Written By: Derek Hawn

In a moment of well-deserved recognition, Roane County EMS has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Tennessee Region 2 EMS Service of the Year. The honor was presented earlier this month at the Region 2 EMS Conference in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, celebrating the agency’s unwavering dedication to excellence in emergency medical services. This accolade is a testament to their tireless efforts to enhance care, engage with the community, and set new standards for clinical performance.

A Legacy of Excellence in Emergency Care

Roane County EMS has long been a pillar of support for its community, providing life-saving services with professionalism and compassion. This award reflects not only their exceptional performance but also their commitment to continuous improvement. By focusing on Community Outreach, Education, and Clinical Performance, Roane County EMS has emerged as a leader in the field, demonstrating what is possible when innovation and dedication come together.

Leadership Celebrated at Annual Banquet

In addition to receiving statewide recognition, Roane County EMS recently celebrated its leadership team at its annual banquet. The event was a night of reflection and vision, where all leadership officers took their oaths of office, new officers were promoted, and the agency reaffirmed its commitment to strong leadership as the foundation of its success.

One of the most significant moments of the evening was the promotion of April Miller, who previously served as Operations Chief, to her new role as Director of EMS. Miller’s promotion highlights her dedication and vision for advancing emergency medical services in Roane County.

Several officers who already held leadership positions reaffirmed their commitment by taking their oaths:

• Paige Cordell – Captain
• David Sharp – Captain
• Derek Hawn – Lieutenant

The banquet also welcomed newly appointed officers stepping into key leadership roles:

• Cindy Sutton – Captain
• Beverly Riggs – Lieutenant
• Andrew Smith – Lieutenant

These promotions and appointments underscore Roane County EMS’s commitment to fostering strong leadership within its ranks. By equipping its leaders with the tools they need to excel, the agency ensures that every level of its operations performs at peak efficiency.

Collaboration with Roane Medical Center and Community Empowerment

A key component of Roane County EMS’s success is its strong partnership with Roane Medical Center, which significantly enhances emergency response capabilities and patient outcomes. This collaboration ensures seamless transitions for patients requiring advanced care, bridging the gap between pre-hospital emergency response by Roane County EMS and specialized treatment at the hospital.

This partnership also facilitates training opportunities and resource-sharing between the two organizations, strengthening their ability to respond effectively during emergencies. Together, they exemplify how collaboration between emergency medical services and healthcare facilities can elevate care standards for rural communities.

In addition to its collaboration with Roane Medical Center, Roane County EMS is deeply committed to empowering its community through education and outreach programs. From CPR training sessions to public health awareness campaigns, the agency works tirelessly to equip residents with the tools and knowledge needed to respond effectively in emergencies. These efforts not only enhance community preparedness but also foster a stronger bond between Roane County EMS and the people it serves.

Leading the Way in Pediatric Safety

One of the standout achievements of Roane County EMS in recent years has been its strides in pediatric emergency care. Earlier this year, the agency completed all pediatric training requirements set by the Children’s Emergency Care Alliance of Tennessee (CECATN). This accomplishment allowed them to equip their ambulances with state-of-the-art pediatric safety transport devices, ensuring that even their youngest patients receive care tailored to their unique needs.

Excellence Through Innovation

Roane County EMS’s success is rooted in its commitment to continuous improvement. The agency regularly evaluates its performance metrics and adopts innovative solutions to meet evolving challenges in emergency care. Whether it’s upgrading equipment, streamlining response times, enhancing training programs for its staff, or investing in leadership development, Roane County EMS remains focused on delivering top-tier care when it matters most.

A Model for Rural Emergency Services

As a rural EMS provider, Roane County EMS faces unique challenges such as limited resources and expansive service areas. However, their ability to overcome these obstacles and deliver exceptional care serves as an inspiration for other agencies across Tennessee and beyond. Their success demonstrates that high-quality emergency medical services are achievable even in rural communities when there is a clear vision and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

A Well-Deserved Honor

The Tennessee Region 2 EMS Service of the Year Award is more than just a recognition—it’s a celebration of Roane County EMS’s unwavering dedication to its mission: protecting lives and improving outcomes for every member of its community. Combined with their focus on leadership development, innovative care practices, collaborative partnerships like that with Roane Medical Center, and community outreach efforts, Roane County EMS continues to set an inspiring example for others across the state.

Congratulations to all officers who took their oaths at this year’s banquet and those who were promoted! Your hard work ensures that Roane County residents remain in capable hands during life’s most critical moments.