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Butler County EMS Receives First-Ever National EMS Safety Council 'Safety in EMS' Award

Mar 03, 2020

Clinton, Miss. — The National EMS Safety Council (NEMSSC) announces Butler County EMS of El Dorado, KS as the first annual recipient of the 2020 National Safety in EMS Award. The award will be presented during a ceremony on March 4 at the JEMS’ EMS Today conference in Tampa, FL.

The award is sponsored by REV Group Inc. and was established by the Council to recognize an organization that has significantly contributed to advancing EMS practitioner and/or patient safety.

REV

“Butler County EMS is humbled to receive this honorable award,” said Frank Williams RN, BSN, CEN, DMS, Paramedic, Director and Chief of Butler.“ This is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team, those who dedicate their service to prehospital patient care. We are fully committed to a culture of safety. We are blessed with a collaborative team of first responders, 911 communicators, EMS providers, County Commissioners, hospitals and medical directors who share in this focus on safety. Our team, our patients and our citizens deserve nothing less.”

Butler County EMS has implemented and successfully executed several strategies to support an EMS Culture of Safety. Strategies implemented by Butler County EMS to improve patient and practitioner safety include:
  • Adoption of high visibility clothing and fluorescent waistband stripe for crew.
  • Enhanced exterior ambulance design, fluorescent markings, and graphics for improved visibility.
  • Upgrades to ambulances to center crew and equipment around the patient.
  • Child-size restraints added to ambulances to safely transport younger patients.
  • Speed restrictions placed on all ambulances.
  • Implementation of an injury prevention program into the agency’s daily routine, workplace and operational safety program, and peer support services.
  • Support for community safety with car seat safety checks and fall prevention program for seniors.
Butler County EMS was selected based on demonstrated achievement in advancing the Strategy for a National EMS Culture of Safety, utilizing proactive leadership to inspire all EMS personnel to practice safe work habits, and actively advocating for EMS Safety. Butler will receive a $1,000 cash prize, and the organization will receive a travel stipend and free registration for one representative to attend EMS Today, March 4-6, in Tampa, FL.