BRIDGEPORT, CT (May 23, 2025) – Bridgeport Hospital celebrated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week by honoring some of the best in the area. The hospital held its annual EMS awards ceremony, which recognizes those who go above and beyond.
This year’s EMS Provider of the Year Award went to William Wintermute, a paramedic with AMR-Bridgeport. The award is given to the provider who consistently demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and patient care throughout the year. Wintermute was honored for his high level of clinical excellence, as well as an unwavering level of professionalism in everything he does.
“Will is known among his colleagues to be reliable, efficient and always willing to help,” said Doug Latham, MD, EMS medical director for Bridgeport Hospital. “Will always presents himself in a positive, professional manner. He strives to make his patients feel valued, safe and cared for on every call, whether routine or life-threatening.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to public safety and emergency medical service, was presented to Erin Smith, a paramedic supervisor with Stratford EMS. She started her EMS journey in 1998 as a Stratford EMS Explorer and has served the community as a paramedic with both Stratford EMS and AMR. Her expertise and dedication have been integral to each operation where she was involved.
“Erin is a consummate professional known for her integrity, leadership and tireless commitment to excellence, which elevates the standard of care and professionalism in our field,” said Dr. Latham.
The ceremony also honored EMS providers from AMR Bridgeport, Easton EMS, Monroe Police and Volunteer EMS, Nelson Ambulance, Stratford EMS, Trumbull EMS and Valley EMS.
Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit 501-bed acute care hospital with two campuses (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital). Its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses serve patients from across the region. The hospital admits more than 23,000 patients and provides nearly 350,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 64 verified burn centers in the United States. Bridgeport Hospital is committed to providing safe, compassionate and cost efficient care to its patients and the community. www.bridgeporthospital.org
