July 18, 2003: For immediate release
Eugene, Oregon - Medic First AidŽ International announced today the addition of MERGINET.com founder and publisher Richard Bilger, charged with developing current and new product initiatives and expanding the company's online resources for independent and corporate instructors.
"Richard's strong presence and experience in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) market gives him a unique perspective on the needs and goals of EMS providers," said Bill Clendenen, president, Medic First Aid. "We're excited to bring Richard into the MFA family and to add his vision to our business development and online initiatives. His creativity, ingenuity, and forward thinking will produce immediate and long-term results for the company."
Bilger founded and developed MERGINET.com, the leading online community portal for EMS personnel. Providing daily industry news, management advice, discussion groups, classified ads, and a bookstore, MERGINET.com has connected EMS professionals in over 95 countries.
Bilger sold the profitable Web site to Moore Medical, Inc. in July 2000, remaining as publisher under a multi-year contract. His extensive work in the EMS industry includes previous positions as Marketing Communications Manager for Matrx Medical, a distributor of emergency medical supplies and Director of Sales and Marketing for JEMS Communications, a publisher of leading industry publications and conferences relating to the EMS industry. Bilger is also an Advisory Board Member of the AED Instructor Foundation, and a NGFATOS Project Team Member.
Bilger will be targeting specific partnership opportunities, promoting AED sales on a national and local level, and expanding Medic First Aid's online presence to become the leader in CPR/First Aid online training programs. CEO Chris Bennett remarked, "Richard's unique and enterprising approach to the EMS industry will inspire the company. He will work with each department, seeking to refine and advance the MFA vision. It's a real pleasure to welcome him."
Medic First Aid is a worldwide leader in CPR/First Aid and emergency care training programs for business, industry, and the public, having certified an international network of over 80,000 instructors who have trained more than 9 million first aid providers over the past 25 years.
