Why These Awards Matter
The SCEMSA Annual Awards celebrate the very best of Emergency Medical Services in South Carolina. Each award highlights individuals and organizations who set the standard for clinical excellence, leadership, education, innovation, and service. These recognitions are more than awards. They raise public awareness of the life-saving work EMS professionals perform every day and inspire the next generation of providers.
By nominating your colleagues, you help ensure that the incredible stories of dedication, resilience, and compassion are told and honored across our state.
How to Nominate
Submitting a nomination is simple. A strong nomination paints a clear picture of why the nominee stands out. Use specific examples, measurable outcomes, and documentation where possible.
Steps:
- Review award categories and select the best fit for your nominee.
- Prepare a written statement describing their contributions and impact.
- Include supporting documentation such as letters of commendation, incident reports, or community testimonials.
- Submit the online nomination form before December 12, 2025.
Multiple nominations are welcome, but each candidate requires a separate form.
Important Dates for 2025 Awards
The 2025 SCEMSA Awards recognize contributions made during the 2025 calendar year. Don’t miss these key dates:
| Nominations Open | October 6, 2025 |
| Nominations Close | December 12, 2025 |
| Finalist Notifications | January 2026 |
| Awards Reception | March 27, 2026 (SCEMSA Symposium) |
Award Categories and Criteria
Each award recognizes unique contributions to the EMS profession. Expand the sections below to review criteria and eligibility for each award.
Curtis P. Artz Memorial Award
Criteria
- Incident reflects nominee’s role as an EMS professional.
- Actions exceeded expectations for certification level.
- Nominee accepted only necessary risk after careful assessment.
- Supporting documentation substantiates the nomination.
Eligibility
Any EMT, dispatcher, first responder, RN, or physician in a prehospital setting.
EMT of the Year
Criteria
- Presented to an EMT who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the community, state and/or national level.
- Not for heroic acts — recognizes sustained professional impact.
Eligibility
Open to EMTs whose primary role is direct patient care.
Advanced EMT of the Year
Criteria
- AEMT who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the community, state or national level.
- Not for heroic acts — recognizes sustained dedication.
Eligibility
Open to AEMTs providing direct patient care.
Paramedic of the Year
Criteria
- Paramedic who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the community, state or national level.
- Not for heroic acts — recognizes sustained dedication.
Eligibility
Open to paramedics providing direct patient care.
Dedication of Service Award
Criteria
- To recognize an individual whose efforts significantly enhance EMS services in South Carolina, including roles such as law enforcement officer, pilot, supervisor, business or logistics manager, administrative assistant, or other similar positions who would not fit into the other categories for individual recognition.
Eligibility
The nomination should speak to a continuous positive effort that enhances the quality of EMS at their organization and in their community. This individual should serve in a non-clinical paid or volunteer role with an EMS organization.
Telecommunicator of the Year
Criteria
- Presented to an individual who has contributed most effectively to the dispatch operation of an EMS provider.
- Not for heroic acts — recognizes ongoing effectiveness.
Eligibility
Must work or volunteer in EMS dispatch.
Emergency Nurse of the Year
Criteria
- EMS nurse who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the community, state, or national level.
Eligibility
Registered nurses directly involved in EMS care.
Jack Niles Award for Excellence in Education
Criteria
- Presented to that individual who has demonstrated outstanding contribution to the improvement of EMS through education and training of the community and/or EMS providers.
Eligibility
Any individual involved in improvement of EMS through educational goals. Must be certified as an EMT, AEMT or Paramedic Instructor.
Small System of the Year
Criteria
- Exceptional programs/results in training of personnel.
- Significant community awareness of the importance of the local EMS system and/or professionalism of the system’s employees, as shown through: Letters from patients Local government support Local media coverage Awards received
- Meaningful contributions to citizen awareness regarding injury prevention, EMS access, and career opportunities through: School programs Business support Health fairs, etc.
- Exceptional public relations, education/training, or community outreach programs that engage the community regarding EMS.
Eligibility
EMS agencies with under 12,000 calls in the previous year that exemplifies outstanding professionalism and service to its community.
Large System of the Year
Criteria
- Exceptional programs/results in training of personnel.
- Significant community awareness of the importance of the local EMS system and/or professionalism of the system’s employees, as shown through: Letters from patients Local government support Local media coverage Awards received
- Meaningful contributions to citizen awareness regarding injury prevention, EMS access, and career opportunities through: School programs Business support Health fairs, etc.
- Exceptional public relations, education/training, or community outreach programs that engage the community regarding EMS.
Eligibility
EMS agencies with over 12,000 calls in the previous year that exemplifies outstanding professionalism and service to its community.
Albert Futrell Director of the Year
Criteria
- EMS/RS Director who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the community, state, or national level.
Eligibility
Directors of licensed ambulance services, paid or volunteer.
Robert D. Lesslie, MD – Medical Control Physician of the Year
Criteria
- Medical control physician who has contributed most significantly to EMS at the community, state, or national level.
Eligibility
Open to any medical control physician in South Carolina.
Warren D. McBride Lifetime Achievement Award
Criteria
- Presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding contribution to the improvement of EMS through a continuing long-term commitment to the citizens of South Carolina.
Eligibility
Individuals with sustained impact, typically administrative (not required to be direct care providers).
H. Dean Douglas EMS Advocate of the Year
Criteria
- Significant efforts to educate and build foundational relationships with elected government leaders in South Carolina.
- Serving and engaging South Carolina EMS professionals through advocacy activities.
- Impacting South Carolina professionals in which one’s abilities to grow personally and professionally are fostered through advocacy.
- Actively pursuing quality patient care and outcomes via advocacy efforts.
Eligibility
Any person or organization who has demonstrated exemplary support or advocacy efforts on behalf of EMS at the local/regional/state level.
Judging and Selection
All nominations are reviewed by an impartial committee of EMS leaders, educators, and subject matter experts who do not reside in South Carolina. Submissions are scored against published criteria with emphasis on measurable impact, professionalism, leadership, and community contribution. Supporting documentation is strongly encouraged as it strengthens the case for recognition.
Final award recipients will be honored at the SCEMSA Awards Reception on March 27, 2026 during the Annual Symposium.
Resources
Downloadable resources are available to help you prepare your nominations.
- Award Descriptions – Review the full list of available awards.
- Awards Policies – Read rules, scoring methods, and eligibility requirements.
- Past Honorees – Learn from the accomplishments of previous award recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes. You may nominate multiple individuals. Each nomination must be submitted on its own form so the committee can evaluate candidates fairly.
What supporting documents should I include?
Include materials such as commendation letters, reports, media coverage, or community testimonials. Documentation strengthens your nomination by verifying the nominee’s impact.
When will honorees be announced?
Finalists are notified in January 2026. Award recipients are recognized during the SCEMSA Awards Reception at the Annual Symposium on March 27, 2026.
Questions or Assistance
If you need help completing a nomination, please email kelly.watson@scemsa.org.