EMS / First Responder Caring Award
THE DYNAREX FIRST RESPONDER CARING AWARD (FRCA)
For the past 10 years, the Dynarex EMS/FRCA has recognized an EMS professional or agency that has demonstrated exceptional caring through community service actions and/or programs designed to improve the health and safety of the community they serve. It honors and recognizes the entire EMS all EMS professionals — who provide quality emergency patient care to their communities every day. The award is usually presented as part of the National EMS Awards of Excellence every year.
POWER, PURPOSE, AND PROGRESS AT EMS WORLD EXPO 2026
Orlando set the stage for an extraordinary gathering of EMS professionals from across the nation — and Dynarex was proud to champion excellence in emergency care.
Thousands of EMTs, paramedics, and first responders came together at EMS World Expo 2026 to share expertise, explore innovation, and connect with others across the field. It was an exciting week that showcased the dedication and collaboration driving the EMS community forward.
Honoring EMS Heroes
Dynarex proudly sponsored the 2026 Dynarex EMS First Responder Caring Award (FRCA), presented to Lt. Sarah Studley, firefighter/paramedic with Orange County Fire Rescue.
During the opening ceremony, Kimberly Grace, Dynarex Regional Vice President, Sales – East, presented the FRCA in recognition of Lt. Studley’s commitment to advancing inclusive, patient-centered emergency response. As part of the 2026 National EMS Awards of Excellence, the FRCA honors EMS professionals who demonstrate exceptional compassion, leadership, and commitment to the communities they serve.
FALL 2026 EMS WORLD ONLINE PUBLICATION
The EMS World Expo Fall 2026 issue includes a cover story on the FDNY Search and Rescue Field Medicine Symposium. Feature articles explore rural EMS challenges and pediatric death. Bonus coverage showcases the winners of the 2026 EMS Awards of Excellence — including the First Responder Caring Award (FRCA) winner. Columns cover mechanical CPR and ambulance fraud crackdown efforts and more.
2026 FRCA Winner
Lt. Sarah Studley, Firefighter/Paramedic Orange County Fire Rescue
Lt. Sarah Studley, a firefighter/paramedic with Orange County Fire Rescue, has advanced a more inclusive, patient-centered approach to emergency response for residents with functional, access, sensory, and communication needs. Her work reaches across a department with 45 stations that responds to more than 124,000 calls each year.
Studley established the department’s Functional Needs Registry, a voluntary program that lets residents securely provide important information before an emergency occurs. Participants can document medical conditions, mobility limitations, and communication preferences, giving first responders critical insight into individual needs before they arrive on scene.
In 2025, Studley expanded the department’s support for patients with sensory needs by introducing sensory bags on every Orange County Fire Rescue transport unit. The bags give responders resources to help minimize sensory overload, increase patient comfort, and support clearer communication throughout care and transport. Studley also leads autism and sensory-awareness training through the department’s Preceptor Academy, helping responders identify sensory triggers and use appropriate de-escalation strategies.
Studley extended those efforts into the community by organizing Orange County Fire Rescue’s first Sensory-Friendly Open House during Autism Awareness Month. In partnership with the University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and Crayola Experience Orlando, the event gave neurodiverse residents and their families an opportunity to meet first responders in an environment designed to minimize sensory stimulation.
Together, Studley’s initiatives have helped strengthen trust between first responders and the residents they serve throughout Orange County.
2025 FRCA Winner
Jeremy Sonenschein
Jeremy Sonenschein has devoted more than 30 years to fire, EMS, and emergency management — building a career defined by education, leadership, and advocacy. He began his service at age 16 as a volunteer with the American Red Cross in Los Angeles, later serving as a Reserve Firefighter/EMT with the Los Angeles City Fire Department and as a paramedic with the Fire Department of New York, where he responded in the aftermath of 9/11 and deployed for disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina.
In 2007, Sonenschein developed a county-accredited fire and EMS training program at Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, California. The initiative gave at-risk students an opportunity to earn certification as emergency medical responders — opening doors to higher education and careers in healthcare. Over the years, he has trained thousands of future EMS professionals and first responders and continues to teach and consult with fire departments and EMS organizations nationwide, with a focus on advanced training and mental health awareness.
He also serves as the Nevada Family Advisory Representative to the EMS for Children Advisory Committee, where he advocates for pediatric safety and injury prevention programs. His achievements have been recognized by the American Red Cross, the National Fire Protection Association, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, which named him EMS Educator of the Year in 2018.
2024 FRCA Winner
Amy Strobach
Amy Strobach has been an integral part of the Clear Lake Area Ambulance Service in rural northwest Wisconsin since joining in 2011. Misty Wood, the service’s Ambulance Director, highlighted Strobach's unwavering commitment to the community. "I began working alongside her in 2014 as her EMS partner and now as her director," said Wood. "[Amy] has become the program coordinator for the explorer program, working on recruiting future EMS professionals and assisting in their training and journey into EMS."
Strobach spearheaded a collaboration with the local school district to boost emergency training and first aid instruction for students, thereby expanding the first responder team. Over the past year, she has clocked more than 6,300 hours of call time, responding to 177 of 235 emergency calls. She also received a Lifesaver Award in 2023 for a vital CPR save.
“Not only is she an amazing person, but she is one amazing first responder,” Wood continued. “This service has only been able to function as good as it has because of her dedication to her job and her love and passion for what she does.”
2023 FRCA Winner
Jamie Gray
Jamie Gray is EMS director for the State of Alabama in addition to actively running medical calls on a volunteer basis and serving as a firefighter for nearly 25 years. Mr. Gray is also a disaster medic with the National Disaster Medical System and a volunteer member of a Law Enforcement Special Operations Unit Evacuation Team. He acts as current chair of the South Region of the National Association of State EMS Officials.
"Mr. Gray epitomizes servant leadership and inspires others to give back and pay it forward," said nominator Doug Roberts. "He is always quick to render aid in a time of need or assist in any way that he can. He is always striving to advance EMS on a local, state, and national level."
Gray was formerly the director of the Alabama Opioid Assistance Project and vice chair of the Alabama Mutual Aid System Advisory Council, as well as serving on the Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Council, Opioid Crisis Advisory Council, and the Data Driven Prevention Initiative Advisory Council.
2022 FRCA Winner
Lainey Volk
"I continue seeing community paramedicine patients. We have about 160 patients that are seen with some form of regularity, for medication management, wound care and safety checks....I also continue teaching numerous different courses for EMS and our community.
Every item I was able to find in our supplies that had a Dynarex label was photographed in use and sent your way previously. Our supplies person purchases from various companies and seeks the best pricing for the need...it seems we always have your hot and cold packs, but the sharps containers and vet wrap sort of items vary.
I cannot think of anything more rewarding than seeing a patient learn to live well in a new situation, such as a newly diagnosed illness or debilitating injury....some folks get reunited with family over such things...there are numerous single stories but not adequate time for writing this.
We train on most shifts and have online and in-person training monthly and weekly. Both didactic and hands-on."
2021 FRCA Winner
Derek Perez-Piris
"It was a privilege winning the FRCA from Dynarex two years ago. I continue working with the EMS and Fire Department on a daily basis. I have been working toward an officer’s position over the past few years. Since being married I started a family with the arrival of my baby daughter last May, and most recently my wife and I are expecting another child in early June. I continue to be focused on my career in the fire department helping others.
I have been involved in running the “EMS Florida EMS" competition over the years where volunteers in our profession come together to help improve our skills as paramedics. Groups together from all over the country compete in different medical scenarios. We have always used many of Dynarex products, such as trauma dressings, creams, ointments, and gloves, as well many other emergency products. Our team was called “Team Meret" of St. Petersburg.
Every day on the job is rewarding to me when I can help others! I continue to be dedicated to the EMS and Fire service as my career. Each year I’m involved in Department related Continued Medical Education programs to improve my skill level and learn new things. I’m steadfast in providing public service – that’s my greatest reward."
2020 FRCA Winner
Lacey Spencer
"We are a third-party municipal EMS Department that serves as the sole 911 provider for East Baton Rouge Parish. Last year we responded to approximately 70,000 calls. Our most recent initiative is to become a “Heartsafe Community” by partnering with local entities to provide Citizen CPR classes and facilitate public access to AEDs in our Parish.
“We utilize several Dynarex products such as Cold and Hot packs, 4x4 Gauze, 4” Roll Gauze and OB Kits. The quality and packaging of the products are exceptional.”
After years of dedication, Lacey has left the EMS profession. We thank her for her service! The East Baton Rouge EMS department will continue to do great work in serving the public.
2019 FRCA Winner
Chris Lawrence
"I have since left Petersburg Fire Department and was recruited to an agency that is only 4 years old, in Charles City County VA, Charles City Fire & EMS (metro Richmond area).
I am responsible for the daily EMS operations for the county, serving as a part of the Emergency Management as well. We answer about 1500 calls a year since start up and that continues to increase. We obtained our ALS transport license in the last 14 months and trying to get our first Engine BLS licensed.
I am still teaching students and continue to promote the Tactical program with the same group for 10 years. We present at conferences and schools across the commonwealth states.
Additionally, the new fire station is being built from the ground up for the career staff which will improve community services. We purchase numerous EMS products through Dynarex and based on my experience I feel the quality and price is great."
2018 FRCA Winner
John Webster
"Since winning the award, my life has only gotten crazier. We are experiencing a great deal of growth in our County, which translates to expanding our training programs here for more employees. We are still very dedicated to the Stop The Bleed program, to the point of having taught it throughout the State, along with the C.R.A.S.E. program. I’m also responsible for developing new classes and recruit training.
We are continuously using Dynarex bandaging products in our S.T.B. classes for the students to use in the practical environment.
The rewarding part for me is when I have taught both Public Safety professionals and the public and I learned that the instruction they received actually made a difference in the outcome (i.e., wound packing and tourniquets).
To stay current, I must obtain multiple training hours in EMS, Fire, and Law Enforcement to stay licensed. When I have time, I like to go to the expos and seminars to keep up with the latest trends as well as learning about new equipment and procedures."
2017 FRCA Winner
Julie Lahr
"I am now working with ZOLL Medical as a Senior Clinical Support Specialist. I train Fire/EMS departments on high performance CPR practices to improve patient outcomes.
My main focus in my current role is teaching high performance CPR practices. With that, I also have the opportunity to highlight the importance of provider resiliency. Mental health awareness and safety remains a topic close to my heart.
I work with the ZOLL Scientific Affairs team to stay up on the most current research. I continue to attend EMS conferences and keep up with my CE.
I received the JEMS 10 EMS innovator award for my work with the M&M pilot unit. This unit combined a mental health specialist and a paramedic in a unit that responded to behavioral health calls in the 911 system. I created expanded protocols that allowed for alternate transport destinations diverting patients from the Emergency Department.
I’ve always felt like family with Dynarex! Great products, great people!"
DYNAREX KEEPS YOU PREPARED!
Dynarex is dedicated to supporting first responders with high-quality, essential supplies for first aid, oxygen delivery, burn care, rescue operations, and much more.c
We’re also proud to continue our sponsorship of the First Responder Caring Award, honoring those who go above and beyond in service to others, and to participate in the Passport to Prizes program.