November 23, 2021 (Hereford, TX) – The Texas Department of State Health Services today will award Terry Hazlett, EMS director at Deaf Smith County Hospital District, its EMS Administrator Award. The award honors an administrator, researcher, or manager at the local, county, regional, or state level who has made a positive contribution to EMS and is committed to building a strong team able to respond effectively. The award is being presented at a luncheon today held as part of the Texas EMS conference in Austin.

“Terry’s service over the last year went above and beyond, and I respect and admire her both personally and professionally,” said Jeff Barnhart, CEO, Deaf Smith County Hospital District. “Terry stepped up to help her entire community during a truly challenging time. She is a team player and a fine example of a Texas EMS professional.”

In his nomination of Hazlett for the EMS Administrator award, Barnhart cited her identification of Vapotherm technology as an investment for the hospital to help COVID-19 patients avoid intubation and mechanical ventilation. Today, the hospital uses Vapotherm not only in the hospital but with patients needing transport to a higher level of care. Hazlett also flew with the aeromedical crews to ensure the therapy is used properly throughout the patient transport until arrival at the destination hospital.

“I’m honored to receive this award on behalf of our entire EMS and hospital team and community,” said Hazlett. “Being able to be a part of a strong rural health care system that never loses sight of serving our community is a real privilege.”

“It is a true pleasure to work with Terry,” said Barnhart. “And, the community’s love and respect for her are evident.”