MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., May 26, 2023 — Livingston County EMS is proud to announce that the Monroe Livingston Regional EMS (MLREMS) Council has recognized the team of Jonathan Lindskoog and David Thomas as the 2022 Advanced Life Support Providers of the Year, and Howard Smith as the 2022 Basic Life Support Provider of the Year during the MLREMS Council Award Ceremony.
The awards recognize individuals who demonstrate dedication, responsibility, and exemplary professional behavior in the EMS environment, said Livingston County EMS Director Karen Dewar.
"These awards are a testament to the exceptional skills, dedication, and life-saving efforts of our outstanding team members. Jonathan Lindskoog, David Thomas, and Howard Smith have consistently gone above and beyond in providing compassionate care to our community," said Dewar. "Their unwavering commitment to excellence and their remarkable teamwork exemplify the core values of our organization and I commend them for their service to our County."
Jonathan Lindskoog, who started his EMS career in 2010 and became a Paramedic in 2015, was recognized by the council for his relentless drive to be the best prehospital clinician possible. Since becoming a shift supervisor in 2017, Lindskoog has proven himself time and again as a reliable and highly trained Specialty Care Transport Paramedic.
David Thomas, a Paramedic since 2012, joined Livingston County EMS in 2017 and has been acknowledged for his exemplary performance and compassionate care. Thomas is praised by coworkers for his adept technical skills, thoughtful clinical approach, and consistently professional and calm presence in extremely high-pressure situations. He is also a valued member of Livonia Ambulance.
Howard Smith began his EMS career in 1979 and, after 37 years of dedicated service, became a New York State EMT. Smith is highly regarded as an outstanding citizen, ambulance partner, and colleague, known for his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to patients. He is also a respected member of Mount Morris Ambulance.
The awards were presented by the MLREMS Council based on the exceptional performance and contributions of these individuals throughout the year. One particular call highlights the incredible teamwork and life-saving efforts of the team. In November of 2022, Paramedic Thomas and EMT Smith were dispatched to a critical situation where an individual was unconscious and not breathing. Despite time and distance challenges, they arrived swiftly and immediately jumped into action. With bystander CPR already in progress, Paramedic Thomas administered a life-saving shock within one minute of arrival, while EMT Smith took over CPR. Paramedic Supervisor Lindskoog joined the team seamlessly a minute later, and together they administered CPR, IVs, medications, and a total of five shocks. As a result of their swift actions, the patient regained their pulse and was successfully transported to the hospital. Eventually, the patient was discharged home to a grateful family.
Livingston County EMS is proud to share the exceptional efforts and unwavering determination demonstrated by Jonathan Lindskoog, David Thomas, and Howard Smith. Their commitment to providing outstanding prehospital care has saved lives and brought comfort to numerous individuals and families throughout the community.
For more information about Livingston County EMS, please visit https://www.livingstoncounty.us/1278/Emergency-Medical-Services.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.