The Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Professionals of the Year were recognized during the May 6 Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners meeting. The awards are given in May each year in celebration of National EMS Week.

Chris Eisenhardt, SWAT Paramedic for Sunstar, was honored as Pinellas County Paramedic of the Year. Chris guides the County Tactical EMS Team, in conjunction with Sunstar and the Pinellas County Sherriff’s Office. He was honored due to his leadership and contributions to both Sunstar and the County. Chris played a major role in writing the tactical medical protocols in affect for not only the Pinellas Tactical Medical Team, but for teams at other municipal agencies in the County as well. This protocol has also received recognition from agencies around the country.

Sunstar’s Jay Horne was also recognized during the meeting as Emergency Medical Technician of the Year. He was among the first emergency responders on the scene of Ireland Nugent’s tragic riding lawnmower accident. Ireland, who was 2 years old at the time, had to undergo two below-the-knee amputations. Jay assisted in transferring Ireland to the Bayflite crew, showing top-notch emergency response skills while responding with the highest level of calm and competence under such an emotional situation. Due to the exceptional care Jay provided that day, alongside partner Christopher Jennings, he was previously awarded the Commissioner John M. Morroni Award and the Star of Life award from the American Ambulance Association.

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