Texas EMS Trauma Awards

Honoring Texas Heroes of EMS and Trauma Care

Nominations closed September 13, 2024. Winners will be contacted in October.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMS Trauma Systems Program is excited to unveil new award categories to honor the diverse contributions within the state’s EMS and Trauma System. Join us in celebrating excellence at the upcoming Texas EMS Conference!

Nominate those who have gone above and beyond.

Every day, individuals and organizations throughout the Texas EMS and Trauma system answer the call, rushing towards emergencies with courage and skill in their hearts. They are the first line of defense, the calm in the storm, the lifeline that extends hope in moments of crisis.

This is your chance to recognize their exceptional service and the profound impact they have on our communities.

DSHS announces award winners at the annual Texas EMS Conference. If you have any questions, email EMSAwards@dshs.texas.gov.

View 2023 winners

EMS Professional of the Year

This award recognizes a Texas licensed ECA, EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic who has consistently demonstrated exceptional patient care, clinical skills, and professionalism throughout the year.

EMS Leader of the Year

This award honors an EMS Administrator or Medical Director, who has made outstanding contributions to their organization or agency. This could include leadership in areas like operational excellence, staff development, or innovation in EMS delivery.

EMS Education Program/Educator of the Year

This award recognizes either a top-tier EMS education program or an exceptional EMS educator. This award might consider factors like a program’s student success and curriculum innovation, or an educator’s dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student development.

Dispatcher Excellence Award

This award honors a dispatcher who has demonstrated exceptional communication, critical thinking skills, and problem solving in handling emergency calls and coordinating emergency responses.

EMS Response of the Year

This award recognizes a BLS, ALS, to include Air EMS, team who displayed exceptional skill, teamwork, and resourcefulness in managing a particularly challenging or high-acuity emergency.

EMS Community Recognition Award

This award acknowledges an EMS professional or organization that has made a significant and positive impact on their community beyond emergency response. It could involve public education initiatives, community engagement programs, or other efforts that improve the lives of their community members.

Designated Facility of the Year

This award recognizes a Texas designated trauma or stroke facility that has developed and implemented a successful collaborative program or initiative that improves patient care and overall system efficacy.

Interfacility Collaboration Award

This award honors a healthcare facility that consistently demonstrates exceptional care and collaboration with EMS providers during patient handoffs and treatment.

Rural Healthcare Award

This award honors an EMS agency, healthcare facility, or individual who has made significant contributions to improving emergency medical care in a rural setting. This might involve innovative approaches to resource limitations, community outreach programs specific to rural needs, or advocacy efforts for better rural healthcare access.

2023 Texas EMS Award Winners

EMS Public Information/Injury Prevention
Friendswood VFD EMS

EMS Educator
Penny Engelking, LP

EMS Telecommunicator
Jimmy Casas, EMTP

EMS Administrator
Diego Pérez  , EMTP

EMS Air Medical
CareFlite

EMS Medical Director
David Miramontes, MD

EMS Citizen
Chris Stroup

First Responder
Abilene Fire Department

EMS Provider
Perryton Fire EMS

EMS Persons of the Year
Zach Harmon, LP
Melinda Lane, LP
Zachary Richmond, EMTP
Jordan Tolliver, LP

Regional Advisory Council
Panhandle RAC

Designated Trauma Facility
Ochiltree General Hospital

GETAC Journey of Excellence
Jeffery Barnhart, FACHE

GETAC’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Lucille Maes, LP
Leon Charpentier, EMTP