October 21, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
An EMT Critical Care Paramedic employed by the DeKalb County Ambulance Service (EMS) has earned a prestigious honor.
Jamie Vernon is the Upper Cumberland EMS Directors Association’s Region IV “Paramedic of the Year”. The award was presented to Vernon during the association’s annual fall symposium October 11 in Cookeville.
She was nominated by DeKalb EMS Director Hoyte Hale.
Nominees for the honor must be a current Tennessee licensed emergency medical technician or paramedic employed by or who volunteers for a Region IV ground or air service and they must exhibit professional qualities expected in this venue. Their contributions should go above and beyond whether it be in their clinical skill set or in actions that have affected the community or someone in a positive way.
In nominating her, EMS Director Hale praised Vernon for her skill and professionalism.
“Despite being a relatively young paramedic with only 5 years of service, I am proud to say that she is dedicated to delivering outstanding service in DeKalb County. She provides excellent care, exemplifying qualities that not only make her a wonderful employee but also a valuable clinician and pre-hospital provider”.
“Ms Vernon goes above and beyond the call of duty expected of her and leads by example. She is constantly striving to better her education and service to the community. For example, she voluntarily trained to become a death investigator and earlier this year completed critical care school. She is now a licensed clinician and critical care paramedic. Jamie is always punctual and readily available to work extra hours if needed. She is an outstanding role model and mentor for new employees and always makes them feel welcome. She has a wonderful attitude, ethic, and optimism which makes her a great leader ,” said Hale.
The Upper Cumberland EMS Directors Association consists of the directors from the primary 911 ground ambulance services and base managers of the air medical companies in the 14 county Upper Cumberland region.
Tennessee EMS Region IV comprises Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren, Warren, and White County. Air Evac, LifeForce, and Lifeflight represent the 3 air medical services in the region.