This award was established by Scott County to honor people in the community who make a spontaneous reaction to an emergency while not thinking of their own safety during an unusual medical or lifesaving incident.As part of the recognition, Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen read from the nomination submitted by Christopher Matek, Operations Supervisor at Northfield Hospital EMS: “Mark Weiberg has been a paramedic for over 20 years… Mark Weiberg went well above and beyond his job requirements on the night of February 14, 2016. After working a busy 12 hour shift, including getting a late assignment, Mark was on his way home. While driving North on Interstate 35, events tragically unfolded. An accident occurred almost in front of Mark.
“Elko New Market Fire closed the freeway to safely manage the motor vehicle rollover crash. Mark did not sit quietly in his vehicle and wait for it to be over. Instead, he took it upon himself to get out and render aid to the fire department and the victims of the crash. Mark immediately put his skills to work to resuscitate a pediatric cardiac arrest victim using the fire department’s equipment and gave the patient the best chance of survival. He remained on scene until all of the crash victims had been attended to by Northfield EMS, Allina EMS, North AirCare, and the other first responders.
“Mark’s actions provided the patient with the best opportunity for survival. His selfless acceptance of the risks of working with a patient on the freeway at night in a snow storm gave many of the other first responders the confidence to keep doing their jobs and to manage a very emotionally charge and chaotic scene. Mark’s example elevates the profession and gives his colleagues a high bar to reach for.”
Following the presentation of the certificate, Sheriff Hennen turned the podium over to the award recipient, who humbly noted that it was his “… honor to serve as a paramedic.”
“I think I speak for everyone here,” noted Board Chair Barbara Marschall, “In saying that we could only hope that someone like you would be there when we need you, Mark. Congratulations, and our thanks to you.”