NAEMT will present Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) with the 2017 EMS Legislator of the Year Award on April 25 during EMS On The Hill Day, the largest national advocacy event for emergency medical services (EMS) professionals. This prestigious award recognizes a member of Congress who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to, and support of, high quality prehospital and emergency medical care, as well as the EMS professionals who dutifully serve our nation’s patients.

Rep. Hudson said, “I’m honored to be recognized by NAEMT for my work to ensure EMS practitioners can do their jobs as effectively and safely as possible to best serve patients. Not only do they provide quality, timely care around the clock, but they also provide peace of mind. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on bipartisan solutions to support our EMS system and ensure high-quality patient care in our communities.”

Rep. Hudson introduced H.R.304 to amend the Controlled Substances Act and ensure patient access to vital emergency medications by preserving EMS standing orders. He serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee advocating for a healthcare system that puts patients first and improves access to healthcare for our veterans. Rep. Hudson has made a name for himself as a leader who can work across the aisle to affect needed change in Washington.

“Rep. Hudson has earned the respect and gratitude of civilian and military EMS practitioners,” said NAEMT President Dennis Rowe. “His uncompromising dedication to ensure that high-quality healthcare is accessible to all Americans, and the availability of resources necessary for EMS to respond to their needs in any location and under threatening conditions, is a reassurance our nation deserves.”