Bi-County Ambulance personnel demonstrate airway training equipment during the organization's 50th anniversary celebration earlier this year. Bi-County Ambulance recently honored paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers and support staff during National EMS Week 2026. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Bi-County Ambulance recognized its paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers and support personnel during National Emergency Medical Services Week, observed May 17 through May 23.

National EMS Week is recognized annually across the country to honor emergency medical services professionals and their role in providing emergency care and protecting public health.

"National EMS Week provides an important opportunity to recognize the remarkable individuals who serve our communities every day," said Alex Bumpus, president and chief executive officer of Bi-County Ambulance. "Our team members consistently demonstrate professionalism, compassion and dedication under some of the most challenging circumstances, and we are proud to celebrate their commitment."

Throughout the week, Bi-County Ambulance hosted employee appreciation events, continuing education opportunities, wellness activities and its annual EMS Skills Throwdown competition.

Bi-County Ambulance personnel demonstrate training equipment during the organization's 50th anniversary celebration earlier this year. Bi-County Ambulance recently recognized employees during National EMS Week 2026. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

The EMS Skills Throwdown featured hands-on clinical challenges conducted over multiple days, allowing paramedics and EMTs from different shifts to participate while maintaining emergency response coverage. Organizers said the competition gave participants an opportunity to test their clinical skills and teamwork.

The organization also conducted its annual EMS Awards nomination process, allowing employees to recognize colleagues for service, leadership, teamwork and dedication. Bi-County Ambulance announced award recipients and competition winners on May 22.

The 2026 EMS Awards recipients included Ashleigh Stoddard, who received the 24/7 Lifeline Award for Supervisor of the Year; Eric Miller, who received the Golden Laryngoscope Medic Award; Mauricio Sandoval, recipient of the Silver Stethoscope EMT Award; Miles Charter, recipient of the Rookie You'd Want Beside You Award; Cole Jacinto, recipient of the Knowledge Drop Award; and Dan Amaral, recipient of the Phoenix Award.

Jacinto also received the Protocol Whisperer Award for exceptional protocol knowledge and clinical precision.

Bi-County Ambulance said it remains focused on employee development, workforce wellness and partnerships aimed at strengthening emergency medical services throughout the Yuba-Sutter region.