Williamson County EMS Honors Paramedics' Life-Saving Work

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Paramedics were recently honored for their service during an annual recognition ceremony, county officials said.

On Nov. 30, Williamson Count EMS staged their annual Recognition Ceremony to celebrate and honor the work paramedics perform every day. During the gathering, the department recognized paramedica involved in the care and resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients, the delivery of babies, and otherwise excellent medical care and customer service.

All told, the department bestowed 44 individual Phoenix awards for 15 cardiac arrest saves. A Phoenix award is given to each paramedic who was involved in the care of the cardiac arrest patient, officials explained. The patient must present in cardiac arrest, have a return of pulse, and be discharged from the hospital neurologically intact to qualify for the high honor.

The department also gave out 15 individual Stork awards for five field deliveries. As the name suggests, the Stork award is given to each paramedic who was involved in the field delivery of a baby. Several other awards were handed out during the ceremony.

Senior Medical Officer Russel Richter received the 2016 Medical Director Award. The Medical Director Award is given to recognize paramedics who represent the best of Williamson County EMS by demonstrating both professional and personal dedication to excellence in medicine and education.

Paramedics Kevin Saxton and Tim Madrid received the 2016 John Sneed Customer Service Award. This award recognizes a paramedic that best represents the ideals and intent behind the Williamson County EMS Way. Saxton and Madrid have a history of providing excellent customer service and dedication to others during their time of need.

Senior Medical Officer Kim Farris received the 2016 Director’s Award. This award recognizes a paramedic who represents the best of Williamson County EMS by demonstrating both professional and personal dedication. Farris has a history of superior performance, impact, mission contribution and leadership.

Senior Medical Officer Karen Horan received the 2016 Paramedic of the Year Award. Horan was nominated by her peers and selected by her peers for this award. Horan was recognized for her work in bettering the department and mentoring new members to the department during the new member academy.

The department honored recent promotions for Field Training Officers Justin Hurzeler, Andrew Lugo, Kyle McKnight and Robert Spriggs, Senior Medical Officers John Hamilton and Jeremy Stimson, Clinical Captain Matt Biasatti, and Field Lieutenants Nick Moore, Blake Applegate and Melissa Davidson.

The department also recognized team members with years of service to the department ranging from 5 years of service to 25 years of service.

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