Braun Ambulances honors 2019 NAEMT EMT of the Year

Each year, Braun Ambulances partners with NAEMT (National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians) to recognize an emergency medical technician who demonstrates outstanding emergency medical services to those that they serve. The recipient’s primary role should be that of prehospital care, but those nominated often go beyond the call of service.

The winner of the 2019 NAEMT EMT of the Year Award is Freya Whalen. Freya is an EMT for CoxHealth in Springfield, Missouri. Freya is a volunteer fire lieutenant and EMT for the 911 and transfer hospital-based service. Freya works diligently to provide EMS knowledge to her peers in fire and EMS services, as well as future and student EMTs, by working as an EMT field training officer and instructor. Freya was nominated for the award by her peer Aerla McCoy who said, “Freya is honest and genuinely compassionate to her patients, making them feel taken care of. She has a drive to make the patient experience the best healing experience possible. She is a shining example of an EMT.”

Freya has worked with communities to train them on the importance CPR, bleeding control, AED use, and injury prevention and safety. Freya has also worked as an advocate for child safety, EMS practitioner safety and resilience, and patient care. When she was interviewed by a local publication, Freya said, “In healthcare, we are given a rare opportunity to be there for someone in their darkest time and to help them. Be it big or small, the things we do and say are important.”

Freya and other National EMS Award winners were honored during NAEMT’s Membership Meeting and during the 2019 EMS World Opening Ceremony. The event was held in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 15-16, 2019. “It’s an honor for us to be able to recognize those who provide such excellent patient care as EMTs,” says Chad Brown, VP of Sales and Marketing at Braun Ambulances. “It truly gives us a chance to honor those who dedicate their lives to their patients and profession. Congratulations, Freya Whalen, and thank you for all that you do for your community!”

Congratulations, Freya!