Why These Awards Matter
The SCEMSA Annual Awards celebrate excellence in Emergency Medical Services across South Carolina. Each award recognizes individuals and organizations whose work demonstrates clinical excellence, leadership, education, innovation and service.
By nominating a colleague, agency or EMS leader, you help SCEMSA recognize the people and organizations making a meaningful impact on EMS and the communities they serve.
How to Nominate
Nominations for the 2026 SCEMSA Annual Awards must be submitted by December 11, 2026.
Finalists will be notified in January 2027.
Award recipients will be recognized on Monday, March 1, 2027, during a special awards event held the evening before the 2027 SCEMSA Symposium begins.
Awards Reception: 6:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony: 7 p.m.
Important Dates for the 2026 Awards
The 2026 SCEMSA Awards recognize contributions made during the 2026 calendar year.
| Nominations Deadline | December 11, 2026 |
| Finalist Notifications | January 2027 |
New Ceremony Schedule
Monday, March 1, 2027
6:30 p.m. – Awards Reception
7 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
Please note: This is a change from previous years. The awards event will take place the evening before the 2027 SCEMSA Symposium officially begins.
Award Categories and Criteria
Each award recognizes unique contributions to the EMS profession. Expand the sections below to review criteria and eligibility.
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. This award 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. This award 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. This award recognizes sustained dedication.
Eligibility
Open to paramedics providing direct patient care.
Dedication of Service Award
Criteria
- Recognizes 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 that do not fit into another category for individual recognition.
Eligibility
The nomination should demonstrate continuous positive efforts that enhance the quality of EMS within the nominee's organization and community. The individual should serve in a non-clinical paid or volunteer role with an EMS organization.
Jack Niles Award for Excellence in Education
Criteria
- Presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the improvement of EMS through education and training of the community and/or EMS providers.
Eligibility
Any individual involved in improving EMS through educational goals. Must be certified as an EMT, AEMT or Paramedic Instructor.
Small System of the Year
Criteria
- Exceptional programs or results in personnel training.
- Significant community awareness of the importance of the local EMS system and/or professionalism of the system’s employees, as demonstrated through patient letters, local government support, media coverage, awards received or similar recognition.
- Meaningful contributions to citizen awareness regarding injury prevention, EMS access and career opportunities through school programs, business support, health fairs or similar activities.
- Exceptional public relations, education, training or community outreach programs that engage the community regarding EMS.
Eligibility
EMS agencies with fewer than 12,000 calls in the previous year that exemplify outstanding professionalism and service to their community.
Large System of the Year
Criteria
- Exceptional programs or results in personnel training.
- Significant community awareness of the importance of the local EMS system and/or professionalism of the system’s employees, as demonstrated through patient letters, local government support, media coverage, awards received or similar recognition.
- Meaningful contributions to citizen awareness regarding injury prevention, EMS access and career opportunities through school programs, business support, health fairs or similar activities.
- Exceptional public relations, education, training or community outreach programs that engage the community regarding EMS.
Eligibility
EMS agencies with more than 12,000 calls in the previous year that exemplify outstanding professionalism and service to their 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 contributions to the improvement of EMS through a continuing long-term commitment to the citizens of South Carolina.
Eligibility
Individuals with sustained impact, typically administrative. Direct patient care is not required.
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 by fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth through advocacy.
- Actively pursuing quality patient care and outcomes through advocacy efforts.
Eligibility
Any person or organization that has demonstrated exemplary support or advocacy efforts on behalf of EMS at the local, regional or 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 because it helps demonstrate and verify the nominee’s impact.
Final award recipients will be recognized on Monday, March 1, 2027. The Awards Reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes. You may nominate multiple individuals. Each nomination must be submitted separately so the committee can evaluate each candidate fairly.
What supporting documents should I include?
Include materials such as commendation letters, reports, media coverage or community testimonials. Documentation can help verify and demonstrate the nominee’s impact.
When will honorees be announced?
Finalists will be notified in January 2027. Award recipients will be recognized Monday, March 1, 2027. The Awards Reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m.
Is the Awards Ceremony still being held during the Symposium?
No. Beginning in 2027, the SCEMSA Awards Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held the evening before the Symposium officially begins. The 2027 event will take place Monday, March 1.
Questions or Assistance
If you have questions about the awards process, please email kelly.watson@scemsa.org .