PARIS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — After two ambulance crew members with Horizon Health responded to a choking victim earlier this year, they have been recognized for their service.
According to a release from Horizon Health, paramedic Morgan Latoz and emergency medical technician Trevan Land received a “Challenge Coin” from Carle Regional Emergency Medical Services (CREMS), which also includes Horizon Health.
While the Challenge Coin is now a national recognition program, it began in the US military and was eventually expanded to include civilian emergency responders. Each coin is customized with a special version for EMS.
“It’s a great honor,” said Samatha McCarty, Horizon Health emergency services director. “Of all EMS entities – flight, transport, and non-transport – it shows outstanding patient care with a good outcome.”
Morgan and Trevan were selected from 1,400 emergency responders in CREMS, which is one of 11 EMA regions in Illinois. Five Challenge Coins are given out monthly.
Dr. John Aguilar, Carle Regional EMS medical director, noted that the Challenge Coin is the equivalent of the DAISY Award, which is a national recognition program for nurses.
“The idea is to celebrate our successes in the EMS system that demonstrate exceptional patient care,” Aguilar added.
