Dear EMS and Trauma System Stakeholders,
The Bureau of EMS & Trauma System is hosting the second annual Emergency Medical Care Technician (EMCT) of the Year Award contest and first annual Trauma Awards contest and nominations are now open!
EMCTs of the Year - 2024
Congratulations 2024 EMCT of the Year award winner!
Russell Smith, Paramedic, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA), has seven years of service in EMS/Fire. Russell is recognized as one of CAFMA’s top paramedics, exemplified by his heroic action at a Firefighter Angel Foundation event: a volunteer collapsed and Russell sprang into action, immediately starting CPR and administering AED shocks, ultimately saving the life of the volunteer. Russell uses his undergraduate degree to teach EMS refresher programs and frequently volunteers with the Firefighter Angel Foundation. Each year, Russell helps drive the agency’s parade trucks in the Prescott and Prescott Valley Parades along with his family and other CAFMA families. Russell was recognized as the Firefighter of the Year by the local VFWs and the local Elks Lodge.
Trauma Awards - 2024
Congratulations 2024 Trauma Award Winner!
Shawn has 26 years of experience in her profession. Shawn thinks outside of the box to deliver community prevention projects - for example, she initiated a fall prevention program in Flagstaff and Verde Valley called Tai Chi-Matter of Balance that enabled geriatric patients to maintain better balance and strengthen muscles to reduce falls. Shawn has secured grant funds for several projects, including $25,000 to purchase Bleeding Control Systems for Flagstaff Unified School District and grant funds for a harm reduction vending machine at the Flagstaff Emergency Department stocked with free Naloxone kits, fentanyl testing strips, medication disposal kits, safer smoking kits, and safer sex supplies. Shawn actively performs research on health topics, like Naloxone distribution compliance with the AHCCCS Naloxone DAP Program, off-road vehicle injuries, and sledding injuries. Shawn volunteers at community events, like the Anchors Aweigh to Health, Safe Child Coalition events, and Night to Shine, and has been a Northern Arizona EMS (NAEMS) representative for the State Trauma Advisory Board and the Trauma and EMS Performance Improvement Committee for many years.
