The IAEP Remembers EMS Coordinator Jeff Deschenes

Rest In Peace Jeffrey Deschenes (Photo Courtesy of IAEP Local 400 Lawrence General Hospital)

The IAEP is mourning longtime IAEP Local 400 Lawrence General Hospital member and EMS Coordinator Jeffrey Deschenes, who passed away unexpectedly from a medical emergency in his home last week.

Deschenes, 54, was an EMS provider for over 25 years, working across the Merrimack Valley in prehospital care with the Lawrence and North Andover Fire Departments before becoming North Andover’s first-ever EMS Coordinator in 2019. He is remembered for ushering in a new age of modern emergency medicine in the state, revolutionizing care and helping save countless lives. 

As EMS Coordinator, Deschenes piloted several pivotal ventures for North Andover, including a successful community CPR program, a car-seat installation program and a community EMS program.  He is lauded for introducing new equipment, protocols and technology into the department to create a highly respected service in the region. 

His phenomenal efforts earned him the 2019 Firefighter of the Year award from Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award, Outstanding Contribution to EMS recognition and the Gift of Caring Award. 

Deschenes' friends and family– and the EMS community as a whole– fondly recall his razor-sharp insight, his dedication and willingness to help anyone in need, and his truly selfless soul. 

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and his children, Emily and Ryan.

Our thoughts remain with those who knew and loved Deschenes during this incredibly difficult time.

IAEP Local 400 Lawrence General Hospital has announced that all proceeds from the shirts sold in their shop will go to Deschenes’ family for long term support.

“Jeff was an amazing man, coworker, and individual who gave his life to being the best provider and leader in the Merrimack Valley,” wrote IAEP Local 400 on Facebook. “Please support his family by following the link and making a purchase. Jeff will be greatly missed by our community.”

You can purchase a shirt to make a donation to the Deschenes family here: https://lawrence-general-iaep-local-400.square.site/s/shop.