Four from Region Receive 2005 Go

The Virginia Office of EMS recognized 12 individuals and agencies on Saturday evening November 12, 2005 as recipients of the annual Governor's Outstanding EMS Awards. Four of the recipients were Tidewater nominees. Congratulations to:

Outstanding Prehospital Instructor: Thomas Calogrides. Tom was recognized for his contributions to Virginia's EMS educational program and his service as a paramedic, mentor and instructor locally, nationally and internationally. As a full-time EMS educator for Tidewater Community College, he has instructed all levels of EMS programs. He is also a volunteer for the Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad. He was also commended for 12 years of volunteer service with Operational Smile as a training coordinator in seven countries.

Outstanding EMS Agency: Sentara Nightingale Air Ambulance. Nightingale was recognized as the first flight program recipient in this category and commended for its achievements in flying over 10,000 accident free missions, providing 23 years of the highest quality aeromedical transportation and assuring life-saving critical care to its patients. They were recognized for their training programs and patient follow-up information for local EMS agencies, their community awareness programs and numerous EMS and health initiatives (including sponsorship of the Tidewater EMS Council's Response newsletter and annual EMS family picnic).

Outstanding Contribution to EMS: Eastern Virginia Medical School. EVMS was commended for hosting the early regional cardiac and paramedic courses, sponsoring the Tidewater Center for Life Support Training, providing cadaver lab experience for EMS symposium participants, and supporting an emergency medical residency program. The school was also recognized for its exceptional contribution of providing free office space, classrooms and meeting space to the Tidewater EMS Council for 24 years.

Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children: Theresa Guins. Dr. Guins of Virginia Beach was commended for her continuous efforts to improve EMS for Children. She was recognized for her dedication to pediatric training and for serving as a resource for protocol development. She was also cited for service as a medical director, teaching EMS classes, and serving on local and national EMS committees. She is an attending physician at the emergency department at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters.

Frank M. Yeiser Outstanding EMS Physician: Charles Lane, MD (Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital)

Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS: Marianna Bedway, RN (Mary Washington Hospital)

Outstanding Contribution by a High School Senior ($5000 Scholarship): Sydney Gay (Blacksburg) and Fred Payne (Spotsylvania)