Covington, Ga. (November 13, 2024) – The staff of the Piedmont Newton Hospital Emergency Department have selected Zach Roberts and Royal Prueter with Central EMS to jointly receive the first-ever “EMS Hero Award” from the hospital. This quarterly award celebrates an emergency medical services (EMS) provider who has made a positive difference for a patient.

“We have worked hard with our counterparts at Central EMS to develop an effective partnership that contributes to saving lives,” said Lindsey Petrini, chief executive officer of Piedmont Newton. “Our patients are receiving high-quality care from the onset of their medical emergencies, and we want to recognize some of the best examples of that with this new awards program for first responders.”

Roberts and Prueter won the inaugural EMS Hero Award for their response to a person struggling to breathe. A family member wanted the patient taken to Athens for care. But after examining the patient, Roberts and Prueter advised that more urgent medical attention was needed. They brought the patient to Piedmont Newton instead, which was much closer, and the patient quickly received time-sensitive, life-saving medication.

Lindee Starr, a staff nurse in the emergency room at Piedmont Newton, nominated Roberts and Prueter for their critical decision in this situation. She wrote, “Their judgment and knowledge in the field made all the difference for this patient, who may not have survived or had such a great outcome otherwise.”

Hospital leaders recognized this quarter’s heroes at a meeting on November 12th.