Detroit EMS Crews Honored with DEMCA Kim Lagerquist Lifesaver of the Year Award for Saving Gunshot Victim

Two Detroit Fire Department EMS crews were honored today with the prestigious Kim Lagerquist (Kim L.) Lifesaver of the Year Award, presented annually by the Detroit East Medical Control Authority, for their extraordinary actions in saving the life of a critically injured gunshot victim earlier this year.

Detroit Fire Department Paramedic Lieutenant Michael Vick, Firefighter/Paramedic William Campbell, Firefighter/EMT Travis VanGorder, Firefighter/EMT Reginald Street, Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Martus, Firefighter/Paramedic Alexander Knell, and Trial Firefighter/EMT Louis Delgado received the award during a ceremony at the Detroit Institute of Arts as part of National EMS Week celebrations.

On February 18, 2026, Detroit EMS crews were dispatched to the scene of a shooting involving a 32-year-old woman suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Arriving to find the patient in critical condition, crews immediately initiated advanced trauma care, including aggressive hemorrhage control, vascular access, medication administration, emergency chest decompression, and continuous respiratory support-all while rapidly transporting her to DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital on Detroit's west side.

Their calm under pressure, advanced clinical skill, and coordinated teamwork with the Sinai-Grace medical teams proved to be truly lifesaving.

Presenting the award, Damon Gorelick emphasized that the Kim L. Lifesaver of the Year Award represents the highest ideals of emergency medical service. "This award honors providers who exemplify the very best of our profession-clinical excellence, composure under extraordinary pressure, and an unwavering commitment to preserving life," Gorelick said. "What these Detroit EMS professionals accomplished that day reflects not only exceptional technical skill, but profound compassion and dedication to the patients and communities they serve. They are deeply deserving of this recognition."

Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said the award is a testament to the caliber of Detroit's EMS professionals and the department's commitment to excellence in emergency care. "In moments like these, when seconds matter and lives hang in the balance, our crews must make critical decisions in real time," Simms said. "The outcome in this case is a direct reflection of their training, their professionalism, and their unwavering dedication to patient care. I could not be prouder of these members and of every EMS professional in this department who answers the call each day prepared to make a difference."

Medical Director for both the Detroit East Medical Control Authority and the Detroit Fire Department, Dr. Robert Dunne said the incident underscores why continued investment in paramedic education and advanced life support training is so critical for the City of Detroit. "This case is a powerful example of why advanced life support matters," Dunne said. "The interventions performed by these crews in the field required a high level of training, clinical judgment, and coordination, and they unquestionably played a major role in saving this patient's life. Continuing to train Detroit's own EMTs to become paramedics is essential because these are the moments where advanced prehospital care truly becomes the difference between life and death."

That care provided a strong base for the immediate emergency care and ongoing surgical care provided by DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital teams. "The continuum of care with multiple teams worked seamlessly," said DMC Sinai-Grace emergency physician Dr. Alexander Marinica. "We are grateful for the partnerships we have with EMS crews like this."

It is rare for EMS providers to have the opportunity to meet the patients they treat. The crews honored today were overjoyed to have the patient, Blake, and her mother present at the awards ceremony. Thanks to the amazing team at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital and DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, the patient is doing remarkably well and was able to not only join, but also to thank the teams who saved her life and get the chance to talk with them under much better circumstances.

Blake's remarks brought tears to many in the room. She said of the team of lifesavers awarded today, "You stepped in with courage, urgency and compassion. I will never forget the dedication and care you showed me when I needed it most. I truly believe that without your efforts, I would not have survived." She also expressed great appreciation for the medical team at DMC who carried her through ten surgeries. She stated of the team, "Your skill, patience, and commitment gave me another chance at life." Blake has recently enrolled at Wayne County Community College to further her education and invest in a brighter future for herself.

In addition to the teams honored with the Kim L. Lifesaver of the Year Award, several other Detroit EMS crews were recognized during Tuesday's ceremony by regional hospital systems for exceptional patient care on other emergency incidents throughout the year.

Named in memory of Kim Lagerquist, a pioneering leader in Michigan emergency medicine, the Kim L. Lifesaver of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions an EMS provider can receive within the DEMCA system.