For Immediate Release: May 9, 2017

Ohio Division of EMS, EMFTS Board and the Ohio ACEP Host 17th Annual
Star of Life Awards

COLUMBUS- the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) and the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (Ohio ACEP) will join forces and host the 17th Annual EMS Star of Life Awards ceremony in observance of National Emergency Medical Services Week (May 21-27).

“An estimated 240 million calls are made to 9-1-1 in the U.S. each year, with approximately 1 million emergency runs for EMS in the state each year,” said Ohio EMS Executive Director Mel House. “EMS teams are ready to provide critical, lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; with many of our first responders being volunteers.” 

National Emergency Medical Services Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line."

The ceremony will be held Wednesday, May 24, 1p.m. in the ODOT Auditorium at 1980 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio.

The theme "EMS STRONG: Always in Service…"exemplifies the commitment and dedication of the 750,000 EMS providers nationwide, and the more than 41,000 in Ohio, who provide an essential community service every day.

For in-depth coverage of the ceremony, become a fan on Facebook by searching Emergency Medical Services or follow us on Twitter at OHIO_EMS.

EMS Star of Life Awards recipients are:

EMS Stars

Bath Fire Department

Beloit Fire Department/EMS Division

Brooklyn Fire Department

City of Monroe Fire Department

Coshocton County EMS

Hopedale Fire Department & Unionport Fire Department

Liberty Township Fire Department

Macochee Joint Ambulance District

Madison County Emergency Medical District & Central Townships Joint Fire District

New Philadelphia Fire Department

Wakeman Fire Department

Westlake Fire Department

EMS Medical Director of the Year

Todd Brookens, D.O.

Frank Giampetro Distinguished EMS Educator Award

Mark Johnston

EMS Agency of the Year

Upper Arlington Fire Division

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The Ohio Department of Public Safety, through the Division of EMS, oversees the certification of emergency medical technicians and firefighters and ensures that the professionals in these lifesaving roles are properly trained, educated and prepared for emergency situations.

Ohio ACEP promotes quality emergency medical care and represents the interests of Ohio's Emergency Physicians. Since its charter in 1972, Ohio ACEP has been at the forefront of advancing the profession of emergency medicine in Ohio.

For additional information, contact:

China Dodley at (614) 466-2551

CLDodley@dps.ohio.gov