May 19, 2005

LEE COUNTY EMS PARAMEDIC NAMED FLORIDA'S PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR

Ft. Myers, FL.- The Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) named Lee County Paramedic Michael Hamel as the recipient of the State of Florida's 2005 Paramedic of the Year.

As Paramedic of the Year, Hamel is recognized as the paramedic who demonstrated independent initiative in
the areas of quality assurance, patient care, public access, medical control, disaster preparedness, public education and/or training, and support, involvement and dedication to their EMS community and profession.
This is the 15th year the Bureau of EMS is honoring outstanding Florida EMS organizations and individuals who make a positive impact on local EMS throughout the state. The Florida Emergency Medicine Foundation sponsors the 2005 statewide EMS awards.

"Michael displays the utmost in professional attitude and demeanor to represent the organization in a positive fashion, and is recognized for this quality by is peers, as well as by his patients and hospital staff," said Lee
County EMS Deputy Chief of Training, Michael Pcolar, who spearheaded the nomination.

The Bureau of EMS will present the award to Paramedic Hamel during the State EMS Advisory Council meeting at the Rosen Center Hotel in Orlando on July 7.

"What Paramedic Hamel brings to this organization is representative of our vision; to be a leader in our profession and serve as a role model for other emergency medical services agencies," said Lee County EMS Chief Chris Hansen. "Lee County and EMS has been fortunate to attract Hamel as well as many other paramedics with a passion for this profession and with a goal of improving the quality of patient care."

Paramedic Hamel joined Lee County EMS in July 2003 from Plymouth Community Ambulance Association in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He serves as a flight paramedic for Lee County's MedStar as well as program manager for the County's Crash Airway Management Program.

Lee County also received nominations for EMS Education and EMS Provider.

For information regarding the award nomination process, contact Melia Jenkins, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, at (850) 245-4440, Extension 2773. For information about Paramedic Michael Hamel or Lee County EMS, contact Paul Filla at (239) 344-5406 or pfilla@leegov.com.

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