EMS Association of Colorado Names Eagle County Paramedic Services 2025 Ambulance Service of the Year; Bill Johnston Named EMS Instructor of the Year
Source: Eagle County Paramedic Service
KEYSTONE, CO—The Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado (EMSAC) proudly announced Eagle County Paramedic Services (ECPS) as the recipient of the 2025 Ambulance Service of the Year Award and ECPS Paramedic Bill Johnston as the recipient of the Dr. Gerald Gordon EMS Instructor of the Year.
For nearly four decades, ECPS has exemplified innovation, compassion and leadership in advancing patient care—not only through 9-1-1 emergency response, but through programs that extend far beyond the back of an ambulance. Operating under a progressive medical direction system that emphasizes clinical excellence, physician collaboration, and evidence-based practice, ECPS empowers its highly trained paramedics to deliver advanced life support in austere environments: on ski slopes, over mountain passes, and deep into Colorado’s backcountry.
For more than 20 years, Bill Johnston has taught paramedic students a variety of topics including pharmacology, toxicology, hematology, renal disease and acid-base balance among many other advanced level subjects. His dedication to educating the next generation of paramedics is in addition to his already demanding role as a full-time paramedic, yet he shows up to the Denver Health Paramedic School at Eagle County with a smile even after working through the night.
“Our team is honored to be recognized by EMSAC for our collective commitment to patient care and community service,” said Brandon Daruna, chief executive officer of ECPS. “This award reflects the dedication of every paramedic, EMT and staff member who works tirelessly to deliver the highest level of care—whether on a remote hiking trail, in a patient’s home, or on a hospital transfer. It’s a testament to the professionalism, compassion and teamwork that define who we are."
ECPS’s success is built on a progressive medical direction system that emphasizes physician collaboration and continuous improvement. Through data analytics, peer review and a culture of accountability, ECPS drives performance improvement and clinical accuracy. Their robust quality assurance program not only ensures compliance but fosters professional growth among providers. The agency continues to advance innovation, with initiatives such as the out-of-hospital whole blood program, expanded training for critical care interfacility transfers and an extensive community health program, including certain home health treatment options.
“We’re also incredibly proud of Bill Johnston and his recognition by EMSAC is incredibly well deserved,” Daruna continued. “Bill has been a preeminent cardiology educator for two decades and continues to inspire and challenge students including me in a variety of ways. His YouTube channel, Prehospital Wisdom, is just another way he dispenses wisdom to EMS professionals.”
The EMSAC Ambulance Service of the Year Award honors organizations that demonstrate excellence in patient care, medical control, quality assurance, public education, public access and training. Eagle County Paramedic Services’ enduring commitment to these principles, as well as their incredible employees like Bill Johnston, makes them a model for emergency medical services across Colorado and beyond.
