DETROIT — Detroit EMS providers were honored during a National EMS Week 2026 ceremony at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
A patient survival story was also highlighted during the ceremony, underscoring the role Detroit EMS crews play in saving lives, WDIV reported.
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On Feb. 18, Blake was shot in the arm and chest in Detroit and was in critical condition.
“My life really could’ve been gone, actually, and it feels good to wake up and have another chance,” Blake said.
Robert Dunne, medical director for the Detroit East Medical Control Authority and the Detroit Fire Department, said Blake was bleeding heavily and had a collapsed lung that EMS crews treated before transport. He said the intervention likely saved her life during the ride to the hospital.
Six EMS providers and a supervisor responded to the shooting, stabilizing Blake at the scene before transporting her to the hospital.
The EMS crew that treated Blake received the Kim L. Lifesaver of the Year Award, one of the highest honors in the Detroit East Medical Control Authority system. The award is named for Kim Lagerquist, a pioneer in Michigan emergency medicine.
Detroit Fire Department Paramedic Lt. Michael Vick, Firefighter/Paramedic William Campbell, Firefighter/EMT Travis VanGorder, Firefighter/EMT Reginald Street, Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Martus, Firefighter/Paramedic Alexander Knell and Trial Firefighter/EMT Louis Delgado were honored during the ceremony.
