Margate Advance Life Support Team Triumphs in Statewide Competition, Earning Top Honors

by David Volz June 26, 2024

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Margate ALS Team Triumphs in Statewide Competition, Earns Top Honors

The Margate ALS team: Lt. Charles Gandia, firefighter Sierra Leon-Jarjoura, firefighter Mike Whitt, and Lt. Yomy Batista. {David Volz}

The Margate Advance Life Support (ALS) Team has achieved state-level recognition.

On June 11, a four-person team earned first place at the First There, First Care competition at the Hollywood Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. They were among 30 ALS teams from all over Florida, some from much larger fire rescue departments.

According to Vito Labriola, Margate’s division chief, the team’s success is a testament to their unwavering dedication. The team was evaluated on assessment, treatment, diagnosis, and overall team performance.

“They are the best ALS people. They have put in countless hours of preparation and practice. The good thing is they bring their experience back to the department,” said Labriola.

The competition was part of a year-long series in which top ALS professionals are evaluated on their skills. The team ranked highest after the series won the Florida Cup.

“This is a very prestigious award, and now we have the most points,” said Labriola.

According to Lieutenant Charles Gandia, team captain, the competition occurred in a simulated haunted house. The teams had to deal with various mass casualty situations and stabilize patients.

“These were real-life situations, and we had to demonstrate how to handle various problems. We were successful because we work well as a team,” said Gandia.

Firefighter Sierra Leon-Jarjoura was proud of the team’s success. “I love being on this team. It is a challenge, and we have worked hard to prepare for the competitions,” she said.

Lieutenant Yomy Batista said, “The competitions are a challenge, but they are fun. I love being a part of it.”

The ALS team was recognized during the June 19 commission meeting.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.