Health First’s David Schmitt Named EMS Educator of Year

By  //  May 27, 2015

honored by Florida Department of Health

ABOVE VIDEO: David Schmitt created the annual Health First Free CPR Day that has provided free CPR training to more than 10,000 citizens of Brevard and surrounding communities. This year more than 4,000 people are expected to attend Health First FREE CPR Day & 5K on June 13 at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN CPR FREE

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Florida Department of Health has named David Schmitt, Supervisor and Lead Instructor of the Health First Training Center, as the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Educator of the Year.

The award honors an EMS instructor or course coordinator who has made a positive contribution to EMS education in Florida and has successfully implemented a program or initiative that supports the fulfillment of the Florida EMS Strategic Plan.

“We are very proud of David for being named EMS Educator of the Year,” said Paula Just, Chief Human Resources Officer for Health First.

Paula Just
Paula Just

“Thanks to his leadership and dedication our Training Center helps train thousands of first responders and members of our community in life-saving skills that make Brevard County a safer place to live and visit.”

Schmitt is a longtime EMT-Paramedic and an experienced advanced provider and instructor in the delivery of acute care, resuscitation and stabilization of the sick and injured.

He has designed, implemented, presented and evaluated multiple emergency and trauma-related educational programs.

The Health First Training Center offers a wide variety of educational opportunities including courses on CPR, First Aid, AED Training, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Dysrhythmia, EMT and Paramedic Refresher Training.

Albert Botelho, above right, collapsed of a massive heart attack at a 5K in March, but was saved with immediate CPR by Dave Schmitt, above left, from Health First who just happened to be walking behind him in the race. AT LEFT: Botelho, far left, walking with Health First Health Plans President and CEO Ed Griese.
Albert Botelho, above right, collapsed of a massive heart attack at a 5K last year, but was saved with immediate CPR by Dave Schmitt, above left, from Health First who just happened to be walking behind him in the race. (Image for Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine)

Schmitt created the annual Health First Free CPR Day that has provided free CPR training to more than 10,000 citizens of Brevard and surrounding communities. This year more than 4,000 people are expected to attend Health First FREE CPR Day & 5K on June 13 at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.

Learn How To Save A Life At Health First’s FREE CPR Day! Register FREE Now!Related Story:
Learn How To Save A Life At Health First’s FREE CPR Day! Register FREE Now!

He also recently designed and provided Tactical Medical Casualty Care training to more than 700 law enforcement officers with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Cocoa Police Department, Melbourne Police Department and others as part of their Active Shooter and Officer Rescue training.

police-swat-350
Davis Schmitt recently designed and provided Tactical Medical Casualty Care training to more than 700 law enforcement officers with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Cocoa Police Department, Melbourne Police Department and others as part of their Active Shooter and Officer Rescue training. (Health-First.org image)

The Florida Department of Health announced its 2015 Excellence in EMS Awards, including naming Brevard County Fire Rescue as EMS Provider of the Year, in recognition of National EMS Week during May 17-23.

Schmitt will receive his honor at an awards ceremony in mid-July in Orlando in conjunction with the State EMS Advisory Council meetings and the 41st Annual Clinical Conference (ClinCon) on Emergency Medical Services of the Emergency Medicine Learning & Resource Center (EMLRC), which sponsors the awards.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN CPR FREE