Jeremy Thompson is an EMT with Medicine Lodge Ambulance Service.  Jeremy demonstrates exemplary patient care as a great provider. He places patient needs first and goes above and beyond each and every day.

Jeremy excels in teaching to guarantee that each patient receives the best, most successful patient care possible. He takes on difficult calls, showcasing his exceptional EMT skills, making him one of the best in the field.

He is known to be a strong advocate for his patients and their families as well as his co-workers. Jeremy leads by example by consistently presenting himself appropriate, maintaining a professional demeanor even, in challenging situations with other medical professionals. He goes above and beyond as a supervisor, always teaching and providing additional support to those who need it. Jeremy is an exemplary leader who prioritizes the growth and development of his team members and fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

This award is given to a Kansas EMR or EMT who has significantly contributed to EMS at the community, state and/or national level. 

ALS Provider of the Year - gary hadley

Gary Hadley is a Paramedic with Sedan Area EMS. Gary became a paramedic in 2012 and went to work for Chanute EMS before returning to his hometown of Sedan, Kansas.

Gary is well known and respected within the community where he is widely recognized on calls. Often there is a look of relief on people’s faces as he walks through the door to care for them or their loved ones. There are many ‘thank you’ notes that cover the refrigerator door at the station from people expressing their gratitude for his work and response on the calls he runs.

Gary’s peers express a feeling of reassurance when working with him – knowing that no matter what call comes in, he can handle it. He works well alongside the critical access hospital staff and is often called there for his assistance. The hospital staff know that if they need help with an IV, intubation, mixing GTT, or running a ventilator, they can call Gary.

In 2023, Gary received a call, no one ever wants to receive. His longtime partner, friend, and cousin had lost her battle with mental health, taking her own life. He was at the hospital waiting with the ambulance pulled into the ER, and selflessly worked the code as every other code he’s ever worked. In the weeks that followed, Gary went above and beyond to ensure all shifts were covered while ensuring all fellow providers and EMS staff had the help and support they needed to get through this difficult time. His patient care never faltered, and his empathy has only grown.

In the community, Gary is active with the school system, inspiring many people to follow the EMS path for themselves by taking the ambulance to local elementary schools and setting up a display and working career fairs.

ALS Provider of the Year - sherry schmitz

Sherry Schmitz, AEMT, has been with Anderson County EMS since 2012, where she began with her EMT certification and went to obtain her AEMT certification in 2016.

In 2022, on the morning of June 5^th, Anderson County EMS along with the City of Garnett Fire Department and Police Department were dispatched for an occupied residential structure fire. Sherry and her partner were the first unit on scene. Upon arrival, they contacted the resident of the home via a window and ultimately effected a rescue via the window with the assistance of a police officer and firefighter. Within 10 minutes of the initial dispatch, the resident was rescued from the home.

In times of adversity, education becomes the cornerstone for communities to cultivate resilience. It fosters preparedness, encourages a proactive mindset, and fuels collaborative community endeavors. Sherry consistently sponsors Stop-the-Bleed, CPR, AED and First on the Scene courses, at no cost. She also serves as the program manager of education for Anderson County EMS.

Earlier this year, Sherry was positioned an estimated 30-40 yards from the area where gun fire broke out during the February 14^th shooting at the Chiefs’ Superbowl victory parade. Without hesitation for her own safety, Sherry rushed to the aid of critically injured trauma patients.

Sherry’s ability to make decisions under pressure along with her compassion for others make her a great AEMT and an asset to her service.

This award is for a Kansas AEMT or Paramedic who has significantly contributed to EMS at the community, state and/or national level.  It can be any Kansas Paramedic whose primary responsibility is providing direct patient care.

Donald E. White Educator of the Year - Christopher pagano

Christopher Pagano with Shawnee Fire Department, a life-long student himself, Christopher is an experienced public safety officer who consistently demonstrates his commitment to being a professional educator with natural ease. He incorporates his extensive experience with over 10 years with his department, seven years as an EMS educator and four years as an EMS program manager to aid his teaching style.

Christopher has received several department and city-level awards for his work as an instructor and innovator, but his reach is greater than that in the realm of scientific, clinical and interpersonal skills in EMS education.  It cannot be overemphasized that his development of EMS educational material for the county was critically important. Over the last four years, he has created many novel tools, such as an interactive experience in the form of a board game for improving responses to active shooter situations.

He has been involved in improving patient safety for the entire region. He has also served on the Medical Director Liaison Committee for the county with other professionals in the field. By creating or editing county-wide cardiac arrest checklists, pit crew CPR procedures, airway management improvement methodologies, 3D printed cricothyrotomy materials, or building low-cost illustrative video laryngoscopes, he has improved the EMS educational system. Additionally, he has authored and taught what amount to thousands of person-hours per year in one of the most populous counties of Kansas with people of different learning abilities, from elementary to experienced.

In his spare time, Christopher reads peer-reviewed literature that is pertinent to the field and looks for better ways to streamline the procedures and efficacy of the EMS system. This contributes to the wellbeing and livelihood of thousands of people in the Shawnee, KS community and in Johnson County. He also takes graduate level courses which have a focus on biology and health, further showing his commitment to being the best teacher and lifelong dedication to education.

This award is offered to recognize any Kansas Instructor Coordinator who is recognized by the Kansas Board of EMS to conduct initial courses of instruction or continuing education instruction and is given to an outstanding instructor of initial or continuing EMS education.

EMS Support person of the year - shelia king

Shelia King is the outgoing EMS Billing Manager for Sedgwick County EMS. Sheila's journey in EMS spans over 20 years, evolving from general administrative duties to pioneering the development of the Sedgwick County EMS billing department into its current form.

EMS billing compliance is unique and comes with many challenges.  Her contributions have been monumental, shaping the foundation of billing operations. Navigating the intricate landscape of EMS billing and compliance requires a unique skill set, and Shelia has mastered it. Through dedicated self-education and relentless commitment, she has become a beacon of expertise in EMS-specific billing intricacies. Mentoring a team of 2 full-time and 5 part-time professionals, Shelia oversees the meticulous review of over 45,000 Sedgwick County EMS transports annually. Under her leadership, billing processes adhere to the utmost standards of precision and effectiveness, guaranteeing a conscientious approach to taxpayer impact while upholding compliance amidst a complex regulatory landscape.

Beyond her technical prowess, Shelia embodies the values of empathy and integrity that define the EMS profession. Recognizing that every billing statement represents a patient who may have faced adversity or loss, she approaches each interaction with unwavering compassion and respect. Her ability to convey complex billing information with clarity and sensitivity fosters trust and reassurance among patients and their families.

Shelia's dedication extends far beyond the confines of her role. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the seamless operation of the billing processes, often sacrificing personal time to resolve discrepancies or support her colleagues. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her compassionate approach to the administrative, and often unrecognized side of patient care, make her an invaluable asset to Sedgwick County EMS and the broader EMS community.

After 20 years of dedicated service, Shelia will be retiring this year, leaving behind a legacy of profound impact.

This award is given to an individual whose efforts enhance EMS in Kansas through their actions as a First Responder, Nurse, Dispatcher, Law Enforcement Officer, Pilot, Supervisor, or other individual who would not fit into the other categories for individual recognition.

Administrator of the Year - nathaniel florian

Nathaniel (Nathan) Florian joined Ellsworth County EMS to assume the role of EMS Service Director 3 years ago. Prior to becoming Service Director, he started his career as a Firefighter/ EMT and worked his way up to Captain / Paramedic with Great Bend fire department. Because of this experience he joined the Ellsworth County EMS department with a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills.

When Director Florian assumed the role as service director he was faced with many challenges from the start. He didn’t back down from these challenges, he faced them head-on and helped empower all team members to build the department to what it is today. When he sees the need to grow the department, he finds ways to do that. When the team members see a need for new piece equipment, updates to protocols, adding new medications, or updating items in the station, Director Florian empowers the team to do the research to see what will work for the department.

Director Florian saw a need right away for education and training. He has been able to secure funding to help complete the training room. With this completion, it gave the department room and equipment to improve training as a team. He encourages everyone to continue learning and teach others and not just within the department but for the community also. His involvement in developing the ‘Youth Safety Program’, a program that brings in area sixth graders for a day of learning and hands-on learning. This program teaches them about calling 911 and what they need to tell dispatch, gun safety, fire safety, the effects of energy drinks, the effects of vaping, how to handle bullying, electrical safety, and much more.

Outside the department, Director Florian is the EMS representative to the North Central Regional Homeland Security Council and the North Central Kansas Trauma Council, is active with Region 4 EMS and Barton County Community College EMS program. And he recently graduated from the Certified Public Management class through KU.

This is awarded to an individual or team who has been involved in the development of innovative approaches to injury / illness prevention or EMS awareness within the community.

Physician of the year - Dr. james christensen

Dr. James Christensen, Coffeyville Family Practice and Medical Director for Coffeyville Regional Medical Center has been the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center EMS Medical Director since 1981 and is currently one of the ER doctors. For more than 40 years, he has owned a private practice and served the community of Coffeyville and surrounding areas as a family medicine, OB/Women’s Health and pediatric physician. Dr. Christensen serves as a hospitalist for CRMC and as the pediatric on-call doctor. As a patient advocate for patients of all ages, he is focused on high quality healthcare in all realms of healthcare from primary care to emergency room care.

Dr. Christensen is very involved with the QA/QI process at CRMC EMS. He is always willing to train new EMS students and CRMC employees, by making sure they are well informed with the daily tasks of an EMS professional. He has a great influence with every EMT/Paramedic that he mentors, having impacted the education of every EMT/Paramedic currently working for CRMC EMS to date. He is also very involved with teaching ACLS and ACLS EP to EMS responders. His focus has been providing leadership and mentorship to his fellow EMS and ER providers while also serving every generation with patient centered, compassionate care. His well-rounded knowledge of patient care has allowed him to offer guidance on protocols and changes that impact patients in the long-term.

In 2011 Dr. Christensen received the Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. He is also a Preceptor for the PA program at Wichita State University and was named preceptor of the year in 2015. Dr. Christensen has left a lasting impression on the community he cares for in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma over the last 40 years and is worthy of recognition.

This is awarded to any Kansas licensed physician who provides commendable service to the benefit of EMS in Kansas.

Community Service Award - kansas city kansas fire department, edwardsville Fire/ems, johnson county med-act, overland park fire department, anderson county ems, olathe fire department, & Lawrence-douglas county fire medical

In early 2024, all seven of these Kansas services were on-site and responded to the shooting at the February 14^th Chiefs’ Superbowl Parade.  

The parade included a heavy mutual aid presence of various public safety agencies. The plans detailed vital components of a comprehensive all-hazard system for effectively allocating, mobilizing, and deploying EMS resources during the event. This is crucial when the required resources exceed those available under existing inter-jurisdictional mutual aid agreements in response to a major disaster, where assistance needs to be provided from one area of the region to another.

The deadly shooting incident occurred in front of Union Station, immediately following the conclusion of the parade, in Kansas City Missouri. Taking the life of one individual while injuring over 20 others, including multiple children, who sustained gunshot wounds, this unfortunate event serves as a reminder that any large gathering can become a target for individuals with deadly intentions.

Fortunately, the quick actions of bystanders, law enforcement, and EMS personnel that included rapid triage, limited on-scene airway management, and bleeding control, followed by swift transport to a hospital, likely played a role in minimizing the number of casualties.

In the weeks following the incident, various organizations provided peer support meetings and debriefings for first responders to the incident.

The Community Service Award is awarded to an individual or team who has been involved in the development of innovative approaches to injury/illness prevention or EMS awareness within the community.

Career Service of the Year Award - butler county ems

Butler County EMS has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise in responding to a wide range of emergencies, from critical medical incidents to challenging trauma emergencies. Their commitment to training and preparedness is evident in their swift and effective response times, ensuring that they deliver life-saving care when every second counts.

Butler County EMS has made significant advances in EMS education and training to ensure that the team is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide the highest quality care. One of the key
initiatives is the use of simulation monitors, which allows the department to create on-the-spot scenarios with real-time patient feedback. They have implemented quarterly, simulation-based training sessions that are carefully selected by the education steering committee. They review QA/QI data within the team to identify gaps or seasonally relevant patient presentations. This proactive approach ensures that the team is always prepared for the next emergency and can respond effectively
to a wide range of situations.

In 2024, the department has adopted a "Back to the Basics" mentality, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills. Butler County EMS recognizes that just because a task is simple, it doesn't mean it is easy. By focusing on these essential skills, they ensure that the team is proficient in the basics, which underscores their commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in patient care.

Butler County EMS has developed an “EMS Escape Room” training model to enhance the program. An innovative activity that engages the staff in critical thinking, crew resource management, and team puzzle-
solving. The escape room scenario requires participants to accomplish basic EMS treatments and tasks in a fun and interactive way, promoting teamwork and practical application of their skills. Through these educational advancements, Butler County EMS remains at the forefront of EMS training, continually enhancing the team's capabilities and readiness to handle any emergency situation.

Beyond their technical proficiency and operational excellence, the department has been proactive in community outreach and education. Engaging with schools, workplaces, and community organizations to promote public health initiatives, CPR training, and emergency preparedness, empowers individuals to respond effectively in emergencies.

The Butler County Kids Camp is a two-day event for 100 kids who get to experience all aspects of first responders including police, fire, SWAT, rescue, dispatch, Sheriff, emergency management, CERT, air ambulance and park rangers. Open to sixth, seventh and eighth grade, Kids Camp has been going on for 22 years. As a result, many of the kids have grown up to become firefighters, police officers and EMTs.

Butler County EMS truly embodies the core values of professionalism, compassion, and community service that define outstanding emergency medical services. Their unwavering dedication to improving the health and safety of our community makes them exceptionally deserving of the KEMSA Career Emergency Medical Services of the Year Award.

This award recognizes a service that exemplifies outstanding professionalism and service to the community, honoring agencies for their dedication, teamwork and commitment to EMS.

safety in ems Award - spencer dean

Spencer joined EagleMed in 2013 as a part-time Flight Transport Specialist while simultaneously working full-time for Sedgwick County Fire Department. Spencer shuttled EagleMed flight crews between local airports and Wichita-area hospitals. This fundamental role required Spencer to transport critically ill patients to facilities capable of delivering life-saving care, ensuring the safety of the flight crews and patients.

After 25 years of service to the Sedgwick County community, he retired as a Lieutenant from the Sedgwick County Fire Department. When GMR partnered with Wesley Medical Center in 2022 to provide interfacility transports between the HCA facilities in Wichita, Spencer transitioned from EagleMed Flight Transport Specialist to EMT full-time.

Throughout the last two and a half years, Spencer has filled a plethora of roles within the Wichita operation. In December 2022, Spencer was selected to become a Field Training Officer and obtained his Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Instructor Certification. In October of 2023, he was promoted to Shift Supervisor, a position that requires the management of on-duty employees and the execution of smooth daily operations.

Recently, Spencer was again promoted to Base Safety Officer of Wichita, which is a title awarded to only one employee from each operation. Throughout his employment with EagleMed and GMR/EagleMed/AMR alike, Spencer has been a dedicated employee and honorable leader, having mentored and helped guide EMTs as they navigate their new careers.

Spencer continues to accept new challenges with a mission to provide quality care to the greater Wichita area.

This award recognizes a volunteer service or individual who has made significant contributions to patient and practitioner safety.

Lifetime Achievement Award - lyle webster

Lyle’s track record in Kansas EMS is the essence of the Lifetime Achievement Award description. Seen as a professional, EMS provider and leader of the highest caliber, Lyle has dedicated his professional life to the EMS profession for 48 years.

Lyle Webster has been a fixture of Kansas EMS since 1976 when he obtained his EMT certification when EMS was still a budding profession in the United States. He then received his Paramedic certification in 1980 as one of the first Paramedics in the State of Kansas. He has remained an actively working member since that time and continues to regularly fly with EagleMed. Over the course of his career, Lyle worked for Sedgwick County EMS as an EMT, Paramedic, and Paramedic Captain for many years before voluntarily stepping down to the role of Lt. in the late 1990s to spend more time with patients and his crew members. During this time, Lyle also flew as a Flight Paramedic for LifeWATCH starting in 1982, when they were the 3rd rotary wing aircraft company in the nation, until LifeWATCH closed their doors in 2001. He continued working for Sedgwick County EMS until his retirement in 2010 at which point he returned to flight, flying for Life Star of Kansas in Lawrence until their merger with EagleMed/Med-Trans in 2018, at which point, he moved to the Wichita EagleMed base. During his career, he has cared for thousands of patients throughout the state of Kansas in every presentation and level of acuity. He has acted in the role of adjunct faculty at initial Paramedic education at Cowley College EMS and over the course of his career, has been a preceptor to nearly 100 paramedic students during their Field Internships.

Lyle has touched many lives in his career. Throughout this time, he has demonstrated his ability to provide exceptional and superior patient care, to effectively advocate for his patients and their families, to maintain a healthy work life / personal life balance, to remain positive and open to change, and to perform as a strong leader. His dedication to this profession is second only to the love for his family. As quite possibly the longest actively working paramedic in the State, I cannot think of someone more deserving of a Lifetime Achievement Award. There are few people in the nation that can claim a 48-year career in EMS, let alone in Kansas.

Sedgwick County EMS Chief, Kevin Lanterman, said “I consider myself fortunate to be counted among those influenced by Lyle. Without his guidance, I doubt I would be in my current position. Whether delivering patient care, teaching students, or leading shifts, Lyle has left a lasting impression on the field of EMS throughout his career.”

EagleMed Program Director, Criag Isom, said “There have been countless times in my career I have gone to Lyle for advice or just to talk about things that are affecting our industry and company. Often, he’s mentoring you and you don’t even realize it. Lyle’s unwavering dedication to his patients and his profession is something that few will ever be able to match.”

This award recognizes an individual whose contributions to pre-hospital care have been consistent and long lasting, representing in effect, a lifetime of outstanding service to the profession and to the public.

Celine Larson PEER Support Award - Republic County EMS & Kari Presley

The Celine Larson PEER Support Award was created to recognize individuals or teams whose service exceeds what is normally expected, providing the utmost PEER support, exemplifying Strength and Honor. This award not only honors outstanding contributions but also perpetuates Celine’s legacy of compassion and dedication to her community.

Celine was instrumental in founding Grandpa’s Best and so it was used as the pathway to create a foundation benefiting EMS following Celine’s vision. A portion of each sale of Grandpa’s Best products goes to fund the Hop for Heroes Foundation in memory of Celine’s legacy, and to provide financial support to a well deserving group of individuals.

This year there were two award recipients – Republic County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS) and Kari Presley. RCEMS has carried out the values of PEER Support through their company culture and a variety of classes and courses. The team checks on one another and anyone involved in the critical call to ensure their physical and mental well-being is looked after. They offer classes to the public including Critical Stress Management to encourage the education of important topics. RCEMS cultivates inspiration and is recognized in their community for their focus on physical and psychological health.
Kari Presley is the Chief Operations Officer for KEMSA and has been instrumental in the organization’s success. Kari constantly provides support to all KEMSA members and especially the leadership team. This includes her hard work ensuring the KEMSA PEER Support Society has the resources needed to serve our Kansas EMS Community. Kari was instrumental in turning the vision of the Celine Larson PEER Support Award into reality.

Present at the awards banquet was Celine’s loving family – her husband, Chase; their four daughters Tess, Wynn, Sadie, and Fern; Celine’s parents Russell and Lindsey Carlson; and Chase’s parents Thayne and Jeanne Larson.

The KEMSA conference is available for EMS providers of all levels, educators, managers/supervisors, service directors, medical directors, nurses, and others involved in the EMS profession.