Commitment to Excellence

   Additionally, noting a lag time in cardiac patients getting into the cardiac catheterization labs, Camp worked with EMS medical director Oscar Boultinghouse, MD, and directed her EMS practitioners start double-lumen IV catheters and administration of heparin in the field, and to send 12-lead ECGs via telemetry. This solution has provided multiple entry ports for the various medications and procedures introduced in the lab, and allowed the emergency department physicians to get an early look at ECG tracings, all of which has significantly reduced the amount of time required for patient preparation.

   By performing at least three of the critical steps in cardiac patient care in the prehospital setting, Camp has helped the catheterization team to begin definitive lifesaving treatment sooner. The cardiac cath lab physicians in the local Houston area have attributed at least two successful catheterizations to the aggressive prehospital care provided by EMS practitioners under Camp's direction. One patient's family was told by the attending physician that the patient was alive only because of the advanced techniques utilized by Camp's team.

Protecting the Community

   Hunter also describes how, on behalf of her community, Camp has proactively prepared for the possibility of either a natural or man-made disaster by participating in and sponsoring conferences and drills in disaster management, acquiring specialized antidote kits, and training her services to use Level C personal protection equipment. "After the events of September 11, 2001, Lisa wanted to do more for her community and country and joined the Texas-3 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), where she fills a vital leadership role," says Hunter. As part of her position with the DMAT, Camp deployed to New Orleans for several weeks after Hurricane Katrina.

   Camp has served as a mentor, supporter and advocate for EMS throughout the country, Hunter notes. "Having worked in EMS for more than 30 years, Lisa has always strived for the best in care from herself and from her service. Raised in a fire/EMS family, Lisa has been active in EMS and fire response since she became old enough to join the Friendswood Volunteer EMS (FVEMS) and Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department," he says.

   "I would like to express my surprise and gratitude at being selected for the NAEMT 2010 Paramedic of the Year Award," says Camp. "It is truly an honor to receive this prestigious award. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my family, friends, colleagues and students that inspire me each day to advance EMS as a profession in our small part of the world. Thank you all!"

NAEMSE EMS Educator Awards: Scott Crawford & Twink Dalton

   They come from all walks of life with singleness of purpose: to help, teach and even save lives. They work excruciating hours and manage a multitude of details. They put others before themselves; see problems and solve them.

   The National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) is proud each year to award individuals in the EMS education profession the Heroes Awards, honoring those who affect and influence our daily lives, as well as those who are no longer with us. These individuals were honored at the annual NAEMSE Symposium, Sept. 8-2, 2010.

   The Unsung Hero Award was created to recognize those unsung men and women who serve our profession each and every day with a commitment to excellence and who reflect the very best characteristics of our profession in and out of the classroom. Unbeknownst to them, these individuals are nominated by their peers and coworkers.

   The 2010 NAEMSE Unsung Hero is Scott Crawford of Nebraska.

   Legends that Walk Among Us was created to honor those men and women who have moved our profession forward with their energy and talents at a state or national level. This award allows us to say thank you to those individuals who have and continue to mentor us, motivate us, and inspire us through their commitments to our profession.

   The 2010 NAEMSE Legends That Walk Among Us Award will be presented to Alice "Twink" Dalton of Colorado.

   In addition to honoring those heroes who are able to be with us today, it is equally important to honor those EMS educators who have passed who exemplified the best attributes of the teaching profession.

   In remembrance, we honor the following: Roger Kruger, Nebraska; Greg Chamberlain, Nebraska; and Jo Chambers, Illinois.