By Bill Carey
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CLINTON, Miss. 鈥� The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) has honored Stratford EMS Director Michael A. Loiz with the 2024 EMS Advocate of the Year award for his exceptional advocacy for Connecticut EMS professionals and their patients.
Director Loiz鈥檚 advocacy for EMS and the interests of EMS providers has set a high industry standard. As secretary and legislative chair of the Connecticut EMS Advisory Board and the NAEMT Connecticut advocacy coordinator, he has actively championed responder safety, PTSD coverage, and better EMS reimbursements, among other issues. His efforts also focus on boosting legislative engagement at the provider level.
Read more from Loiz: Practical examples of customer service principles in EMS
鈥淢ike has been a strong voice for the Connecticut EMS Advisory Board in our endeavor to improve EMS in Connecticut. One example of this is his ability to help legislators understand the importance of how reimbursement rates have not kept up with inflationary trends causing staffing shortages,鈥� Connecticut EMS Advisory Board Chair, William Schietinger, said. 鈥淗e has expressed that the ability of EMS services to offer competitive wages has diminished due to the rising costs of equipment and supplies coupled with below-cost Medicaid reimbursement rates. He has been an integral part of the lead effort to improve reimbursement rates for EMS agencies in Connecticut.鈥�
鈥淚 have the privilege of witnessing Director Loiz鈥檚 incredible dedication to his staff, and his continuous passion for helping the residents whom he serves,鈥� Stratford Public Safety Director, Larry Ciccarelli, said. 鈥淭he Town of Stratford is lucky to have Mike at the helm of this department, and I thank him for his continued service and advocacy.鈥�
Loiz will be honored at the upcoming EMS on the Hill Day 鈥� Post Hill Reception on April 18, in Arlington, Virginia. This event will bring together EMS professionals and stakeholders from across the nation to celebrate his remarkable achievements and contributions to the field.