Gunnison Valley Health EMS and Physician Win State Awards

Gunnison Valley Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Shay Krier M.D, Gunnison Valley Health’s EMS Medical Director and Emergency Medical Physician, have been recognized at the state level for EMS Ambulance Service of the Year and Physician Excellence in EMS by the Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado.

The EMS Ambulance Service-of the Year Award honors an ambulance service which has become a leader in patient care, medical control, quality assurance, training and public education. The Dr. Valentin E. Wohlauer Award for Physician Excellence in EMS is presented to a physician who has made a substantial contribution to the advancement of EMS in Colorado.

Gunnison Valley Health’s EMS Chief, CJ Malcolm, said the state award recognition reflects the team’s commitment and dedication to continual support of the Gunnison Valley community.

“As first responders, we are passionate about helping our community and saving lives,” Malcolm said. “To be recognized as EMS Ambulance Service of the Year in Colorado is an enormous achievement, especially during a pandemic year.”

Malcolm added that Dr. Shay Krier was instrumental in providing the leadership to advance the EMS service forward and is delighted he was awarded the Dr. Valentin E. Wohlauer Award for Physician Excellence in EMS.

“Dr. Krier provides the expertise, knowledge and guidance from a physician’s perspective to drive our EMS service to excellence,” he said. “This award is very well-deserved and we are thrilled his leadership to deliver exceptional care has been recognized as the best in the state.”

Gunnison Valley Health EMS provides the community with many services other than transfers to and from the hospital. The team has gone above and beyond to embed themselves within the community through their participation in Gunnison Valley’s Incident Command, reorganizing the administration of dispatch and being proactive in community education. With a response perimeter of 4,400 square miles, the 24/7 staff are trained to respond to all medical emergencies including rescue hazards.

The Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado Vice President and Crested Butte Fire Protection District CEO, Sean Caffrey, said that Gunnison Valley Health EMS and Dr. Krier clearly deserve this recognition.

“Of the 200+ ambulance organizations in the state, Gunnison Valley Health EMS has an enormous service area, provides outstanding care at the highest level, and is an excellent partner in the community,” Caffrey said. “Furthermore, Dr. Krier is an exemplary medical director who is actively engaged, works closely with the EMTs and paramedics under his supervision, and serves as a role model to physicians statewide.”

Gunnison Valley Health’s CEO, Rob Santilli, said being honored at a state level for EMS Ambulance Service of the Year and Physician Excellence in EMS demonstrates the team’s ability to deliver exceptional services to our community.

“To be the best in the state is an outstanding achievement,” Santilli said. “I’m very proud of Dr. Krier and the EMS team for delivering extraordinary care and supporting community efforts to make a positive difference to the lives of many.”

The awards were announced at the 48 ^th Annual Colorado State EMS Conference, held virtually from November 5-7.