08/28/2026
To say we are privileged to employ and collaborate with exceptional EMS professionals in the MidCoast whose clinical excellence, compassion, and commitment strengthen the communities we serve would be an understatement.
Yesterday, during the Maine EMS Memorial and awards ceremony, Paramedic Lina Powers and EMT Bennett Cohen, along with the folks of Camden Snow Bowl/Ragged Mountain Ski Patrol were recognized for their response in February 2026 to the cardiac arrest at the U.S. National Toboggan Championships that led to a success resuscitation, by Rick Petrie. Not only did their skills and abilities that day lead to a positive outcome, it gave a daughter her mom back, a husband his wife, children their grandmother, and a woman her life. It gave her daughter the chance to have her mom stand with her on one of the most important days of her life, her wedding day, and watch her exchange vows and say, “I do!” Their recognition reflects the importance of strong interagency relationships and what can be accomplished when skilled providers work together in collaboration with one another with trust, preparation, and a shared commitment to patient care.
Later that same afternoon, Lina was presented with the Maine EMS Merit Award following a nomination submitted by EMT Lynda Clancy (Camden Fire Department) with her friends and family sitting beside her. Even more excitedly, Lina’s mother was able to here all the way from Arizona!
Lina began her EMS career as an ambulance driver for a small Maine town in 2014. She earned her EMT license in 2015, advanced to the AEMT level in 2016, and became a Paramedic in 2020. She has served with Wiscasset Ambulance Service since 2018 and has been a valued member of North East Mobile Health Services since March 2020, providing care throughout the MidCoast, from Wiscasset to Camden and beyond. In her spare time, Lina raises 6 children, 2 dogs, 4 cats, fosters kittens, and does professional laser engraving and design.
Lynda’s nomination spoke not only to Lina’s clinical abilities, but also to the character she brings to this profession. She described Lina’s calm composure and demeanor during difficult calls, her calming presence with patients and families, her patience as a teacher and mentor, her consistent willingness to support her colleagues, willingness to listen to her patient’s needs, and desire to keep learning and growing. It also recognized the many ways Lina serves outside the ambulance, from organizing community events and food drives to supporting and building an emergency food pantry and helping build a strong, unified partnership between North East and Camden, Maine Fire & Rescue.
From an administrative perspective, there is no greater asset to an EMS organization than its people. We are deeply grateful for providers who represent our organization with integrity, lead with both competence and compassion, and understand that outstanding care is found not only in clinical interventions, but also in dignity, reassurance, patience, and human connection.
All of us here want to extend our sincere congratulations to Lina and Bennett on their recognition and our heartfelt appreciation to EMT Lynda Clancy for taking the time to nominate Lina for the Maine EMS Merit Award.
It is an honor to have Lina as part of North East Mobile Health Services and a privilege to work alongside Bennett, other members of the Camden Fire Department, Ragged Mountain Ski Patrol, and the many other public-safety professionals who serve our communities. We are profoundly grateful for each of you and SO proud of what we are able to accomplish together!
📸 credits to: Lina Powers, Camden Fire Department, Maine EMS, Juli Lawrence
