NASEMSO Recognizes Delaware with Organization’s First Award for National EMS Office Of Year

State’s emergency medical services recognized

for excellent leadership, innovation and impact

July 31, 2025

Delaware’s emergency medical services was the first to win the “State EMS Office of the Year” award from the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO).

NASEMSO cited the state for “demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and measurable impact across all facets of EMS system development, coordination and oversight.” According to the association, the award “celebrates a comprehensive commitment to advancing EMS at the state level, addressing challenges and setting benchmarks for excellence.”

Donna Doyle, deputy director and paramedic administrator in the state’s EMS office, says Delaware is doing a lot right when it comes to providing care. One example is the state’s whole blood program, which allows first responders to administer blood to trauma victims at the scene and in transit.

“We have our three counties and our DSP all carrying blood now to the scene of an accident, so that they can be treated before they get to the hospital,” she says.

Doyle notes another program equips first responders with Buprenorphine, which helps reduce cravings for opioids. It is often administered alongside Narcan in overdose cases to help people with substance use disorders avoid detox while seeking help.

“With Buprenorphine, we’re able to start them on the path to recovery,” Doyle says. “So the paramedics will talk to the patients and gain their interest and put them on a path to recovery.”

Going forward, Doyle says OEMS wants to focus on first responders’ mental health.

“Basically, they deal with a lot,” she says, “so we’re making sure that we are staying up with technology or staying up with new things that are out there for this younger generation to make sure that they’re OK.”

NASEMSO also awarded Delaware OEMS with an honorable mention for its use of data in a partnership with the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission. This accolade cited the demonstration of “exceptional use of data and analytics to drive system improvement, policy decisions or public transparency.”

“EMS professionals are the backbone of our emergency response system, providing critical care when it is needed most,” said Governor Matt Meyer, who lauded Delaware EMS for “unwavering dedication to the health and safety of our communities.”

This article is adapted from the post at https://www.delawarepublic.org/science-health-tech/2025-06-11/delaware-ems-office-named-top-in-country with additional material from the State of Delaware and the National Association of State EMS Officials.