Vanderbilt LifeFlight is no stranger to the annual Star of Life Award that honors the exemplary front-line care, service and dedication of EMS personnel across the state.
The air and ground ambulance transport has been recognized on multiple occasions by Children’s Emergency Care Alliance (CECA), which hosts an event that serves as a tribute to the bravery, professionalism and tireless commitment of EMS and first responders who provide lifesaving care to adult and pediatric patients.
This year, LifeFlight 8, based in Humboldt, Tennessee, was recognized with the Region 7 Award for its work in responding to a mass casualty in Carroll County in 2023. It is the second time this specific unit has been recognized for its work.
In December 2023, a motor vehicle crash involving six female passengers required multiple EMS and first responder services. Because of the severity of injuries to one victim, LifeFlight was called to assist with transport.
“Carroll County was overwhelmed with this particular call,” said Chad Hollingsworth, RN, chief flight nurse and base manager with LifeFlight 8. “They needed patients transported to a trauma center. Carroll County did a phenomenal job triaging all of the patients and organizing transports, which allowed us to focus on lifesaving care to those who needed it.
“I’m exceptionally proud of the care our team gives all of the time. It’s incredible to see all of the first responders come together. It’s a true team effort. The collaboration is phenomenal,” Hollingsworth said of the multiple services involved including the Carroll County Volunteer Rescue Squad, Carroll County 911 Dispatch, Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and Priority EMS.
“While we are honored and grateful for the award, this is an example of what all of our eight rotor-wing helicopters, fixed-wing aircrafts, critical care ground trucks and event medicine teams do for LifeFlight on a regular basis. It’s great to be recognized.”
Members of LifeFlight 8 also include Lyle Holmes, flight paramedic, and Mark Dittrich, pilot.
The patient requiring trauma care underwent multiple surgeries and treatments for a head bleed and facial fractures. She is making a full recovery, according to Hollingsworth.
There are 8 EMS regions included in the recognition ceremony. Other categories featured include Outstanding Achievement in Maternal and Neonate Emergency Response Award, State Winner Award, and the Project ADAM Heart Hero Award, its most recent honor created in 2023.
Project ADAM (Automated Defibrillators in Adam’s Memory) is a national organization committed to making schools “heart safe” by preventing sudden cardiac death in schools and communities through education and life-saving programs. The program has helped place hundreds of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in Tennessee schools and train school personnel on emergency preparedness and use of the devices.
The 2024 Project ADAM award recipient is Leoma Elementary School in Lawrence County.
The school was honored for successfully administering initial care and ultimately saving a student’s life until EMS arrived.
In April 2023, students had just completed state testing and were outdoors enjoying a break. A group of students were rolling down a hill, when one student stopped halfway down.
“Teachers rushed over and realized that the student was in cardiac arrest and began administering CPR and activated the school’s emergency response team and called 911,” said Kane Watkins, AAS-EMS, MDI, IC, assistant director of the Lawrence County EMS. “The Project ADAM coordinator at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Angel Carter, trained the teams at the schools. They did a great job.
“The school staff and emergency responders alike demonstrated swift actions and quick assessments and provided lifesaving interventions. This successful resuscitation highlights the importance of nonmedical personnel learning how to administer CPR and use an AED,” Watkins said.
During the awards ceremony, emergency personnel were reunited with patients they saved, often for the first time since the day of their rescues. Patients were able to publicly thank the first responders on stage. EMS agencies are presented a stone star award, and each member of the EMS team involved in the rescues receives a certificate and a Star of Life pin that is worn on their dress uniforms.
The patients are presented with a Certificate of Life recognizing them for their bravery and resiliency.
