On Thursday, May 7, the region gathered for the 3rd Annual Western PA Legends of EMS event to honor five distinguished leaders whose decades of service have helped shape emergency medical care across the region. Among those recognized was Edward R. Marasco, whose leadership played a key role in launching the STAT MedEvac program.
With more than 45 years of leadership and innovation in EMS and air medical services, Ed was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field. He began his career at just 16 years old as a volunteer with the White Oak Rescue Squad in 1978. From there, he quickly advanced, earning his EMT and Paramedic credentials, serving as Assistant Chief at McKeesport EMS, and helping launch STAT MedEvac through his early work with American Ambulance and the Center for Emergency Medicine.
Throughout his career, Ed held several major leadership positions at UPMC, where he served as Clinical Administrator of Emergency and Trauma Services and represented the health system on the STAT MedEvac Board. He later became Senior Vice President of Air Medical Services for CJ Systems Aviation Group, overseeing operations across 10 states, and then served as Executive Vice President of External Affairs for Quick Med Claims, supporting EMS and air medical agencies nationwide.
A respected national leader in the air medical industry, Ed has also served on the Board of the Association of Air Medical Services, spent more than 20 years as faculty for the Medical Transport Leadership Institute, and dedicated two decades of service to regional healthcare and community organizations. He continues to share his knowledge as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Pittsburgh.
It has been an honor to have Ed as part of our team and to see the lasting impact he has had in shaping STAT MedEvac into the organization it is today. Congratulations, Ed, on this well-deserved recognition and all of your incredible achievements!
Reference & photo from JEMS.