Sunstar Paramedics employee James La Femina received the John Morroni Award for Excellence at the annual ceremony honoring public safety professionals.
James was recognized for his heroic efforts in saving a participant in a swim event at Pinellas County Park on Sand Key. According to a bystander, the patient collapsed shortly after the swim event. James was close by and immediately responded, identifying that the patient had suffered a cardiac arrest event. James acted immediately using bystander CPR, activating the 911 system and providing advanced level care. A few days later the 61-year-old male walked away from the hospital without major lasting effects.
James began his career in EMS as an EMT in 2010. He is currently an assistant operations supervisor with Sunstar where he has been part of the team since 2012. He completed paramedic school in 2014 and continued his education becoming a critical care paramedic using his skills to transport high acuity patients within the Pinellas healthcare system.
The Morroni Award of Excellence in EMS is presented annually to EMS professionals who display exceptional dedication above and beyond the call of duty. More than 500 people attended the dinner on February 15th at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park.
