SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES COUNCIL PAYS TRIBUTE TO EMS PROVIDERS

July 31, 2013

(Bristol, Va.) – The Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services (SWVEMS) Council, Inc. honors the unwavering spirit and commitment demonstrated by its local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community at the council’s regional awards program held July 26, 2013 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Va.

“The Virginia EMS system is full of dedicated, competent and professional providers and agencies,” said Gregory Woods, executive director of Southwest Emergency Medical Services Council. “These individuals and agencies from our region exemplify the true spirit of our commitment to saving lives and providing high quality patient care, and we believe they will do very well at the state level.”

Recipients of this year’s regional awards compete for the 2013 Governor’s EMS Awards, which will be announced at the Virginia EMS Symposium’s Annual Awards Ceremony, November 10, in Norfolk, Va. Winners will be presented with a trophy and a certificate signed by the Governor.

“The Regional EMS Awards program gives each council the opportunity to showcase the remarkable acts of service demonstrated by their local EMS providers. Congratulations, and thank you, to this year’s recipients who have proven their excellence by going above and beyond the call of duty,” said Gary Brown, director of the Virginia Office of EMS.

The 2013 Southwest Virginia EMS Council Regional Award Recipients:

  • Excellence in EMS – Pokey Harris, Black Diamond Search & Rescue
  • Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Dr. Herbert Ladley, Wellmont
    Health System
  • Outstanding Pre-Hospital Educator – Brad Fields, Wings Air Rescue
  • Outstanding EMS Agency – Galax-Grayson EMS
  • Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS – Amanda Keene, RN, Clinch Valley Medical Center
  • Outstanding Contribution to EMS by a High School Senior (1,000 Scholarship) –
    Andy Roberts, Chilhowie Fire Department