Rick Shaver, WorkSmart director and paramedic with Deaf Smith County Hospital District, was recognized for 20 consecutive years of National EMS Certification by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Shaver’s decades-long commitment to maintaining his certification status as a paramedic ensures that he is always operating with the most up-to-date information and training to deliver the highest quality emergency care.

“We’re grateful for employees like Rick who have made a firm commitment to providing the best possible emergency care for our community,” said Candice Smith, Deaf Smith County Hospital District interim CEO. “His dedication is a credit to our hospital and the entire EMS team that works tirelessly to be there for us when we need them most.”

Shaver maintains his EMS certification as a paramedic by meeting the continuing education and recertification requirements set forth by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. This process includes completing comprehensive training on a variety of subjects to be recertified every two years.

In addition to his duties as a paramedic with the EMS team, Shaver serves as the hospital’s WorkSmart director, overseeing the employee wellness program that offers wellness benefits to area employees and matches employees to jobs that fit their physical abilities in order to reduce workplace injuries.

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians serves as the National EMS Certification organization by providing a valid, uniform process to assess the knowledge and skills required for competent practice by EMS professionals throughout their careers and by maintaining a registry of certification status.