HCFAS Member Sharyn Cullen-Kutcher Honored for EMS Appreciation Week

Legislator Bontempi Honors Huntington Community First Aid Squad’s Sharyn Cullen-Kutcher for EMS Appreciation Week

Sharyn has been a dedicated volunteer with the Huntington Community First Aid Squad since 1973 and became an Emergency Medical Technician within her first year. In 1976, she earned certification as an Advanced EMT, before paramedics existed on Long Island, allowing her to perform EKGs, start IVs, and administer medications. Now an EMT-CC (Critical Care), Sharyn has mastered advanced life-saving skills including 12-lead EKGs, intubation, external pacing, chest decompression, and administering medications for cardiac, respiratory, diabetic, seizure, and pain-related emergencies.

To maintain this high level of care, Sharyn and her team regularly complete training to stay current with New York State and Suffolk County REMAC protocols. Their advanced capabilities allow them to bring emergency department-level care directly to patients, saving lives in the field. Over the years, Sharyn has had the privilege of contributing to several cardiac savings.

In addition, Sharyn has been a member of the Suffolk County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team since its founding in 1984. She and her team support first responders who have faced traumatic incidents, helping them process their experiences and maintain their mental health. Sharyn’s work exemplifies the selfless dedication of volunteer EMS professionals who answer the call 24/7 without compensation.