MetroAtlanta Ambulance Presdient/CEO, Pete Quinones was awarded the “Dr. John B. O’Neal, III, Emergency Medical Services Pioneer Award” at the State of Georgia’s EMS Banquet May 14, 2009. The award is given each year to recognize and honor an individual in Georgia for his/her unselfish contributions to the development and enhancement of Georgia’s Emergency Medical Services system and the continued efforts to support and enhance the delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical care to the citizens of Georgia.
Pete Quinones established MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service, a locally owned and operated Georgia company, to restore accountability and responsiveness to the citizens of Cobb County. A service responsive to the desires and requirements of a fast growing community and one that would ensure no citizen was denied access to emergency care, rehabilitation or wellness services due to a lack of transportation. In light of heavy cuts in healthcare reimbursement and with a focus on providing excellence in customer service, Quinones worked hand in hand with local healthcare partners to develop a more efficient and cost effective way to move patients throughout the vast network of specialized facilities. The result was the development of a total transportation management system, which is now in place at some of the largest healthcare systems in the greater Atlanta area.
Under Quinones leadership MetroAtlanta Ambulance was the first EMS service in Georgia to provide web-based continuing education and training for his company’s professional medical staff. He continually works with state legislators to ensure and enhance the safety and quality of life for those living in Georgia. His ability to work with local public safety partners to find solutions to the increasing demand for EMS services while lowering cost has been a tremendous benefit to the community. Professionally Quinones serves as Chairman of the DHR Region III EMS Council and is a member of the Georgia Governor’s Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (EMSAC). He was recently appointed to Chair the Air Ambulance Rules Committee for EMSAC to develop legislative rules, which will provide standards under which Air Ambulance Services operate in Georgia.
He continues to keep himself and his employees actively involved in the local schools and in supporting local non-profit and social service organizations that are working to prevent and eradicate diseases and make our community a healthier and safer place to work and live. Quinones supports through philanthropy and volunteerism a number of local social service organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of Cobb County, the Strand Theatre, Kiwanis International, YMCA, YWCA, MUST Ministries, Cobb Partners in Education, Rotary International, Safe Kids of Cobb, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Crones and Colitis Foundation, March of Dimes, local Chambers of Commerce, Hospital Foundations, Technical College Foundations, Cobb Arts Foundation, the All American Soap Box Derby and various other athletic events in the area.