08/27/2026
Shoutout to our Prisma Health EMS, our County ambulance service! What an awesome accomplishment! 🚑 🏆
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GREENVILLE, S.C. — Prisma Health Ambulance Service has been named the 2026 Dick Ferneau Career EMS Service of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), one of the highest honors in emergency medical services and a recognition of Prisma Health's leadership in advancing patient care, innovation and community health.
The award is part of the 2026 National EMS Awards of Excellence, a national program presented by NAEMT and EMS World that recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to the EMS profession and the patients and communities EMS professionals serve.
Prisma Health Ambulance Service was selected for its commitment to clinical excellence, innovative care delivery models, workforce development, research participation and quality improvement initiatives that improve patient outcomes across South Carolina. These qualities align with the national award criteria, which recognize EMS services that demonstrate leadership in community outreach, staff development and advancing the profession.
“This national recognition reflects Prisma Health's commitment to delivering exceptional care wherever patients need us, from emergency response and critical care transport to innovative community-based programs that improve access and outcomes,” said Angela Orsky, senior vice president, Value-Based Care & Clinical Integration. “We are proud of our EMS professionals whose expertise, compassion and dedication make a difference for thousands of South Carolinians every day.”
Prisma Health Ambulance Service is one of South Carolina's largest and most clinically advanced EMS systems, employing more than 350 professionals and operating 35 ambulances, 30 wheelchair vans and six blood-equipped quick response vehicles. The service responds to approximately 75,000 EMS calls and completes more than 52,000 transports annually, delivering emergency, specialty and critical care transport services throughout the region.
Aaron Dix, Administrator of ambulance services for Prisma Health, said, “This recognition reflects the dedication of every paramedic, EMT, communications specialist, community paramedic, support team member and clinical leader who serves patients every day. This award belongs to our entire team, whose commitment to excellence, compassion and innovation makes a difference in the lives of patients across South Carolina. We are honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve our communities.”
Prisma Health has become a national leader in prehospital medicine through innovations including South Carolina's first prehospital blood administration program, specialized PANDA teams that provide pediatric and neonatal transport, and a robust community paramedicine program completing more than 10,000 patient visits annually. The system’s Treat-in-Place initiative has achieved a 92% emergency department avoidance rate among participating nursing facilities, helping ensure patients receive the right care in the right setting.
The service also maintains accreditation through CAAS, CAMTS and APCO International. Prisma Health is one of only 14 Resuscitation Academy Beacon Communities in the nation, reflecting its commitment to evidence-based care and continuous improvement.
The award will be presented during EMS World Expo and the NAEMT Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
