Hugh Coley

Hugh Coley is a dedicated Emergency Medical Technician who began his career in EMS in 2012 and has been a valued member of the Northwell Health team since 2015. Known for his unwavering professionalism and calm demeanor, Hugh is highly respected by both his peers and leadership alike, consistently stepping up to lend a hand to a friend, coworker, or the department whenever help is needed.

His exceptional skills and ability to perform under pressure were recently showcased in a truly extraordinary event: Hugh expertly delivered a baby girl in the front seat of a car, amidst the challenging and often chaotic environment of an FDR entrance ramp.

Beyond his demanding professional life, Hugh is a passionate aquarium hobbyist, meticulously maintaining an impressive 300 gallons’ worth of tanks at home, where the favorite of his aquatic collection is a redtail catfish named Buddha. He enjoys watching football and can be found rooting for the New York Giants. Additionally, he enjoys the thrill and strategy of NASCAR as well as the excitement of monster truck events.

Family holds a central place in Hugh’s life; he treasures time spent at social gatherings and destination reunions, which are especially meaningful given his family is spread across every state along the East Coast and Gulf states. When it comes to comfort food, his go-to is a hearty steak at Texas Roadhouse, though he’s equally content savoring fresh seafood at City Island.

Looking to the future, Hugh dreams of exploring the underwater world through scuba diving and has a distinctive goal for his 60th birthday: celebrating it behind the wheel of a blue 2022 Bentley Coupe with a gray diamond-stitched interior, reasoning that “gray hair qualifies you for that.” Hugh Coley embodies dedication, skill, and a vibrant personal life filled with family, unique hobbies, and exciting aspirations.

Northwell EMS is proud to honor Hugh Coley as a 2025 American Ambulance Association Star of Life, celebrating his exceptional contributions to EMS and his community.