Calhoun Liberty Hospital Paramedics Earn Stroke Recognition

Paramedic Shelby Hill and EMT James Thompson of Calhoun Liberty Hospital received Stroke Superhero Awards from Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Medical Center in Panama City for their rapid stroke recognition and field response.

Hill and Thompson earned two awards each during the hospital's quarterly recognition ceremony in May. CLH operates the EMS system for Calhoun County.

Dr. Colby Redfield, CLH EMS Medical Director, said Hill and Thompson's rapid stroke recognition and timely system activation directly improved a patient's outcome. "Their comprehensive ALS assessment exemplifies the clinical excellence that defines outstanding prehospital care," he said.

Jake Shuler, EMS Director, called the pair professionals who handle calls with the skill and composure the department trains for daily. Emily Brown, CLH Chief Executive Officer, noted that EMS provides the first and most critical link in patient care.

Hill and Thompson were among EMS professionals from Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, South Walton, and Washington counties honored at the ceremony.