Regional EMS Award Winners from the ODEMSA Region Garner Awards in Four Award Categories at the 2023 Governor’s EMS Awards
Regional EMS Award Winners Take Home the Gold in Four Award Categories at the 2023 Governor’s EMS Awards!
May 20, 2024
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA (May 20, 2024) – The Old Dominion EMS Alliance (ODEMSA), one of Virginia’s Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Councils, announced that four Regional EMS Award Winners were honored with four distinct and distinguished Governor’s EMS Awards.
The 2023 Governor’s EMS Award winners were announced at the a special event held at the Governor’s Mansion. The awards, were presented in person by Governor Glenn Youngkin to recognize and celebrate the EMS providers and organizations from across the Commonwealth of Virginia for their outstanding achievements in EMS and their exceptional excellence and dedication.
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The Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS
The Frank M. Yeiser Trophy
Benjamin D. Nicholson, M.D.
Dr. Ben Nicholson, Assistant Professor with VCU Health‘s Department of Emergency Medicine and Associate Operational Medical Director at VCU Health LifeEvac, has been awarded the 2023 Governor’s EMS Award for Physician with Outstanding Contribution to EMS.
Dr. Nicholson’s dedication to prehospital care and his exceptional leadership have significantly enhanced EMS in Virginia. As an EMS Board Certified emergency physician, he has been instrumental in developing evidence-based protocols, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of EMS crews. His innovative contributions include designing a prototype 3-D printable mechanical ventilator and publishing the “Manual of Prehospital and Austere Ultrasound.”
Dr. Nicholson’s commitment to education and mentorship is evident through his work with VCU Health’s LifeEvac and as the Operational Medical Director for Lancaster County Emergency Services. His passion for EMS extends globally, with significant contributions to EMS training and infrastructure in various countries, including Thailand (Free Burma Rangers), Vietnam, Peru, Ecuador, Haiti, Kenya, South Africa, and New Zealand.
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in EMS
The Kent J. Weber Trophy
Beverly G. Harris
Beverly Harris, the Clinical Site Manager for VCU Health System’s Critical Care Transport Network and LifeEvac, has been awarded the 2023 Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding EMS Leadership.
Beverly’s exemplary leadership and administrative skills have significantly improved the effectiveness, VCU Health LifeEvac With 17 years of dedicated service, she has successfully organized and implemented training programs, mentored flight candidates, and fostered strong relationships with healthcare systems and EMS agencies. Beverly’s commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement is evident through her active participation in various EMS committees and programs.
Her numerous accolades include recognition for her problem-solving abilities, support for mental health resources, and contributions to educational and quality improvement initiatives.
The Governor’s EMS Award for Nurse with Outstanding Contribution to EMS
Matthew J. Jensen, R.N.
Matt Jensen, a dedicated flight nurse with VCU Health’s Critical Care Transport Network, has been awarded the 2023 Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS.
Matt’s commitment to emergency medical services has made a significant impact. As a registered nurse, he has played a crucial role in the VCU Health LifeEvac TQM and Safety Committees, contributing to the improvement of EMS practices across Virginia. Matt has also been an active member of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association, enhancing collaboration and education in the field.
His exemplary service includes leading high-level projects, teaching regional and national EMS classes, and co-authoring important educational materials. Matt’s dedication to quality improvement and patient care has earned him numerous accolades, including the Virginia Nurses Foundation – Direct Patient Care Leader; Patient Safety Award.
The Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children
Jennifer S. Farmer
Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad
Jennifer Farmer, Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad‘s Pediatric Champion, has been awarded the 2023 Governor’s EMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to EMS for Children.
Jennifer’s commitment to pediatric care has impacted her agency in addition to the regional and state EMS systems. As a registered nurse and the Director of Nursing for long-term care at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Brook Road Pavilion, she has brought her expertise to the State’s EMS for Children Committee’s Pediatric Champion Workgroup, helping to improve pediatric EMS services statewide. Jennifer also spearheaded Neonate and Pediatric training and organized a Community Car Seat Check event, promoting child safety for her agency.
Her dedication to quality improvement and community outreach has earned her numerous accolades with Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad, including Member of the Year and multiple Presidential Volunteer Service Awards.
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About the Old Dominion Emergency Medical Services Alliance
Established in 1978, the Old Dominion EMS Alliance (ODEMSA) is a nonprofit charged by state law to assist in developing and implementing an efficient and effective EMS delivery system. There are a total of 11 Regional EMS Councils across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Old Dominion EMS Alliance is one of the largest and most diverse regional EMS councils in Virginia and is defined as the 9,000-square-mile region made up of Virginia Health Planning Districts 13, 14, 15, and 19. The region involves 26 hospitals, nearly 100 EMS agencies, over 6,400 EMS providers, and serves 1.48 million residents.
Our service area includes the counties of: Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charles City, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Greensville, Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Surry, Sussex; the cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond; and the towns of Ashland, Farmville, South Boston, and South Hill.
Standing Committees within the ODEMSA structure include Air Medical, Peer Support/CISM, EMS Patient Destination, Medical Direction, Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), Pharmacy, Performance Improvement, Training and Education, STEMI Steering, and Stroke Steering.
About the Virginia Office of Emergency Services
The Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is responsible for planning and coordinating an effective and efficient statewide EMS system. Their programs and services are designed to assure quality prehospital patient care, from when the call is received by the 911 center to the delivery of the patient to the trauma center or hospital. For more information, please visit the Virginia Office of Emergency Services on the web.
About the Governor’s EMS Awards Program
The annual Governor’s EMS Awards Program began in 1986 and has been endorsed by each Governor to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, agencies and community organizations and businesses that provide or help support emergency medical care in Virginia. For more information, please visit the Governor’s EMS Awards Program page on the web.
Media Contact:
J. Ryan Scarbrough
Deputy Director
Old Dominion EMS Alliance (ODEMSA)
(804) 560-3300 x104
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