Emergency Medical Services Providers Convene in Syracuse for 28th Annual Vital Signs Conference

Educational Conference Includes Presentation of Individual EMS Honors

ALBANY, N.Y (October 14, 2011) – The New York State Department of Health (DOH) is hosting the 28th Annual Vital Signs Conference, an educational forum for emergency medical services (EMS) providers through October 16 in Syracuse. The conference is expected to attract more than 1,800 participants and over 100 exhibitors.

A highlight of the conference is the presentation of statewide recognition awards to honor individuals and EMS agencies that have performed in an exemplary manner. Each of the 18 EMS regions in the state nominates EMS providers from its area in specific award categories. Representatives from DOH and the New York State EMS Council review the nominations and select statewide winners.

The following is a list of this year's award recipients:

  • Basic Life Support Provider of the Year- Michael Yehl, Southwestern Region
  • Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year - Mark Tuttle, North Country Region
  • EMS Agency of the Year - Morrisonville-Schuyler, Mt. Lakes Region
  • Youth EMS Provider of the Year - Kelly O'Sullivan, Suffolk County Region
  • EMS Educator of Excellence - Richard Parrish, Hudson Valley Region
  • Harriet C. Weber Leadership Award - Kim Lippes, Hudson Valley Region
  • EMS Communication Specialist of the Year - Cathleen Lambert, Monroe-Livingston Region
  • Registered Professional Nurse of Excellence - Kathleen Clifford, Suffolk County Region
  • Physician of Excellence - Dr. Jack Davidoff, Finger Lakes Region.

New York State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah, M.D., said "The Department of Health is proud to recognize these dedicated EMS professionals and joins communities across the state in expressing gratitude to all members of EMS for their outstanding service."

Individual conference sessions will focus on topics such as emergency preparedness, pediatric training, life support refresher courses, treating trauma, and incident studies.