Honoring Texas Heroes of EMS and Trauma Care

Nominations are now open until September 12, 2025..

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) EMS Trauma Systems Program is excited to unveil new award categories to honor the diverse contributions within the state’s EMS and Trauma System. Join us in celebrating excellence at the upcoming Texas EMS Conference!

Nominate those who have gone above and beyond.

Every day, individuals and organizations throughout the Texas EMS and Trauma system answer the call, rushing towards emergencies with courage and skill in their hearts. They are the first line of defense, the calm in the storm, the lifeline that extends hope in moments of crisis.

This is your chance to recognize their exceptional service and the profound impact they have on our communities.

DSHS announces award winners at the annual Texas EMS Conference. If you have any questions, email EMSAwards@dshs.texas.gov.

Nominations are now open!

To submit your nomination:

• Go to the nomination form.
• Complete all required fields, providing detailed information about the nominee and their contributions.
• Submit your nomination form before the deadline of September 12.

A panel reviews all submissions, and DSHS announces winners at the Texas EMS Conference. Do not miss this opportunity to recognize outstanding achievements in Texas EMS and trauma care!

View 2024 winners

EMS Professional of the Year

This award recognizes a Texas licensed ECA, EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic who has consistently demonstrated exceptional patient care, clinical skills, and professionalism throughout the year.

EMS Leader of the Year

This award honors an EMS Administrator or Medical Director, who has made outstanding contributions to their organization or agency. This could include leadership in areas like operational excellence, staff development, or innovation in EMS delivery.

EMS Education Program/Educator of the Year

This award recognizes either a top-tier EMS education program or an exceptional EMS educator. This award might consider factors like a program’s student success and curriculum innovation, or an educator’s dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student development.

Dispatcher Excellence Award

This award honors a dispatcher who has demonstrated exceptional communication, critical thinking skills, and problem solving in handling emergency calls and coordinating emergency responses.

EMS Response of the Year

This award recognizes a BLS, ALS, to include Air EMS, team who displayed exceptional skill, teamwork, and resourcefulness in managing a particularly challenging or high-acuity emergency.

EMS Community Recognition Award

This award acknowledges an EMS professional or organization that has made a significant and positive impact on their community beyond emergency response. It could involve public education initiatives, community engagement programs, or other efforts that improve the lives of their community members.

Designated Facility of the Year

This award recognizes a Texas designated trauma or stroke facility that has developed and implemented a successful collaborative program or initiative that improves patient care and overall system efficacy.

Interfacility Collaboration Award

This award honors a healthcare facility that consistently demonstrates exceptional care and collaboration with EMS providers during patient handoffs and treatment.

Rural Healthcare Award

This award honors an EMS agency, healthcare facility, or individual who has made significant contributions to improving emergency medical care in a rural setting. This might involve innovative approaches to resource limitations, community outreach programs specific to rural needs, or advocacy efforts for better rural healthcare access.

2024 Recipients

EMS Community Recognition Award
Jimmy Lanning, LP
Stratford

EMS Education Program/Educator of the Year
Samantha Grimsley, LP
Weatherford

Dispatcher Excellence Award
Jerome Wymore
Lockhart

Interfacility Collaboration Award
Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center
Houston

Rural Healthcare Award
Val Verde Regional Medical Center EMS
Del Rio

Designated Facility of the Year
UT Tyler Healthcare System
Tyler

Childress Regional Medical Center
Childress

EMS Leader of the Year
Stephen Harper, MD
San Antonio

EMS Professional of the Year
Eduardo Rodriguez, EMT-P
Dallas

EMS Response of the Year
Waller County EMS
Hempstead

Memorial Hermann Life Flight
Houston

GETAC Journey of Excellence
Chief W. Nim Kidd, EMT
Austin

Eric Epley, EMT-P
San Antonio

GETAC’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Donald Jenkins, MD
San Antonio