Rick Ritt has been passionately focused in healthcare in a variety of settings, i.e. clinical, educational, service, and sales. As a paramedic for over 40 years, (13 as Paramedic Officer with the Chicago Fire Dept.), Rick has a vast foundation of acute critical care experience. Simultaneously, Rick has an extensive training history, for 20 years he directed the second largest American Heart Association CTC in the country. He is personally responsible for training over 170,000 students in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. His AHA Instructor history includes Instructor – Trainer Status in BLS (44yrs.), ACLS (42 yrs.), PALS, (35yrs.). Also, his educational accomplishments include a BS degree from SIU, and dual MA degrees in Health Services Management and Business Administration from Webster University. In addition, Rick developed a great understanding of equipment/ service by establishing a parts and service distributorship with Laerdal, servicing Laerdal equipment in 10 Midwestern states for over 10 years.
This is the highest service award of the ADSA, is the Peter Jacobson Distinguished Service Award. It was created to recognize the achievements of an individual who has worked long and hard to make a difference, and who has done so with a noble spirit of humility. This award, named after ADSA’s long-time Treasurer, is not an annual award, but a way to recognize outstanding contributions and service to the Society over a period of years. In the ADSA’s nearly 60 year history, it has been bestowed upon only four recipients who have used their dedication, skills, and tenacity to the betterment of patient care and safety in the area of dental sedation and anesthesia.