NAEMT honored the 2021 EMS Advocate of the Year Award recipients on April 6 during the virtual
EMS On The Hill Day Briefing. Sponsored this year by ZOLL, the award recognizes EMS professionals whose volunteer efforts advance EMS through educating and engaging elected government leaders, EMS and healthcare communities, and the public. NAEMT congratulates and thanks these recipients for their determined support on behalf of the EMS profession and our patients!
View the Briefing here.
Robert Glaspy, Paramedic (Connecticut)
Robert is a Nationally Registered Paramedic. His is also Director of External Affairs and member of the Board of Directors at the Connecticut Association of Paramedics and EMTs (CAPE), an organization he helped to establish. Robert has a strong passion for EMS advocacy and has been working with legislators to bring the concerns of EMS providers throughout the state to the capital.He is an advocate of EMS mental health issues and led the effort for recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in EMS personnel by speaking at the state Capitol and meeting with legislators of key mental health bills.
Robert informs EMS personnel on key legislative issues, their rights, and ways they can get involved. He's certified in mental health first aid and is advancing his knowledge of PTSD. A former coworker said, “Connecticut has been behind many states in recognizing that emergency personnel could suffer from PTSD, and Rob has been on the front lines from the beginning advocating for EMS.”
Maynard Konechne, EMT (South Dakota)
Maynard works at Kimball Volunteer Fire and Ambulance and is apolitical representative for both the South Dakota EMS Association and South Dakota Ambulance Association. An ambulance service director for over 30 years, Maynard has first-hand knowledge of the impact legislation can have on our EMS profession. He has logged countless hours and miles, making the 3+ hour round trip from his home to the state Capitol. He has built relationships and educated elected officials through phone calls, in-person conversations, and committee testimony, providing valuable information for draft legislation.
Maynard authors a weekly legislative update and encourages his fellow EMS professionals to contact him if they have any questions regarding current or potential legislation impacting EMS. Maynard has advocated on child abuse, human trafficking, seat belt requirements, CPR in schools, removing excise taxes, and ensuring recognition of EMS practitioners. This year, he distinguished himself by helping South Dakota became the 21st state to pass the Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate CompAct (REPLICA) legislation.
Nominations for this award are evaluated on the extent to which the nominee effectively advocates for the passage of EMS legislation by:
- Educating elected government leaders at the local, state or federal levels on the components of the legislation and how it supports the ability of EMS to provide quality patient care.
- Building strong relationships with the elected officials and their staff who have influence over the passage of EMS legislation.
- Educating fellow EMS professionals about EMS legislation; how the legislation would impact the ability of EMS to provide quality patient care; the importance of advocating for the legislation; and how to effectively advocate.
- Engaging members of the EMS profession in advocacy activities in support of the legislation.
The 2021 EMS Advocate of the Year Award recipients are commended for their tremendous efforts to advance EMS care and sincerely thanked for their service to their communities, states and nation.
Award sponsored by