A Reid Health emergency physician who has served as the EMS Medical Director for several local first responder agencies for nearly a decade now has earned statewide recognition for her work.
Emily Kraft, MD, was awarded the Leader of the Year Award by the Indiana EMS Association at the organization's recent Golden Siren Award Banquet.
The Centerville resident has been with Reid since 2017 in her role as EMS Medical Director, collaborating with local agencies on both sides of the Indiana-Ohio state line.
"I was honored to be nominated especially with other great EMS leadership from around the state. This award was particularly meaningful because it came as a complete surprise," Dr. Kraft said. "The first responder community is a family. I'm honored and privileged to work with heroes every day.
"Working as an emergency physician allows me to be there for patients on what might be their worst day. It's always my hope that regardless of the circumstances, I can make it better."
Over the past eight years, Dr. Kraft has pushed to elevate the standard of local emergency care, ensuring first responders have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need in life-threatening situations.
She has led numerous training initiatives and been a driving force behind new triage protocols, advanced technologies, and partnerships with public health agencies.
"Dr. Kraft embodies the core values of integrity, compassion, and service. Her ability to lead by example, inspire her colleagues, and advocate for the needs of both patients and providers makes her a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious award," said Ryan Williams, Director of EMS, Forensics, and Trauma Services for Reid Health.
Over the past year, Dr. Kraft has helped create Reid Health's EMS Training Institute, which offers education for those who'd like to become a certified emergency medical technician or a licensed paramedic.
"I'm very proud of the development of the EMS Training Institute to help more students successfully become paramedics in our region," she said. "We're nearing the end of the first cohort, and I couldn't be prouder of their hard work. This was a collaborative effort with many stakeholders in our community and shows the commitment to first responders in our region.
"Being able to offer a high-quality training program locally allows more opportunity for our region's EMS providers to advance their careers and increases the number of paramedics available to serve our community."
The paramedic program is an 11-month course that begins each fall with up to 15 students and includes classroom as well as clinical shifts in hospital and field-based experiences.
Those who complete the course and obtain their paramedic license have the opportunity to receive verified credit from Ivy Tech Community College toward the completion of the school's Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Science degree.
"Dr. Emily Kraft exemplifies the highest standard of clinical excellence and compassionate leadership. Her unwavering dedication to our EMS partners -- along with her tireless commitment to education, innovation, and advocacy -- has elevated emergency care not just in our region but across the state," said Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer for Reid Health.
"Through her vision and influence, Dr. Kraft is helping shape the future of EMS in Indiana, ensuring first responders have the tools, training, and support they need to save lives. This well-deserved recognition reflects not only her expertise as a physician but also the deep trust and respect she's earned from colleagues, first responders, and communities throughout Indiana. We're incredibly proud to have her as part of our team."
