Leon County Named State EMS Provider of the Year

This month, Leon County Emergency Medical Services (LCEMS) was named EMS Provider of the Year by the Florida Department of Health for its continuous dedication to delivering unparalleled emergency medical care and serving the community through training and public education programs.

Through rigorous training programs, Leon County EMS remains at the forefront of advancements in medical techniques and technology. Ongoing training ensures medics can provide the highest level of care, even in the most challenging situations. Likewise, LCEMS community education programs and events, such as the annual Press the Chest community CPR training and K-12 classroom visits, empower citizens to live healthier, safer lives.

“With this statewide recognition of excellence, we couldn’t be prouder of the dedicated EMS team for their commitment to the health and safety of our community,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Nick Maddox. “This award recognizes their vital role in our public safety system and the lasting impact they have on the lives they touch every day."

Each year, the statewide award recognizes an organization that assumes a leadership role in the Florida EMS community, demonstrates outstanding initiative in the areas of public education and training, and epitomizes excellence in the areas of quality assurance and medical control protocol development and implementation. In addition to being named 2023 EMS Provider of the Year, LCEMS was previously recognized with the same award in 2010, making it the only organization to receive the honor twice.

“The statewide award recognizes a County EMS team that year after year maintains the highest standards in emergency care,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “Whether it's a cardiac survival rate far greater than the national average, or a nationally recognized Press the Chest CPR training program, our team is the best anywhere.”

In addition to the EMS Provider of the Year Award, Leon County Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Michael Aries was named EMT of the Year by the Florida Department of Health. Michael, who has served with LCEMS for 20 years, was recognized for providing exceptional lifesaving care to the community and for going above and beyond the call of duty to help his fellow first responder. Michael is an active member of the LCEMS PEER Support Team, which recognizes and supports fellow responders experiencing the challenges that response work can bring to help them cope more effectively.

“Receiving not one, but two statewide awards this year speaks volumes of the professionalism, compassion, and leadership exhibited by Leon County EMS staff each and every day,” said Leon County EMS Chief Chad Abrams. “Their dedication extends beyond the call of duty and reflects their passion for serving the entire community.”

Launched on January 1, 2004, Leon County EMS has provided clinically superior, cost-effective emergency medical services and transport to the citizens and visitors of Leon County for nearly 20 years. With a team of highly trained professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, LCEMS continues to deliver prompt and compassionate care to those in need.

For more information, contact Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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Leon County EMS staff accepting the EMS Provider of the Year Award.

EMT of the Year Michael Aries and Leon County EMS Chief Chad Abrams.