Kate Kramer PA-C, ACFD Asst. Medical Director receives Regional EMS Excellence Award
Congratulations to Assistant Medical Director Kate Kramer PA-C on receiving the NOVA EMS Council’s EMS Excellence Award. She was recognized as an individual who exemplifies outstanding dedication and service to the statewide Virginia emergency medical services system and has demonstrated a commitment to a comprehensive, integrated system of emergency medical services throughout the Commonwealth.
PA-C Kramer spearheaded the “Make the Right Call” campaign to help the Arlington County residents and Community Medical Facilities understand the appropriate use of EMS resources in order to keep ambulances available for serious medical emergencies. Kate developed and now maintains a monthly program where County residents who frequently access EMS for non-emergent issues are identified and addressed with a collaborative plan including partners from law enforcement, social work, healthcare facilities, behavioral health, and substance abuse treatment. This work has led to significant improvements in the lives of our frequent users many of whom now have stable lives and resources due to the work of PA-C Kramer.
Kate has also been a national leader in her work promoting and developing the role of Physician Assistants in prehospital medicine. She is the co-fellowship director for the first PA EMS Fellowship in partnership with The George Washington University @GWU, where she is an adjunct faculty member and worked as an @gwuhospital Emergency Department PA prior to working with the Fire Department. This is an innovative and unique program that provides a framework for PAs who are interesting in entering EMS and helps to open doors in this emerging field. This program graduated its first fellow in May 2020 who has recently accepted a position in Minnesota working in a trauma center and with its hospital-based EMS program.
Throughout her tenure with the Arlington County Fire Department, Kate has been active on a number of Northern Virginia Regional Committees including Regional Stroke Collaborative, Virginia Heart Attack Coalition, NOVA EMS Council @NVEMSC, Regional Operational Medical Directors Committee and she was Chair for the NOVA Mobile Integrated Healthcare Committee. Kate’s work has spread to the entire region of Northern Virginia and she is an often-requested speaker for our neighboring jurisdictions in their pursuit of Community Paramedicine programs of their own. She is the embodiment of EMS integration into the overall Virginia healthcare system as well as leading the nation in innovative EMS operational thought. She is a great asset to the department, and we are proud to have her on board.
Other Accomplishments:
Leadership Arlington Young Professionals, 2015
Meritorious Service Award in the Chamber of Commerce Valor Awards, 2016.
ACFD representative on multiple community panels, e.g. Center for Aging and Office of Emergency Management for Preparedness
Presentations at VAOEMS Symposium, multiple years
Presentation at 2019 EMS Today National Conference