FLORIDA HEALTH NAMES WALTON COUNTY FIRE RESCUE TOP EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE IN FLORIDA
September 22, 2022
ORLANDO, Fla – When residents need medical care in times of an emergency, it’s Walton County Fire Rescue who answers the call.
The organization has been tapped as the Florida Health 2022 EMS Provider of the Year.
The recognition was presented by the Florida Department of Health at the State EMS Advisory Council meetings in Orlando last week.
Walton County Fire Rescue is the sole provider of emergency medical transport in Walton County north of the Choctawhatchee Bay – currently operating without a hospital in their area of responsibility which serves approximately 44,000 residents.
“This award highlights the men and women who provide lifesaving services in times of crisis in Walton County and the exceptional work they do,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “This is a small way of honoring the brave medical professionals who ensure the public’s health and safety in times of emergencies.”
The recognition is awarded yearly, recognizing Walton County Fire Rescue as the top provider in the state as they lead the way in outstanding initiatives in public education and training and provide exceptional quality assurance and improvement.
This year Walton County Fire Rescue provided CPR classes to students in every public high school in the county and implemented the “Sign-up, Stand Out” program which assists residents in installing explicit home addressing.
In 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic, Walton County Fire Rescue initiated their Community Paramedicine Program which provides in-home care to those seeking medical attention while keeping ambulances in service to respond to emergencies.
“Walton County Fire Rescue transports around 5,000 patients per year and responds to just under 7,000 calls,” said Walton County Fire Rescue Chief Tracey Vause. “We have the best medical personnel in the business and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Walton County Fire Rescue is a CAAS Accredited EMS Service providing pre-hospital care to residents and visitors of Walton County north of the Choctawhatchee Bay. WCFR joined the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in April of 2017.