Acadian names EMT, Paramedic of the Year
May 31--When he became an emergency medical technician for Acadian Ambulance two years ago, Houma resident Davontray Davis said, he was warned that it was a thankless job, but he didn't become an EMT for the recognition.
"I was told that I probably won't ever get a thank you, but that's not what I'm looking for," he said. "For me, my reward is getting to send someone else home to their family and see another day."
Davis received a big thank you anyway when he was honored as the company's regional EMT of the Year for this area. He was also a finalist for the overall Louisiana-Mississippi honor.
Davis joined his Acadian Ambulance colleague Brent Pellegrin, of Chauvin, who was honored as the regional Paramedic of the Year for this area and was also a finalist for the overall two-state honor.
Pellegrin, who has been with Acadian for almost 27 years and has been stationed in Terrebonne Parish for his entire career, said helping people is in his blood.
"I like to help people in need," Pellegrin said. "I grew up in the fire service. My father was a volunteer firefighter and president of the Fire Association back in the late 1970s, so I was always around fire departments. That eventually turned into being around ambulances."
Each year, Acadian Ambulance recognizes medics for their work ethic and dedication, the company said in a news release. All finalists are known as outstanding paramedics and EMTs who display exemplary attitudes and provide excellent patient care, the company said.
Pellegrin holds a critical care transport certificate, allowing him to provide the highest level of patient care, Acadian Ambulance said. He also followed in his father's footsteps by serving as a volunteer firefighter.
Acadian Operations Manager Joe Szush praised Pellegrin's work ethic.
"Brent arrives at work early, completes a thorough inventory, provides excellent patient care, treats both families and patients with compassion, and he is well-respected by medical professionals, firefighters and law enforcement," Szush said.
Davis, who is also stationed in Terrebonne Parish, said he wanted to be an EMT since he was in junior high school.
"I enjoy the diversity of the job," Davis said. "I like waking up not knowing what's going to happen at work. I also like caring for people and helping others, so this is my opportunity to do it."
After graduating with honors from H.L. Bourgeois High School, Davis attended the National EMS Academy to earn his EMT certification.
"Helping people and interacting with his patients and coworkers bring Davontray the most joy while at work," Szush said. "He says he and his partner live in the ambulance, and he makes the best of it and has fun whenever appropriate. Davontray was nominated by his peers because he is a hard worker, has a positive attitude and is always smiling."
Acadian Ambulance is one of the largest ambulance services in the nation, offering emergency and non-emergency transportation in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi.
--Staff Writer Dan Copp can be reached at 857-2202 or at dan.copp@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter@DanVCopp.
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