Sam Stone, Lanier Technical College's first Paramedicine Director, was recently named winner of the 2019 Georgia EMS Association Dr. John B. O'Neal, III EMS Pioneer Award.
Stone's award was announced during the 2019 EMS Day at the State Capitol.
The Award is given to people who meet very specific criteria that helped to create the modern EMS services in Georgia.
While teaching high-school during the day, Stone began his career in 1977 as a night and weekend EMT for Walton County EMS. He started leading Lanier Tech's new EMS Program in 1983. Members of Lanier Tech's first Paramedicine class in 1984 received their credentials under his leadership and instruction. He is a widely known Paramedicine professional and educator, and he has trained countless EMS professionals in his 40 years of service as an educator. It was estimated at the 2018 STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) Summit, that Stone, through educating thousands of EMS clinicians, has reached over 30 million patients in his career to date.
Lanier Tech President, Dr. Ray Perren, noted "I can think of no one more deserving of this award. Sam Stone developed the EMT/Paramedic training program at Lanier Tech into one of the finest in the nation. This program serves as a model for other technical colleges in our state. Sam's pioneering work will continue to influence Paramedicine Programs for years to come."
Brandon Carey, one of Stone's former students, is an experienced EMS professional and Lead Instructor at Lanier Tech's Paramedicine Program. Carey summed up Sam's impact to a new class of EMS working pros in this way:
None of us would be who, or where we are without the efforts and mentorship of Sam L. Stone, and the doors he opened for our profession by cultivating relationships with the clinical arena. Though it may be packaged in different ways for each person, we have all been improved by Sam. Whether it was motivation, encouragement, aggravation, accountability, or challenge, Sam pushed us. Even if you did attend the EMT or Paramedic program at LTC, one of your supervisors, mentors, ER physicians, or State EMS Directors did. Whether you know it or not, Sam has had an impact on your life.
Legends like Sam are once in a lifetime. As you climb the ranks and gain responsibilities, as subordinates and lead people, throughout your career in the coming years, you'll be able to tell others that you learned from him. You will be able to pass on Sam Stone's remarkable legacy. Make sure you make it count.
Eron Sunshine, Program Director of the Paramedicine Program added, "A simple thank you to Sam Stone is not enough for Sam's tireless efforts in creating the foundation of EMS education in the state of Georgia. We are part of his legacy, and we will continue to build on that great legacy."
Stone retired from Lanier Technical College in 2017; well, sort of. Throughout the week, he is still in Lanier Tech's Paramedicine labs and classrooms serving as a Part-Time EMS Special Assistant and Advisor for the Division of Allied Health Services.
