Sunstar Paramedics employee receives local EMS award

Paramedic Christopher Fogarty of Sunstar Paramedics received the 2016 Commissioner Morroni Award of Excellence in EMS at the 21st annual Appreciation Luncheon for Emergency Personnel.

Fogarty was recognized for his quick thinking and quality care for Clearwater resident Nicholas Smith who went into cardiac arrest in his home. Fogarty identified that Smith had a rare heart arrhythmia and administered magnesium sulfate to correct it. Smith’s regular rhythm and circulation returned and he has since returned to full health.

“The patient had less than a one percent chance of survival, and Chris’ quick thinking on diagnosis and treatment led to the patient’s survival and recovery,” said Sunstar Paramedics chief operating officer Mark Postma. “Chris is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to each patient, and we’re pleased that has been recognized by Pinellas County for his service.”

Fogarty has worked with Sunstar Paramedics since 2005. He joined the organization as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and became a paramedic in 2012.

More than 530 people attended the luncheon on April 8, 2016 to honor Pinellas County’s emergency service providers.

About Sunstar Paramedics:

Sunstar is the 911 ambulance transport service for all Pinellas County residents, employing 550 local residents, and responding to around 500 calls a day. Highly awarded and accredited, Sunstar utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and software, and (along with parent company Paramedics Plus) is an innovator of the industry’s best practices. Sunstar’s people are heavily involved in Pinellas communities, focusing largely on public safety programs for the public and for schools. Sunstar is also a recipient of the Florida Governor's Sterling Award, the state’s most prestigious award recognizing “role models for organizational performance excellence.” More info at SunstarEMS.com.