. He is a 2012 recipient of the Stewart Mooring Award, a peer-based award given by RRHS based on exemplary service and commitment in providing and advancing a higher standard of medical care for the patients of the community.