Garcia recognized for EMT work

April 22--State Sen. Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo, recently was recognized for his advocacy by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians in Washington, D.C.

At the association's annual "On The Hill" visit, Garcia received the Advocate of the Year award, recognizing his efforts to advance the Emergency Medical Services profession in the Colorado General Assembly.

Garcia participated in a bill to create a community program that would train paramedics and EMTs to provide out-of-hospital services by filling gaps and meeting the health care needs of the community; a bill that set training standards and best teaching practices to ensure all emergency medical service providers are best equipped and qualified to help those in need; and a bill to create specialized emergency medical services license plates for motor vehicles for certified emergency medical service professionals.

"It is truly humbling to be recognized by the NAEMT through this award," Garica said. "Our emergency medical service providers are there for us when we are often in our most dire hours, and they deserve our support at every level of government. As a paramedic myself, I am proud to know I can make a difference in Coloradans lives."

The NAEMT EMS Advocate of the Year is a national award that was established to recognize EMS professionals for their volunteer efforts to support the EMS profession through congressional representation and legislation.

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