This May, Calhoun Liberty Hospital is proud to recognize two members of its EMS team for the kind of work that saves lives before a patient ever reaches the hospital.
Paramedic Shelby Hill and EMT James Thompson recently received Stroke Superhero Awards at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Medical Center in Panama City, honored at the hospital’s quarterly recognition ceremony for their rapid stroke recognition and life-saving response in the field.
CLH operates the EMS system for Calhoun County, and the honors reflect the high standard of prehospital care its crews deliver every day. Rapid stroke identification and coordinated response between EMS and hospital teams are critical. Every minute without treatment can mean lasting damage for a stroke patient.
“Paramedic Shelby Hill and EMT James Thompson exemplify the clinical excellence and field judgment that define outstanding prehospital care,” said CLH EMS Medical Director Colby Redfield, MD. “Their rapid stroke recognition, comprehensive ALS assessment, and timely system activation made a direct difference in this patient’s outcome. This is exactly why we invest in rigorous training and proven protocols, so that when minutes matter, our crews are ready.”
“Shelby and James are exactly the kind of professionals you want on the road when every second counts,” said Jake Shuler, EMS Director. “They handle calls with the skill and composure our teams train for every day. This recognition is well deserved, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
“EMS is often the first and most critical link in a patient’s care,” said Emily Brown, CLH Chief Executive Officer. “What Shelby and James demonstrated, from rapid field assessment to seamless handoff, is exactly what we work to support across every stage of care, from first response through stabilization and transfer to a higher level of care when needed. We are proud of this team and grateful to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay for this honor.”
Hill and Thompson were among EMS professionals from Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, South Walton, and Washington counties celebrated at the ceremony.
To learn more about Calhoun Liberty Hospital and the services we provide to Calhoun County, visit calhounlibertyhospital.com or call 850-674-5411.