University Hospital EMS Wins Statewide Award for Emergency Care in the Newark Community

Individual University Hospital EMS leaders also recognized for excellence in emergency medicine

December 9, 2025: University Hospital Emergency Medical Services received several honors at the 2025 National Conference on EMS held on November 21, 2025, in Atlantic City. University Hospital EMS provides comprehensive emergency medical service to the City of Newark and the Greater Newark Area, manages 911 ambulance response, and averages more than 150,000 calls for assistance annually. UH EMS also flies air medical helicopters across New Jersey.

"At University Hospital, we know that the community depends on us both for the high-quality care we deliver in the hospital and for the vital emergency care we deliver across Newark through our EMS. That is why we are so proud of the University Hospital team being recognized as outstanding leaders in EMS response," said Carole Johnson, University Hospital President and CEO. "We are committed to the health and well-being of Newark and our surrounding communities and to being a lifeline for all who need emergency care."

At the National Conference, University Hospital EMS received the following awards:

• Pre-Hospital Program of the Year: University Hospital EMS
  • University Hospital EMS was recognized for exemplary achievement in patient care, disaster preparedness, public education, and training. Awardees must also have taken meaningful and visible steps to assure the quality of patient and clinician safety, as well as enhanced patient care delivery, quality improvement, continuing education, and system integration.
• Pre-Hospital Medical Director of the Year: Jesse Yuan, Assistant EMS Medical Director
• Pre-Hospital Administrator of the Year: Armand Cayer, Advanced Life Support Coordinator
• Pre-Hospital Nurse of the Year: Maryann Wiedemann, NJ EMS Helicopter Response Program Flight Nurse

A team of two University Hospital advanced life support paramedics, Elijah James and Lauren Leppler, also placed third in the simulation competition focused on clinical knowledge and accuracy, teamwork, resource utilization, and professionalism.

"The recognitions awarded at the National Conference on EMS, especially being named Pre-Hospital Program of the Year, reflect the dedication, professionalism, and heart that every member of our team brings to this work," said Jason Brady, Executive Director of UHEMS. "Serving more than 150,000 requests for assistance each year, our pursuit of excellence is rooted in the community we care for. We remain committed to advancing patient care, strengthening training, and improving the systems and partnerships that keep our city and region safe."

This year, University Hospital EMS undertook several major initiatives to advance patient care and expand swift access to mobile integrated health. In April, University Hospital became the first state-certified Level I Trauma Center to provide ambulance-based blood transfusions, significantly increasing the chances of survival for patients experiencing severe blood loss.

About University Hospital

University Hospital is a regional medical center for northern New Jersey and the principal teaching hospital for Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Located in Newark, University Hospital delivers comprehensive healthcare, advanced specialty services, and community-based programs designed to improve health outcomes and advance health equity for the residents of Newark and beyond.