2015 EMS Awards Recipients

2015 EMS AwardsBrave. Dedicated. Willing. Reliable. These words describe the 80,000 licensed or certified EMS providers in California. They demonstrate these qualities every day by coming to the aid of others when they are most in need and working to ensure that the EMS system operates well. However, each year, due to circumstance or extraordinary effort, certain individuals among us shine. The EMS Authority seeks to recognize those individuals through the California Emergency Medical Services Awards Program, taking place at noon on December 2, 2015 at the Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel in San Francisco.

The awards program honors special accomplishments, meritorious and heroic acts, innovations or fresh ideas to improve EMS in the state, or other unique and/or significant contributions by EMS personnel, physicians, nurses, EMTs, other medical providers, local officials, members of the law enforcement community, citizens, and first responders. Award categories include Medal of Valor, EMS Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Lifesaving Medal, Community Service Award, Inter-service EMS Recognition Medal, Civilian Award for EMS, EMT of the Year Award, EMS Educator of the Year Award, EMS Medical Director of the Year Award and EMS Administrator of the Year Award. Clinical Excellence Awards will be presented at the recipients’ home stations and are not part of the ceremony in San Francisco.

EMS providers, supervisors, and managers are encouraged to nominate any deserving individual for recognition. The nomination deadline for this year was September 4th by 4:00 p.m. Nominations received after this date will be considered for the 2016 awards program.

The six individuals who comprise the review committee are members of the California Ambulance Association (CAA), the California Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA), the Emergency Medical Directors Association of California (EMDAC), the Emergency Medical Services Administrators’ Association of California (EMSAAC), California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) and one at-large member representing the EMS Authority.

Thank you to eveyone who attend this year’s event to make it that much more special for the award recipients.Your continued support of this event will ensure California’s EMS, law enforcement, fire and civilians will be recognized when they go above and beyond the call of duty. Enjoy this photo gallery of this year’s award ceremony.

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD:

Honors an EMS system administrator who has distinguished him or her self through noteworthy contribution to a local, regional, or to the statewide EMS system.

Larry KarsteadtLarry Karsteadt – Eureka, North Coast EMS Agency

Larry Karsteadt is being recognized for his 40 years of proactive EMS systems leadership. Since first entering the EMS profession in 1975, Larry has served with distinction in administrative capacities both in Sierra-Sacramento Valley and North Coast EMS agencies. Larry’s willingness to serve on regional and statewide regulation development committees has helped to improve the provision of EMS throughout California, particularly in rural systems. Larry’s historical insight and knowledge of the development of EMS systems is a great benefit to North Coast EMS agency, the California EMS Administrators’ Association and to the 13 workgroups on which he serves.

EMS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD:

Honors an EMS educator who excels as a teacher or who has made a significant contribution to the EMS education program in California.

Barbara PenlandBarbara Penland – Mission Viejo, Saddleback Community College Paramedic Program

Barbara Penland is being recognized for over 40 years of exceptional educational leadership and tireless advocacy for professional EMS training throughout California. Since first becoming a registered nurse in 1970, and with the notable distinction of becoming the first MICN in California, Barbara has been a trailblazer in the field of EMS education, teaching some of the first ever clinical paramedic classes in the early 1970s alongside the late Dr. Walter Graf. As the founder of Saddleback College’s paramedic program in 1988, Barbara has taken great care to impart her clinical knowledge and many years of experience to thousands of young EMS professionals. Barbara’s zeal for educating combined with the personal and professional rapport she establishes with her students has earned her a great deal of respect within the EMS community in Orange County, and beyond.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD:

Honors a physician who serves or has served the EMS system by providing medical direction, on-line or off-line, and who has made a special contribution through such activities as systems development, continuing education, quality assurance or medical community liaison.

Dr. David Shatz – Sacramento, San Joaquin County EMS Agency and Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District

David V. Shatz, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board certified Critical Care Surgeon, Professor of Surgery at University of California, Davis School of Medicine.  Dr. Shatz serves as the medical director for the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. He volunteers his time to chair the Northern California Regional Trauma Coordinating Committee and San Joaquin County Trauma Audit Committee. Dr. Shatz is an active member of the Emergency Medical Directors Association of California, the California State Trauma Advisory Committee, and the Verification Review Committee of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Dr. Shatz has dedicated countless hours providing insight and advice on trauma cases for the San Joaquin County Trauma Audit Committee. His invaluable mentorship of the trauma audit committee has contributed greatly to the successful implementation of San Joaquin County’s trauma system. His leadership of the trauma quality improvement process has set a high standard for case review accountability in San Joaquin County. He enhanced level of case review in San Joaquin County is currently being considered for adoption by other local EMS agencies in the central and northern trauma regions. In his role as the chair of the Northern California Regional Trauma Coordinating Council Dr. Shatz spearheaded the development and implementation of the Northern California EMS Spinal Stabilization protocol resulting in a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the continuity of spinal stabilization among the local EMS agencies in Northern California.

EMT OF THE YEAR AWARD:

Honors an EMT-I, EMT-II and EMT-Paramedic, each of whom is exemplary in his/her quality of patient care and/or dedication to their community.

Steve Concialdi – Irvine, Orange County Fire Authority

Steve Concialdi is being recognized for 26 years of enthusiastic dedication to the EMS profession, serving as his department’s public information officer, as well as a field paramedic and for his proactive statewide advocacy against impaired driving. Steve’s professional dedication has not only been limited to responding to emergencies on an ambulance, medic unit or fire engine, but preventing them as well. As the PIO for Orange County Fire Authority, Steve regularly works with media and stakeholders to share stories and promote ‘Friends Against Drinking and Driving’ – an advocacy program that he founded at 17 years old designed to combat teen drunk driving. Steve has intentionally avoided promoting because it would mean he would be unable to continue to care for patients as a medic. Steve’s enthusiastic drive to continue to provide patient care as a field paramedic, combined with his community advocacy against impaired driving are emblematic of the qualities embodied by this award.

CIVILIAN AWARD FOR EMS:

Recognizes a civilian (non-certified, non-health care provider) who provides extraordinary service during the course of an EMS emergency. Awards are relatively based upon the degree of patient outcome, extreme conditions, or extraordinary circumstances.

Larry RobertsLarry Roberts – Pine Grove

After staying late to complete a job, Larry Roberts and friend Corey Walker began their drive home on Jackson Highway on an early September evening. Rounding a turn in Rancho Murieta, Roberts and Walker observed an oncoming vehicle smash head-on into the vehicle directly in front of them. While pulling over to the shoulder, Roberts and Walker observed the two cars explode and burst into flames. Upon learning one of the vehicles contained a young family, Roberts and Walker courageously and without regard for their own safety approached the burning vehicle and broke out a window with a piece of the wreckage. With the window broken out, Roberts and Walker extricated a trapped ten year old girl and seven year old boy, saving their lives.

Corey WalkerCorey Walker – Pine Grove

After staying late to complete a job, Corey Walker and friend Larry Roberts began their drive home on Jackson Highway on an early September evening. Rounding a turn in Rancho Murieta, Walker and Roberts observed an oncoming vehicle smash head-on into the vehicle directly in front of them. While pulling over to the shoulder, Walker and Roberts observed the two cars explode and burst into flames. Upon learning one of the vehicles contained a young family, Walker and Roberts courageously and without regard for their own safety approached the burning vehicle and broke out a window with a piece of the wreckage. With the window broken out, Walker and Roberts extricated a trapped ten year old girl and seven year old boy, saving their lives.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD:

Recognizes an EMT who has made an outstanding commitment to non-patient care aspects of a community’s EMS system. Special emphasis is on EMS Public Information, Education, and Relations.

Virginia JonesVirginia Jones – Modesto, American Medical Response

Virginia Jones is being recognized for sustained, dedicated efforts promoting the ‘Every 15 Minutes’ program for over a decade in high school throughout California. Virginia has trained over 188,000 high school students through the distracted driving and driving under the influence campaigns she champions. Virginia’s advocacy and management of these programs has effectively strengthened local EMS systems by educating and empowering young people to make healthy decisions.

Ailyn RischAilyn Risch – Santa Rosa, American Medical Response

Ailyn Risch is being recognized for her sustained, dedicated efforts to advance regional EMS quality improvement, promote community volunteerism and educate and mentor young EMS personnel. Ailyn has worked to advance ALS policies and expand the use of the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival in the Coastal Valley region. In addition, Ailyn volunteers on over ten workgroup, including ‘Every 15 Minutes’ and ‘Save Lives Sonoma,’ where she has taught thousands of junior high students hands-only CPR. Finally, Ailyn’s mentorship and dedication to excellence in education has produced thousands of young EMS professionals in several Bay Area colleges during her 15 year tenure.

William TolenWilliam “Steve” Tolen – Quincy, Plumas District Hospital

Steve Tolen is being recognized for his 40 years of dedicated and sustained EMS service, demonstrating unique insight and knowledge of California’s rural EMS issues, providing statewide leadership and promoting community volunteerism. Steve’s leadership in the north state has greatly improved disaster preparedness and the quality of patient by increasing the amount of ambulances and patient care equipment available in rural areas. Steve’s volunteerism and willingness to tackle tough issues has markedly improved emergency medical care and in the north state.

Ted WilliamsTed Williams – Santa Rosa, Rescue Ready

Ted Williams is being recognized for his sustained, dedicated volunteer efforts in Sonoma County, working with students and community leaders to increase CPR proficiency, AED access and disaster preparedness. Through his work with ‘Save Lives Sonoma,’ Ted assisted in training over 5,000 seventh grade students and endeavors to train 100% of Sonoma County residents in compression-only CPR. Ted also volunteers his time by participating on several committees that work to improve sudden cardiac arrest by increasing public access to AEDs.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD:

Recognizes an individual for distinguished service or achievement affecting statewide EMS over an extended period of time.

Megan CorryMegan Corry – San Francisco, San Francisco City College Paramedic Program

Dr. Megan Corry is being recognized for more than 30 years of dedicated and sustained EMS service demonstrating a strong passion for educating, mentoring and training prehospital students. Leveraging decades of field EMS experience, combined with classroom experience, Megan emphasizes the value of evidence-based prehospital care and takes keen interest in her students and their professional success. It is commonplace for Megan to open her simulation lab on her days off for students seeking additional training, to spend her lunch hour with students discussing their future, and to stay late into the evening to assist students master various skills. Megan’s mentorship and teaching techniques have left an indelible mark on thousands of Bay Area prehospital students over the course of her tenure.

Steve DrewnianySteve Drewniany – Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety

Deputy Chief Steve Drewniany is being recognized for 35 years of dedicated and sustained service, demonstrating unique insight and knowledge of California’s EMS issues, and effectively addressing EMS-related issues with California’s law enforcement community. Steve’s knowledge of EMS issues, combined with his service on the Commission on EMS have afforded him the unique ability to straddle the law enforcement-EMS professions, and effectively articulate EMS issues to the law enforcement community. Steve has regularly convened workgroups to dialogue about new public safety first-aid regulations and recently signed legislation and the associated impact on law enforcement.

Michael MetroMichael Metro – Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County Fire Department

Michael Metro is being recognized for 40 years of dedicated and sustained service demonstrating unique insight and knowledge of California’s fire service, EMS education, and exceptional contributions to the development of national and statewide EMS policies. Mike’s fire service included 35 years with Los Angeles County Fire Department where he provided executive-level EMS, air and training operations oversight. Mike has actively promoted community paramedicine programs and articulated the Affordable Care Act’s positive influence to public safety at the state and national levels. In addition, Mike’s participation on over half a dozen state and national collaborative workgroups has served to facilitate the drafting of EMS regulations, paramedic disciplinary guidelines and development of EMS-specific strategic plans.

INNOVATION IN EMS AWARD:

Honors an individual who has made a significant contribution to the development of cutting-edge EMS policies, procedures or programs.

Neal ClineNeal Cline – Chico, Enloe Medical Center

Neal Cline is being recognized for playing an integral role in the initial development and implementation of community paramedicine programs in California. In his capacity as project manager for Butte County’s community paramedicine program, Neal was responsible for providing program leadership and ensuring the county’s select group of paramedics received the appropriate core training and site-specific training necessary for them to be successful in their new roles as community paramedics.

Michael CorbinMichael Corbin – Modesto, American Medical Response

Michael Corbin is being recognized for playing an integral role in the initial development and implementation of community paramedicine programs in California. Described as a “workhorse,” Michael’s contributions to Modesto County’s community paramedicine program have been invaluable, ranging from participating in the initial paramedic selection process, to identifying hospital and site-specific training locations, to organizing program participants’ schedules. In addition, Michael was present for the entirety of the community paramedic statewide training that took place between January and March.

James GoldsworthyJames Goldsworthy – Los Angeles, UCLA Center for Prehospital Care

James Goldsworthy is being recognized for playing an integral role in the initial development and implementation of community paramedicine programs in California. In his capacity as site coordinator for Los Angeles County’s community paramedicine program, James leverages his 35 years of prehospital experience and leadership skills to coordinate community paramedic education classes involving multiple provider agencies within Los Angeles County. In addition, James plays a key role in developing and administering community paramedic training programs and exercising program oversight for the two pilot programs operating in Los Angeles County.

Anne JensenAnne Marie Jensen – San Diego, Rural Metro

Anne Marie Jensen is being recognized for playing an integral role in the initial development and implementation of community paramedicine programs in California. Anne has played an instrumental role in developing, implementing and coordinating community paramedic training programs in San Diego County. In addition, Anne has an established track record of working with underserved populations in her community, helping to manage chronic medical and psychosocial conditions with compassion and a renewed hope that San Diego’s community paramedicine programs will help to improve conditions for the populations she serves.

Dr. LarmonDr. Baxter Larmon – Los Angeles, UCLA Center for Prehospital Care, David Geffen School of Medicine

Dr. Larmon is being recognized for playing an integral leadership role in the initial development and implementation of community paramedicine programs in California. A recognized subject matter expert, Dr. Larmon was sought out by the EMS Authority and California HealthCare Foundation at the earliest stages of the development of California’s community paramedicine pilot program to solicit his expertise. Under Dr. Larmon’s leadership, California now proudly operates several fully developed community paramedicine pilot projects in over a dozen sites throughout the state. Dr. Larmon’s many years of experience, combined with his vision and belief that paramedics are capable of performing in expanded roles have helped to shape California’s community paramedic models, which are proving to be highly effective and acting as a template for other states’ efforts.

Brian MeaderBrian Meader – Vallejo, Medic Ambulance

Brian Meader is being recognized for playing an integral role in the initial development and implementation of community paramedicine programs in California. In his capacity as operations manager for Medic Ambulance Service in Solano County, Brian played a critical role in establishing the county’s community paramedicine pilot program, and took the lead in implementing paramedic training programs. In addition to the administrative and coordination roles Brian has assumed for Solano’s community paramedicine pilot program, he also participated in the training himself and is one of the county’s six active community paramedics.

Leslie ParhamLeslie Parham – Yucaipa, San Bernardino County Fire Department

Leslie Parham is being recognized for playing an integral role in the initial development and implementation of community paramedicine programs in California. In her capacity as an EMS educator for San Bernardino County Fire Department, Leslie leveraged her existing relationships to cultivate the necessary partnerships between EMS providers, Inland County EMS Agency, and local hospitals to develop, implement and deliver a comprehensive community paramedicine training and educational curriculum. Leslie’s dogged dedication and commitment to the community paramedicine model are largely responsible for establishing a pilot project site in San Bernardino County.

Gail PortoGail Porto – Orinda, Alameda Fire Department

Gail Porto is being recognized for playing an integral role in the initial development and implementation of community paramedicine programs in California. Gail was instrumental in developing and managing Alameda County’s community paramedicine educational program, as well as developing continuing education and training for the community paramedics during implementation. Gail’s tenacity and dedication both during curriculum delivery and after program implementation is largely responsible for the success of Alameda’s pilot program.

Adriane StefansenAdriane Stefansen – Long Beach, American Medical Response

Adriane Stefansen is being recognized for playing an integral role in the initial development and implementation of community paramedicine programs in California. Adriane fills multiple roles in Ventura County’s EMS system, including that of educator, trainer and supervisor. Working in these capacities, Adriane was able to effectively work to develop Ventura’s community paramedicine training program.

INTER-SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD:

Recognizes outstanding heroism, extraordinary service, or achievement of non-EMTs (police officers, firefighters, lifeguards, dispatchers, and other public or private safety officers) for outstanding or exceptional support of a particular EMS emergency, event or operation.

Domenic AnconaDomenic Ancona – Fontana, Fontana Police Department

On a Saturday afternoon in February, Officer Ancona responded to an urgent dispatch describing an unresponsive child in a swimming pool. As Officer Ancona arrived to the scene, he observed a two-year old boy lying lifeless in the water. Recognizing he was the first responder to arrive, Ancona immediately removed the boy from the water and administered CPR. Ancona’s quick thinking and rapid administration of CPR saved the young boy’s life.

Steve HuckSteve Huck – Martinez, Contra Costa County EMS Agency

In his capacity as emergency manager with Contra Costa EMS Agency, Steve was responsible for aggressively recruiting qualified individuals to staff the county’s medical reserve corps (MRC) over the past three years. In the wake of the destruction wrought by the Valley Fire, Steve’s preparation was put to good use by helping to care for some 900 displaced evacuees. Upon receiving a mutual aid call, Steve began to ready MRC personnel, tents, equipment and other supplies necessary to provide shelter and medical care to the evacuees seeking refuge from the fire. Steve’s foresight to build up his county’s MRC resources, combined with his quick response tending to the needs of evacuees helped to ease the suffering of hundreds of individuals who were experiencing traumatic and dangerous situations.

Lisa Vajgrt-SmithLisa Vajgrt-Smith – Martinez, Contra Costa County EMS Agency

In her capacity as medical reserve corps (MRC) coordinator with Contra Costa EMS Agency, Lisa was responsible for aggressively recruiting qualified individuals to staff the county’s MRC over the past three years. In the wake of the destruction wrought by the Valley Fire, Lisa’s preparation was put to good use by helping to care for some 900 displaced evacuees. Upon receiving a mutual aid call, Lisa began to ready MRC personnel, tents, equipment and other supplies necessary to provide shelter and medical care to the evacuees seeking refuge from the fire. Lisa’s foresight to build up her county’s MRC resources, combined with her quick response tending to the needs of evacuees helped to ease the suffering of hundreds of individuals who were experiencing traumatic and dangerous situations.

Pejman ZarrinPejman Zarrin – Sacramento, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department

On a Wednesday evening in February, Deputy Zarrin was flagged down while on patrol by two young women from the cab of a U-Haul truck. As he approached the vehicle, one woman explained that her newborn son was not breathing and appeared lifeless. Suspecting that the baby may have aspirated milk, Officer Zarrin cradled the baby, and then delivered a series of back blows to dislodge any airway obstructions. A few seconds later, the baby began to move and make coughing sounds. Officer Zarrin maintained the infant’s airway until EMS personnel arrived. The infant was admitted overnight to the hospital for observation and discharged the next day after a full recovery.

LIFESAVING MEDAL AWARD:

Recognizes an EMS provider who, while in an off-duty or volunteer capacity, makes an extremely noteworthy contribution to efforts which result in the saving of a life.

Brandon ChastainBrandon Chastain – Orange, Orange County EMS Agency

Off-duty and relaxing pool-side with his family in Palm Desert on a late August afternoon, paramedic Chastain noticed a mother pull a young lifeless child from the pool. Sensing an emergency, Chastain sprinted to the scene as the mother was laying the child on a nearby lounge chair. A quick assessment revealed the child was not breathing and had no pulse. With the assistance of a bystander, Chastain began to administer chest compressions and ventilation using a one-way valve face mask provided by the lifeguard. After three minutes of CPR, the three-year old boy took a breath and regained consciousness. Shortly thereafter, the boy was transported via ambulance to the hospital where he was treated for pneumonia and released the following day. Chastain’s quick thinking and rapid administration of CPR played a critical role in saving the child’s life.

Paul HoladayPaul Holaday – Irvine, Orange County Fire Authority

Off-duty and relaxing pool-side with his family in Palm Desert on a late August afternoon, Holaday noticed a mother pull a young lifeless child from the pool. Sensing an emergency, paramedic Holaday sprinted to the scene as the mother was laying the child on a nearby lounge chair. A quick assessment revealed the child was not breathing and had no pulse. With the assistance of a bystander, Holaday began to administer chest compressions and ventilation using a one-way valve face mask provided by the lifeguard. After three minutes of CPR, the three-year old boy took a breath and regained consciousness. Shortly thereafter, the boy was transported via ambulance to the hospital where he was treated for pneumonia and released the following day. Holaday’s quick thinking and rapid administration of CPR played a critical role in saving the child’s life.

Debra MillerDebra Miller – Camarillo, Ventura County EMS Agency

While enjoying herself at a dinner party on a February evening, Debra observed a fellow dinner guest’s eyes roll back and lose consciousness while sitting at the table. Instinctively, EMT Miller quickly sprang into action, directing others to help lay the man on the floor so she could better assess the patient. Recognizing the man was unresponsive and not breathing, Miller began to administer CPR until the man regained consciousness and began to breathe again. Miller’s quick thinking and rapid administration of CPR played a critical role in saving the man’s life.

MEDAL OF VALOR:

Recognizes an EMT for acts of personal valor or heroism in the delivery of emergency medical care, which results in the saving of a life under extreme conditions and/or in extraordinary circumstances.

Jeff DuranJeff Duran – Pacoima, Los Angeles County Fire Department

Firefighter-paramedic Duran and his Firehawk helicopter crew responded to a dispatch call reporting a car that had tumbled down into a canyon that coincidentally also happened to be ablaze with a grassfire at the time. After a series of water drops to cool and extinguish flames at the crash site were performed by other responding helicopters, Duran began his 125’ descent into the canyon to rescue the driver of the automobile, which was now engulfed in flames. Upon reaching the vehicle, Duran called out to the driver, receiving a response from inside a nearby drainage pipe where the driver had crawled to escape the flames. Crawling into the pitch black pipe, Duran located the injured driver and began to provide medical care while securing him to a backboard for extrication. Before Duran could safely exit the drainage pipe with his patient, he radioed for additional water drops to quell the flames that were blocking their exit. Upon completion of the water drops, Duran pulled the patient from the pipe, hooked him to the Firehawk’s hoist, and successfully transported him to the hospital where he eventually made a full recovery.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD:

Recognizes an individual for a meritorious act or service within EMS. This award also recognizes an EMT for an act that is above and beyond the call of duty in the course of a particular EMS emergency or event.

Thomas GiandomenicoThomas Giandomenico – Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Instinctively, and without regard for their safety, Lieutenant Giandomenico and Deputy Moss provided medical support to a multi-agency operation targeting an outlaw motorcycle gang conducted on October 28, 2014.  During the warrant service, an officer was struck by gunfire and immediately fell to the ground, severely wounded.  They entered the danger zone and carried the wounded officer out of the line of fire and loaded the officer into their armored ambulance and rendered advanced life support medical treatment while transporting the officer to the hospital. Tragically, despite their heroic efforts, the officer succumbed to his injuries.

James MossJames Moss – Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Instinctively, and without regard for their safety, Deputy Moss and Lieutenant Giandomenico provided medical support to a multi-agency operation targeting an outlaw motorcycle gang conducted on October 28, 2014.  During the warrant service, an officer was struck by gunfire and immediately fell to the ground, severely wounded. They entered the danger zone and carried the wounded officer out of the line of fire and loaded the officer into their armored ambulance and rendered advanced life support medical treatment while transporting the officer to the hospital. Tragically, despite their heroic efforts, the officer succumbed to his injuries.

Armando LazaroArmando Lazaro – Bakersfield, Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.

On the evening of November 15th, paramedic supervisor Armando Lazaro was driving home on State Route 119 from a shift when an alleged drunk driver veered into the southbound lanes, sideswiping another motorist before colliding nearly head-on into Lazaro’s emergency response vehicle. The impact of the collision caused Lazaro’s vehicle to careen off the roadway and roll multiple times before coming to rest upside down and severely damaged. Irrespective of his own compound fracture to his elbow, paramedic Lazaro self-extricated himself and began providing patient care to the other motorists, including the alleged drunk driver.

Robert OdomRobert Odom – San Diego, American Medical Response

Paramedic Odom and his partner were transporting a patient in their ambulance, and while stopped in traffic, were approached by a woman who exited her vehicle and knocked on their window to indicate she was en route to the hospital because her husband was not feeling well. A quick assessment revealed to Odom that the man was very sick and required immediate attention. Recognizing there was no time to wait for a second ambulance, Odom and his partner decided to load the second patient into his ambulance and immediately transport to Scripps Chula Vista. As the 57 year-old male patient was being rolled into the ED, he grabbed his chest and went into ventricular fibrillation. Odom and his partner performed several minutes of CPR, then grabbed the hospital defibrillator and shocked him with ED staff assistance. The patient was then taken to the catheterization laboratory for further intervention, where he survived.

Wes WomackWes Womack – San Diego, American Medical Response

Paramedic Womack and his partner were transporting a patient in their ambulance, and while stopped in traffic, were approached by a woman who exited her vehicle and knocked on their window to indicate she was en route to the hospital because her husband was not feeling well. A quick assessment revealed to Womack that the man was very sick and required immediate attention. Recognizing there was no time to wait for a second ambulance, Womack and his partner decided to load the second patient into his ambulance and immediately transport to Scripps Chula Vista. As the 57 year-old male patient was being rolled into the ED, he grabbed his chest and went into ventricular fibrillation. Womack and his partner performed several minutes of CPR, then grabbed the hospital defibrillator and shocked him with ED staff assistance. The patient was then taken to the catheterization laboratory for further intervention, where he survived.

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD:

Clinical Excellence Awards are presented at the recipients’ home stations, not at the EMS Awards Ceremony in San Francisco.

Craig Auzenne – Brentwood, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District
For providing excellent patient care to a cardiac arrest victim on September 6, 2015.
Justin Bautista – Roseville, ProTransport-1
For providing excellent patient care to a hospital patient who had stopped breathing directly after completing a separate patient transport in June 2015.
Jennifer Burnham – San Jose, San Jose Fire Department
For providing excellent pediatric CPR dispatch guidance to a mother whose son suffered a cardiac arrest in February 2014.
Dave Ennes – San Jose, San Jose Fire Department
For providing excellent patient care to a pediatric cardiac arrest victim in February 2014.
Richard Gonzales – Manteca, San Joaquin County EMS Agency
For providing excellent patient care to a pediatric cardiac arrest victim in December 2014.
David Hamric – Stockton, American Medical Response
For providing excellent patient care to a multiple stab wound victim in May 2015.
Tom Mayberry – Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
For providing excellent patient care to a multi-system trauma victim on August 1, 2015.
Robert Reynoso – Auburn, ProTransport-1
For providing excellent patient care to a hospital patient who had stopped breathing directly after completing a separate patient transport in June 2015.
Tracy River – Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
For providing excellent patient care to a multi-system trauma victim on August 1, 2015.
Scott Rosingana – San Jose, San Jose Fire Department
For providing excellent patient care to a pediatric cardiac arrest victim in February 2014.
Robert Ruddick – Brentwood, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District
For providing excellent patient care to a cardiac arrest victim on September 6, 2015.
Jeff Seaton – San Jose, San Jose Fire Department
For providing excellent patient care to a pediatric cardiac arrest victim in February 2014.
Sami Somerhalder – Brentwood, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District
For providing excellent patient care to a cardiac arrest victim on September 6, 2015.
Brice Stella – Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
For providing excellent patient care to a multi-system trauma victim on August 1, 2015.
Glen Thompson – San Jose, San Jose Fire Department
For providing excellent patient care to a pediatric cardiac arrest victim in February 2014.