2025 National EMS Awards of Excellence Recipients Announced
NAMIHP joins NAEMT and EMS World in the announcement of the recipients of the 2025 National EMS Awards of Excellence, including the 2025 NAEMT-NAMIHP Community Paramedic of the Year.
Special congratulations to Captain Amber Price with Austin-Travis County EMS, who has pioneered collaborative partnerships in MIH/CP across over 30 local stakeholder organizations. Her leadership and impact on program growth, innovation, and data-driven quality improvement exemplify key focuses needed across the MIH/CP industry. Thank you, Captain Price, and to all the 2025 National EMS Awards of Excellence Recipients for your impact to mobile integrated health, community paramedicine, and healthcare as a whole.
In addition to recognition of Captain Price during the NAMIHP MIH Summit on October 21, 2025, the awards will be presented during NAEMT’s General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, October 22, and at the Opening Ceremony of EMS World Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
We congratulate the following recipients and recognize their outstanding contributions to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) profession and the patients they serve:
Ketshia Robillard, MPH, EMT, CPST, Gainesville, Florida
2025 NAEMT EMT of the Year Award, sponsored by Demers-Braun-Crestline-Medix
Jason Wyland, RN, BSN, CFRN, CCEMTP, FPC, Woodruff, Wisconsin
2025 NAEMT Paramedic of the Year Award, sponsored by Velico
Captain Amber Price, Paramedic, Austin, Texas
2025 NAEMT-NAMIHP Community Paramedic of the Year Award, sponsored by
the National Association of Mobile Integrated Healthcare Providers
Catherine Martin, Sylvania, Georgia
2025 NAEMT EMS Educator of the Year Award, sponsored by Jones & Bartlett Learning Public Safety Group
Meg Marino, MD, FAAP, FACEP, New Orleans, Louisiana
2025 NAEMT EMS Medical Director of the Year Award, sponsored by Bound Tree
HM1 Bobby Ray Phillips, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina
2025 NAEMT Military Medic of the Year Award, sponsored by North American Rescue
Lisa DeBoer, NREMT-P, PI, CET, Reunion, Florida
2025 NAEMT-American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Pediatric EMS Award, sponsored by Handtevy
Susquehanna Regional EMS, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
2025 Dick Ferneau Career EMS Service of the Year, Sponsored by Ferno
Sun City Center Emergency Squad, Sun City Center, Florida
2025 Volunteer EMS Service of the Year Award, sponsored by Digitech
Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin, Texas
2025 NAEMT-ACEP EMS Safety in EMS Award, sponsored by Technimount EMS
Jeremy Sonenschein, MS, BS, AEMT, Las Vegas, Nevada
2025 EMS Caring Award, sponsored by Dynarex
Bil Rosen, BA, CEMSO, CTO, NRP, Neptune Township (NJ) EMS and New Jersey EMS Task Force
2025 Wellness and Resilience Award, sponsored by FirstNet®, Built with AT&T
Ketshia Robillard, MPH, EMT, CPST, is a committed Responder I/EMT with five years of experience serving her community through Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR). As a core member of the Community Resource Paramedicine (CRP) team, she leads the program’s Chronic Disease Management pillar, where she provides direct patient care and education to individuals managing complex health conditions. In addition to her clinical role, Robillard mentors a cohort of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and manages several special projects. She spearheads the data synthesis and authorship of the City of Gainesville’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) progress report. Robillard is passionate about improving community health, with a particular focus on maternal and child health outcomes. She has been instrumental in integrating the CRP program into the Alachua County Public School System’s System of Care. She also played a key role in connecting the program to the Fetal Infant Mortality Review board. Robillard has represented GFR and presented at several national events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies with a minor in Health Disparities from the University of Florida and a Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences from Tulane University.
Jason Wyland, RN, BSN, CFRN, CCEMTP, FPC, exemplifies outstanding patient care and professional excellence through nearly three decades in EMS and critical care transport. Beginning in 1997, he steadily advanced from EMT-Basic to earning his Paramedic, Fire Protection Technician degree, RN/BSN, and the lite FP-C and CFRN certifications. Since joining Aspirus MedEvac Air-1 in 2013, Wyland has delivered high-quality, compassionate care in the most critical scenarios—both on the ground and in flight. His approach blends clinical precision with empathy, always prioritizing patient safety, comfort, and dignity. He is a strong advocate for patients and families. Wyland’s leadership extends beyond the bedside; he helped raise $110,000 to elevate Merrill Fire Department’s EMS capabilities. He remains dedicated to lifelong learning, earning his BSN in 2019 to adapt to future clinical needs. A humble and respected leader, Wyland mentors new staff and fosters a team-first culture. He elevates not only the standard of care but also the morale and cohesion of his team. Wyland’s career is marked by selflessness, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that make him an invaluable asset to his patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare community.
Captain Amber Price has served with Austin-Travis County EMS for over 21 years and has been a driving force in community paramedicine since 2016. As a Community Health Paramedic, she pioneered transformative, no barrier programs, all aimed at improving access to care for Austin’s most vulnerable populations. Captain Price’s innovative approach blends trauma-informed, person-centered care with data-driven strategy and cross-sector collaboration. She has built strong partnerships with over 30 local organizations, integrating EMS into a wider care network that includes healthcare funding, housing, mental health, court diversion, identification, employment, and harm reduction services. Her work has significantly reduced emergency service utilization, improved chronic disease management, and strengthened trust within hard-to-reach communities. She also implemented a comprehensive tracking system to measure impact, demonstrating clear outcomes and informing real-time decision-making. Her leadership helped justify expanded funding and tripled program reach. Captain Price mentors new staff, leads by example, and represents community paramedicine at national conferences. Her efforts have earned widespread recognition, and EMS agencies across the country now consult with her to replicate Austin’s success.
Catherine Martin is a dedicated EMS educator, paramedic, and mentor committed to shaping the next
generation of emergency medical professionals. Beginning her EMS career eight years ago, she earned her Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (2019) and a diploma in Paramedicine Technology (2020) from Ogeechee Technical College, where she now teaches EMT, AEMT, and supports paramedic courses. Martin is a licensed paramedic and instructor/coordinator, certified in PALS, BLS, and Stop the Bleed, among others. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, hands-on learning, and evidence-based instruction. She excels at making complex concepts accessible, adapting her methods to different learning styles through simulations, case studies, and interactive skill labs. She mentors students beyond academics, instilling professionalism, leadership, and ethical decision-making. Martin’s commitment to EMS education is matched by her own pursuit of growth. She regularly attends conferences, webinars, and professional development programs to stay current with evolving practices and standards. She uses this knowledge to ensure her curriculum reflects the latest evidence and clinical guidelines. Her dedication continues to elevate the quality of EMS education and patient care in her community.
Dr. Meg Marino, MD, FAAP, FACEP, Medical Director of New Orleans EMS and a pediatric emergency
physician, is a visionary leader transforming prehospital care through clinical innovation, mentorship, and
unwavering advocacy. She serves on national committees and the Louisiana Governor’s EMS Certification
Committee, lecturing globally to improve EMS systems. Under Dr. Marino’s leadership, New Orleans EMS has significantly expanded provider scope of practice, introduced advanced tools like point-of-care ultrasound, and launched programs that elevate both patient care and workforce resilience. She was instrumental in creating the Advanced Practice Paramedic Program and expanding the use of ventilators and critical medications in the field. Her implementation of a field blood program has improved trauma outcomes, while her support for staff mental health—such as hiring an on-site therapist—demonstrates a deep commitment to clinician well-being. An accessible mentor, Dr. Marino guides EMS clinicians from onboarding to advanced roles, fostering a culture of excellence, curiosity, and trust. Dr. Marino participates in training, offers real-time feedback, and remains present during high-acuity events—including the January 1st terrorist attack, where she coordinated multi-agency response and post-incident mental health support. Her calm, decisive leadership ensured patient and clinician safety amid chaos.
Petty Officer First Class Bobby Ray Phillips, Special Operations Independent Duty Corpsman, 3D Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Special Operations Company Lima, and paramedic, has distinguished himself as an exceptional Special Operations Forces (SOF) medic, demonstrating outstanding leadership, clinical expertise, and tactical acumen in austere and high-risk environments. Upon deployment, he assumed the role of SOF medical advisor and developed a comprehensive training program for 160 Host Nation Special Operations Forces (HNSOF), significantly enhancing their trauma and clinical care capabilities. He successfully led seven prolonged trauma patient evacuations, managed life-saving interventions under extreme conditions, and improved a remote hospital’s treatment capacity through expert guidance. Over six months, he trained and mentored U.S. and partner forces, including Petty Officers, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, while developing 12 TCCC-qualified HNSOF medics. He further supported civil-military operations, providing care to over 100 civilians in remote island communities and dedicating 200 hours to training allied personnel. During a hostile attack, he expertly managed three multi-system trauma cases, directly contributing to their survival. He also led two pediatric life-saving missions, coordinating prolonged care and evacuation in both cases. His performance under pressure, mentorship, and dedication to patient outcomes embody the highest standards of SOF medicine.
Lisa DeBoer, NREMT-P, PI, CET, Founder and CEO of Pedi-Ed-Trics Emergency Medical Solutions in
Kissimmee, Florida, has dedicated her career to advancing pediatric emergency care. In 1993, while transporting a critically ill child, Lisa survived a devastating ambulance crash—an experience that deeply impacted her and revealed the emotional and clinical challenges of treating pediatric patients. Motivated to better prepare healthcare providers for such situations, she and her husband began developing practical pediatric training tools and resources. A colleague stated, “Lisa is a driving force for change, innovation, practice, excellence and academic achievement with qualifications that not only meet but far exceed the criteria for this award.” Another commented, “I have found her technical, interpersonal, and educator skills to be exceptional. As a CEO, consultant, presenter, and practicing paramedic, Lisa brings passion, experience, and innovation to every aspect of her work. Her commitment is underscored by her personal motto, borrowed from the movie, Galaxy Quest, Never give up… Never surrender!” Through her leadership, Lisa continues to shape the future of pediatric emergency education, helping providers worldwide deliver safer, more effective care to their youngest patients.
Susquehanna Regional EMS (SREMS), based in Williamsport, PA, is recognized as a model of modern EMS that blends clinical excellence, innovation, and community partnership. Covering a 3,000-square-mile region across four counties, its 170 EMTs, paramedics, and staff respond to more than 20,000 calls annually with a fleet of 30 vehicles and a $10 million operating budget. The service delivers critical care to both 9-1-1 emergencies and interfacility transfers while serving as an anchor institution within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System. Named Pennsylvania’s EMS Agency of the Year in 2024, SREMS has now earned national recognition. Its Quality and Excellence Team drives continuous improvement in trauma, cardiac, and sepsis care, while participation in national research such as the Department of Defense-funded Prehospital Airway Control Trial places the agency at the forefront of evidence-based practice.
SREMS also pioneered real-time patient tracking with the Juvare EMTrack system, used successfully during the Little League World Series, and shares its findings nationally. Community engagement is central: more than 100 AEDs have been donated locally, PulsePoint alerts have been expanded across three counties, and residents are trained in CPR, bleeding control, naloxone, and crisis intervention. The agency prioritizes workforce development through EMT and Paramedic Intern Programs, career ladders, and robust mental health support. Beyond daily operations, Susquehanna Regional EMS has consistently stepped into leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. Its leaders serve on county and regional EMS councils, the Pennsylvania Emergency Health and Services Council, the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania Board of Directors, and the American Trauma Society’s Pennsylvania Division. The agency also co-chairs the Pennsylvania Central Region Healthcare Coalition EMS Committee and participates in the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program. Its leaders serve on state and national EMS councils, co-chair healthcare coalitions, and advocate on Capitol Hill, ensuring rural voices are heard.
For more than six decades, Sun City Center Emergency Squad has embodied the purest form of service:
neighbors helping neighbors. One of the last remaining all-volunteer, all-free BLS ambulance services in Florida, this service stands as a beacon of what community-driven EMS can achieve. With more than 370 volunteers, an annual call volume of roughly 4,000 ambulance runs and 1,000 wheelchair van transports, and no paid staff, the squad is proof that compassion, innovation, and commitment can thrive without a paycheck. Founded in 1964, the Squad just marked its 60th anniversary. With an average volunteer age of 73, many members are retirees from across the country who bring with them a wealth of life experience, professional expertise, and a desire to give back to the community they now call home. The squad operates on a lean $450,000 annual budget, supported entirely by donations, grants, and community fundraisers. No tax dollars are used, and patients and residents are never billed for services.
Since 2020, Chief Mike Bardell has spearheaded annual “Disaster Planning for Homeowners” programs that draw hundreds of residents. With experts from NOAA, emergency management, utility providers, and public safety agencies, the event equips the senior-heavy community with tools to weather hurricanes and other crises. The Squad was one of the first in Florida to adopt FirstNet Built With AT&T, a dedicated communications platform for first responders, and connected senior living facilities through a radio network that has been tested and proven during storms. Volunteers train as EMTs or EMRs, with a shift toward blended online and hands-on coursework to make onboarding easier. On every duty day, team members participate in mini-training exercises, reinforcing skills from CPR to lifting techniques. Externally, the squad serves as a regional hub for community education, teaching fall prevention, CPR, Stop the Bleed, and advanced life planning workshops. Monthly open houses, community events, and social media outreach highlight the variety of roles available in the service. For those who “age out” of ambulance service, alternative volunteer paths keep them engaged. An annual letter campaign nets six figures in donations, while everything from pickleball clubs to local restaurants contribute through creative fundraisers.
Recognized nationally as a “Point of Light” by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, awarded State Volunteer EMS Agency of the Year in 2020, and most recently honored by the South Shore Chamber of Commerce as Non-Profit of the Year in 2024, the squad has consistently been acknowledged for its innovation and impact.
Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) responds to more than 150,000 calls each year across 1,000 square
miles with 750 providers and 50 ambulances. Beyond its size, ATCEMS stands out for its deep commitment to safety—for patients and providers alike. A dedicated Safety Commander, Safety Specialist, and Infection Control Manager work with a system-wide committee to improve processes. Using the TapRoot root-cause analysis model, the agency identifies systemic risks rather than individual providers or events. Safety data are posted in real time and acted upon quickly, ensuring accountability from the Chief down. Annual facility inspections help identify and mitigate evolving risks, from infection control to contamination prevention. And in 2025, ATCEMS created a new position dedicated to overseeing infection control, enhancing coordination with hospitals, public health agencies, and public safety partners.
ATCEMS’s commitment to safety doesn’t end at city limits. Staff regularly present their innovations at national gatherings such as the National EMS Safety Summit, where they’ve shared strategies on driver safety and violence prevention. The agency also contributes expertise to Austin’s Autonomous Vehicle Task Force, ensuring that emergency responders’ needs are considered as new technologies reshape the city’s transportation landscape. Its CAAS accreditation demonstrates adherence to national standards. Community programs extend the safety mission: Stop the Bleed training, senior home safety checks, and the Community Health Paramedic Program, which supports people with addiction, mental health crises, and chronic illness. Innovations like the Buprenorphine Bridge and Breathe Now programs deliver harm-reduction tools and reduce ER strain.
ATCEMS has built a culture where every employee is empowered to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their community—making safety its defining hallmark.
Bil Rosen, BA, CEMSO, CTO, NRP
Known for his humor, warmth, and deep expertise, Bil Rosen has become a driving force in creating a healthier, more resilient EMS workforce in his state and beyond. “Bil is the kind of teacher everyone hopes to find but often never gets to have,” says Richard Huff of the New Jersey EMS Task Force, who nominated him for the honor. “He’s kind. He’s funny. He knows his material. Most importantly, he’s dedicated to touching and changing the lives of as many EMS providers as possible.”
Rosen is EMS Manager for Neptune Township, a member of the New Jersey EMS Task Force where he serves as the training module manager, and an active part of the Monmouth County OEM/EMS team. He continues to work on the front lines as both a paramedic and a BLS provider in Monmouth and Ocean Counties and a BLS provider in Neptune Township. Yet what distinguishes him is not the number of roles he holds, but the way he has leveraged each of them to advance wellness and resilience across the profession. Rosen has spearheaded one of the most progressive in-house wellness and resilience programs in New Jersey, enhancing the Mental Health Resilience Officer (MHRO) program, investing in peer-to-peer support, and expanding access to both in service and external wellness resources. He has committed himself to expanding the MHRO program across the state, bringing its benefits to hundreds of providers in agencies large and small. Along with colleagues in the New Jersey EMS Task Force, Rosen has co-presented the NAEMT MHRO course to more than 200 people, with more classes on the horizon. Each provider trained as an MHRO takes those skills back to their agency, multiplying the program’s impact across New Jersey.
In recent years, Rosen has dedicated much of his teaching to mental health and overdose awareness. Through programs like “5 Minutes of Help,” which he has co-presented across the state, he has reached hundreds of EMS providers with practical tools to recognize and respond to colleagues in crisis. These are the soft skills—often overlooked in traditional EMS education—that can save the life of a provider who is struggling silently, or help a team navigate the emotional toll of an especially difficult call. Rosen serves as adjunct professor and instructor at Seton Hall University and holds certification in Emergency Management Threats and Hazards, as well as Chief EMS Officer and Chief Training Officer designations through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Jeremy Sonenschein, MS, BS, AEMT
For over three decades, EMS Captain Jeremy B. Sonenschein has embodied what it means to live a life of
service. His career spans the fire service, emergency medical response, and disaster relief, but perhaps his
greatest legacy is found in the classrooms, where he has inspired thousands of future rescuers. Sonenschein’s journey into service began at just 16 years old, when he volunteered as a Health and Safety Instructor and Disaster Action Team member with the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Red Cross. That early spark of commitment would grow into 30 plus years of contributions to public safety and emergency response. His professional experience includes serving as a reserve firefighter/EMT with the Los Angeles City Fire Department and as a medic and eventual EMS captain with the Fire Department of New York, where he responded during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He later deployed for disaster relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Over the past 30 years, he has become a highly respected educator in EMS and fire science instruction for the American Heart Association, the Los Angeles Valley College EMT program, Durham Technical Community College, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and Living Arts College. He developed a standalone, county accredited fire/EMS training program at Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, CA. Built largely on donations, grants and his own determination, the program offered “at-risk” students a pathway to Emergency Medical Responder certification.
Among Sonenschein’s many honors are the American Red Cross Distinguished Service Award, the National Fire Protection Association’s Distinguished Service Award, Gold Congressional Award, the 9-11 Fire Department of New York Certificate of Appreciation, the NAEMT/Jones & Bartlett Learning EMS Educator of the Year Award, and the NVFC Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health and Wellness Leadership Award. In his current residence of Las Vegas, he continues to teach with several EMS training organizations, including CPR Certification, Sin City CPR, and the College of Southern Nevada, offering instruction in subjects ranging from hazardous materials operations and active-shooter response to advanced cardiac life support. He remains active in EMS and healthcare leadership organizations including the EMS for Children Advisory Committee.
About NAEMT – Formed in 1975 and more than 110,000 members strong, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is the only national association representing the professional interests of all emergency and mobile healthcare clinicians. NAEMT members work in all sectors of EMS, including government agencies, fire departments, hospital-based ambulance services, private companies, industrial and special operations settings, and in the military.
About EMS World – EMS World serves the full spectrum of emergency medical services providers: EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, physicians, nurses, educators, researchers and administrators. Through a website, podcasts, webinars and the world’s largest EMS-dedicated annual conference, EMS World Expo, EMS World is the leading authority on providing expert-guided clinical, management and regulatory content to a discerning and dedicated audience on the front lines of out-of-hospital care.