Valdosta Fire Department Firefighters Receive Life Save Awards

The Valdosta Fire Department (VFD) received an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Agency License from the Georgia Department of Public Health, Office of EMS and Trauma as a Licensed Medical First Responder (MFR) Agency in May 2022. For the first time in its history, the VFD is now recognized as a Fire/EMS agency.

On August 11, 2022, during the City Council Meeting, the Valdosta Fire Department (VFD) and South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) recognized five firefighters for their impact on the disposition of patients they responded to and treated since obtaining the MFR license.

Lieutenant Wade Briggs and Sergeant Allen Carter received a Life Save Award for their emergency medical efforts on a pediatric cardiac arrest. Lieutenant Charles Phillips, Lieutenant Michael Walden, and Firefighter William Sumner received the same award for their treatment of an adult patient in cardiac arrest.

Ms. Emily Brown, SGMC Trauma Program Manager/ Interim EMS Director, played a key role in helping VFD acquire its MFR license. Brown attended the joint award presentation and was also recognized and given a City of Valdosta coin for her assistance in obtaining the MFR license and strengthening the partnership between the VFD and SGMC.

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