West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services

The Office of EMS wishes to recognize individuals and organizations for outstanding efforts in the delivery of Emergency Medical Services to the citizens and visitors of West Virginia. If you know an individual or organization that demonstrates exceptional dedication, professionalism, and compassion, deserving of recognition in one of the following categories, please submit your nomination according to the following guidelines.

EMS Individual or Group of the Year

This category recognizes an individual or group whose overall performance has contributed significantly to the delivery of emergency medical services.  This contribution may be in field delivery of patient care, in EMS administration, or overall leadership and dedication in the EMS field.  Qualified individuals include certified EMS personnel of all levels; nurses, physicians or other healthcare personnel; or organizations or associations involved in EMS.

EMS Agency of the Year

This category honors a licensed EMS agency which is a recognized leader in EMS delivery and community service. Qualifying activities may include exemplary programs or initiatives in: EMS education, quality improvement, injury prevention, medical direction, patient care delivery, community safety or health and wellness, community access to healthcare, public information and education outreach, or other innovative projects.

EMS Educator of the Year

This category honors an outstanding individual for the delivery of approved educational programs for EMS personnel. These programs may be original certification programs, continuing education activities, or regional or statewide programs or conference delivery. Qualifying activities may include extraordinary personal dedication to EMS education, establishment of new EMS programs or courses, or for innovative approaches to EMS education.

Award Criteria

To have your nomination considered for recognition by the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services, please follow the criteria listed below:

1. The recognition award(s) are based on an individual or organization's continuous contribution to the West Virginia EMS System.
2. A chronological listing of the individual's achievements or contributions to local, regional, state or national EMS strengthens the application.
3. Full explanation of the breadth or depth of the individual's achievements and contributions further strengthens the application.
4. Examples of life-long EMS achievements or contributions may include: helped form an EMS agency; contributing multiple years to an EMS agency; involvement in local, regional, state or national committees, task forces, associations or other EMS-related projects; saved life while risking his/her own; line of duty death; or other similar activities.
5. Multiple letters of nomination serve to strengthen the application.

View the full list of criteria for award nominations.

Process

1. Your nomination will be reviewed by a number of individuals who may or may not be familiar with your nominee.  Include enough information to make a clear and convincing case for your nomination.
2. Attach any documentation which strengthens your nomination. Attachments may include newspaper articles, video footage, letters of commendation, awards or other appropriate documentation of the individual or group's activities and achievements.
3. Please feel free to use additional sheets if space on the nomination form is inadequate.
4. Complete the nomination form in its entirety and submit to the West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services by October 15, 2010. Forms that are not entirely completed will not be considered.
5. These awards may be presented during West Virginia's Annual EMS Conference.

Thank you for taking the time to nominate an individual or organization for recognition.