Gulf County EMS - Emergency Medical Services

09/04/2026

🏈 Preparing for Football Season! 🚑

Gulf County EMS would like to extend a huge thank you to Rick Williams, Dr. Juris Simanis, and Josh Dailey for taking the time to join us at our EMS meeting and share their knowledge on sports injuries and injury prevention as we head into the upcoming football season.

Their insight and expertise help our crews stay prepared to provide the best possible care when our athletes need us most. We appreciate you taking the time to educate and prepare our team!

Here’s to a safe, successful, and injury-free football season! 🏈💙🚑

Thank you, Rick, Dr. Simanis, and Josh, for helping us stay ready!

09/02/2026

💚 Thank You, Big Bend Hospice! 💚

Gulf County EMS would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Big Bend Hospice for partnering with us on an exciting new initiative designed to better serve the patients and families in our community.

We are proud to participate in a pilot hospice protocol focused on helping our first responders recognize when a patient may benefit from hospice care and connecting families with the appropriate resources and support. This partnership allows us to work together toward a shared goal: helping patients receive the care they need to remain safely and comfortably at home whenever possible.

A special thank you to Molly Woodsum, Big Bend Hospice Community Educator, for helping develop and launch this pilot, and to Dr. Lynes, Medical Director, for taking the time to meet with our team and discuss caring for families during some of their most difficult moments.

Partnerships like this remind us that caring for our community goes beyond emergency response. By working together, we can provide compassionate, appropriate care while supporting patients, families, and our EMS system.

Thank you, Big Bend Hospice, for your dedication to our community and for allowing Gulf County EMS to be a part of this important program. We look forward to continuing to grow this partnership and finding new ways to better serve the people of Gulf County. 💚🚑

Together, we’re helping bring the right care to the right patient at the right time.

Today marks an exciting step forward in how we care for our community. 💚

Big Bend Hospice is proud to begin a new partnership with Gulf County EMS - Emergency Medical Services, piloting a hospice protocol designed to better support patients and families while helping first responders connect community members with the right level of care.

Molly Woodsum, Big Bend Hospice community educator, helped develop and launch the pilot, and Dr. Lynes, medical director, recently met with the Gulf County EMS team to discuss caring for families in crisis and recognizing when a patient may benefit from hospice care.

The goal is to help appropriate patients receive the support they need to remain safely and comfortably at home while reducing non-emergency calls that can place additional demands on EMS teams.

We are grateful to Gulf County EMS for embracing this partnership and working alongside us to better serve our community. We look forward to building on this model and expanding it to additional counties we serve.

08/29/2026

🏈🚑 GCEMS IS AT THE GAME TONIGHT! 🚑🏈

Gulf County EMS is proud to be out supporting Wewahitchka Gators Football tonight! We’re here to help keep players, coaches, and fans safe while they enjoy the game. 💙🐊

With the Florida heat still hanging around, don’t forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated! Take breaks when needed, look out for one another, and know the signs of heat-related illness. ☀️💧

Most importantly, have fun, cheer loud, and get home safely! Please watch out for pedestrians and other drivers and always remember to buckle up! 🏠🚗

Go Gators! 🐊🏈 — We’ll be here if you need us!

08/24/2026

🚑⭐ MEET THE CREW: EMT RYAN THOMPSON ⭐🚑

This week’s Meet the Crew spotlight is on Ryan Thompson, one of our part-time EMTs here at Gulf County EMS!

Ryan has been part of the Gulf County EMS family for 7 years, but his connection to this community goes back much further—he’s a Gulf County native who has called this area home his entire life! 💙

Ryan’s commitment to serving his community doesn’t stop with EMS. He is also a volunteer firefighter with St. Joe Beach Fire Department and holds his LPN license. His healthcare experience includes working in both the Emergency Department and administration at Sacred Heart Gulf and Sacred Heart Bay, giving him a unique perspective and a wealth of experience in patient care.

When Ryan isn’t working, he enjoys taking full advantage of everything Northwest Florida has to offer! 🎣🌊 You can find him traveling, hunting, fishing, out on the boat, or spending time with friends and family. And of course, there’s always time for his godkids, who clearly hold a special place in his heart!

Whether he’s working an EMS shift, helping out with the fire department, caring for patients, or simply enjoying time with the people he loves, Ryan has made serving and being a part of his community a big part of his life.

We’re proud to have you on our crew, Ryan! 💙🚑

08/17/2026

🚑⭐ MEET THE CREW: EMT BETHANY SPINDLER ⭐🚑

This week’s Meet the Crew spotlight is on Bethany Spindler, one of our part-time EMTs here at Gulf County EMS!

Bethany has been working in EMS for three years, and all three of those years have been right here with Gulf County EMS! 💙 As a lifelong Northwest Florida native, Bethany loves calling this area home and is proud to serve the community she has grown up in.

Behind the scenes, Bethany has been working hard on her education as well! 🎓 She recently earned her Associate of Arts degree in Public Safety—and we definitely think that’s worth bragging about! Her education is just another example of her commitment to growing in her career and continuing to learn.

Outside of EMS, Bethany’s favorite role is being a mom to her three boys. She and her husband love making the most of their free time by taking their boys on adventures and giving them opportunities to experience something new. Whether it’s going on nature walks, swimming, attending concerts, checking out local events, or simply getting outside together, they love making memories as a family. 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦🌿

And when it comes to EMS, Bethany says it best—she LOVES her job! 🚑❤️ She hopes to continue her education, gain more experience, and grow her career with Gulf County EMS for years to come.

We’re proud to have you on our crew, Bethany! 💙🚑

08/14/2026

🎓🚑 CONGRATULATIONS, ROBBIE MORRIS & MADISON GANT! 🚑🎓

Gulf County EMS is incredibly proud to congratulate Robbie Morris and Madison Gant on successfully graduating from the Chipola College Paramedic Program! 🎉

This accomplishment represents countless hours of studying, skills practice, clinicals, late nights, early mornings, and plenty of hard work. We are so proud to see both of you take this next step in your EMS careers and cannot wait to see the impact you will continue to make in our community. ❤️💙

🏆 A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO ROBBIE MORRIS!
Robbie earned the incredible honor of being named Valedictorian of his paramedic class! This achievement is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence throughout the program. We couldn’t be more proud!

💪 AND A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO MADISON GANT!
Madison was honored with the first-ever GRIT Award presented by the Chipola College Paramedic Program! This award is a perfect reflection of the determination, perseverance, and heart Madison has shown throughout her journey. Being the recipient of the inaugural award makes this accomplishment even more special!

We are proud to have you both as part of the Gulf County EMS family and look forward to watching all that you accomplish in the next chapter of your careers!

Congratulations, Robbie & Madison! You earned it! ❤️💙🚑

08/13/2026

📚🧠 BACK TO SCHOOL: FOCUS, TEST TAKING & MENTAL HEALTH 💙💛

A new school year brings new classes, new challenges, and sometimes a LOT of pressure. As students settle back into their routines, Gulf County EMS wants to remind everyone that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.

✨ A few ways to start the year strong:

📖 Stay focused: Find a quiet study space, limit distractions, stay organized, and remember to take breaks.

📝 Test-taking tips: Read directions carefully, manage your time, answer the questions you know first, and take a moment to breathe if you start feeling overwhelmed.

😴 Get enough sleep: A well-rested brain learns better and handles stress more effectively.

💧 Take care of yourself: Eat well, stay hydrated, get moving, and make time for things you enjoy.

❤️ Take care of your mental health: It’s okay to feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Talk to someone you trust—a parent, friend, teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult.

🤝 Be a good friend: Check in on your classmates, listen without judgment, and remind them that they don’t have to face things alone.

Most importantly, asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness. You are capable. You matter. And you are never alone. 💙

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, reach out to a trusted adult or call/text 988 for support. In an immediate emergency, call 911. 🚑

Gulf County EMS is cheering on all of our students, teachers, and families this school year! Focus. Do your best. Be kind to yourself. 📚💛

08/12/2026

🏃‍♀️🏈 PLAY HARD. STAY SAFE! 🏀⚽️

Sports and PE are a great way to stay active, build teamwork, and have fun—but injuries can happen. As our students get back into the swing of the school year, Gulf County EMS wants to remind athletes and families about the importance of sports and PE safety! 💙💛

🧘 Warm up and cool down before and after activity.
👟 Wear the right gear and make sure equipment fits properly.
💧 Stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities and hot weather.
😴 Get enough rest to allow your body to recover.
🛑 Listen to your body—don’t try to “push through” significant pain.
📋 Follow the rules and listen to coaches, teachers, and instructors.

Common sports injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, concussions, and more. If an injury occurs, stop the activity and make sure the student is evaluated when appropriate.

🚑 When in doubt, get medical help. If someone has severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, can’t bear weight, has an obvious deformity, or you suspect a serious injury, seek medical attention. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

Let’s keep our students moving, healthy, and safe all season long! 💙💛

Be safe. Have fun. Make it a great back to school season!

08/11/2026

🚌🚸 School Bus & Roadway Safety

School is back in session, and Gulf County EMS wants to help keep our students safe on their way to and from school! 💙💛

🚨 STOP for school buses when the red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
🐢 Slow down in school zones and obey posted speed limits.
👀 Watch for children crossing streets and getting on or off buses.
📵 Stay focused and put the phone down while driving.
🚗 Be prepared to stop—children can be unpredictable.
💺 Buckle up every trip, every time.
🌧️ Stay extra alert in bad weather and adjust your speed accordingly.

A few extra seconds of patience can make a life-saving difference. ❤️

Let’s work together to make this a safe and successful school year for all of Gulf County’s students!

Slow down. Stay alert. Protect our kids. 🚌💙💛

08/10/2026

📚✏️ Happy First Day Back to School, Gulf County! 🚌🎒

It’s that time of year again! Gulf County EMS would like to wish all of our students, teachers, parents, faculty, and staff a safe, successful, and amazing first day back! 💙💛

To our students: Be curious, be kind, work hard, and believe in yourself! 🌟

To our teachers: Thank you for inspiring, encouraging, and making a difference in our children’s lives every day. 🍎

And to our parents: We know the first day can bring ALL the emotions! Thank you for supporting, encouraging, and cheering your kids on every step of the way. ❤️

As everyone heads back to school, remember to slow down in school zones, watch for buses and children crossing, and give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. 🚸

Here’s to a wonderful school year! Stay safe, be kind, and make it a great one! 🎉

💙💛 From your friends at Gulf County EMS — we’re cheering you on!