NAEMT Announces 2026 Recipients of the EMS Advocate of the Year Award

The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) is pleased to announce the 2026 EMS Advocate of the Year Award recipients.

The awards recognize EMS professionals whose volunteer efforts advance EMS through educating and engaging elected government leaders, EMS and healthcare communities, and the public.

The awards will be presented on March 25 during EMS On The Hill Day in Washington, D.C., the largest national advocacy event for EMS professionals.

Sponsored this year by Demers-Braun-Crestline-Medix, Journal of Special Operations Medicine (JSOM), Solutions Group, and Stryker, the EMS Advocate of the Year Award highlights leaders who demonstrate meaningful grassroots advocacy in support of the EMS profession.

Tom Arkins, MSHI, EMT-P

Chief Tom Arkins was selected for his decades-long commitment to advancing EMS through data-driven policy advocacy and national leadership. In his role as Chief of Informatics for Indianapolis EMS, he has leveraged system-level data to improve ambulance deployment strategies, medication dosing protocols, and implementation of Indiana’s first EMS electronic medical record connected to a health data exchange. His expertise positioned him to serve on the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC), where he helped inform federal policymakers on issues such as EMS vehicle safety, workplace violence reporting, and translation access for patients. Even after federal restructuring eliminated certain advisory groups, Chief Arkins continued educating national audiences through industry platforms and podcasts, ensuring EMS priorities remained visible at the federal level. At the state level, he remains actively engaged in legislative discussions impacting EMS operations and funding, including efforts to expand language translation resources for patients across Indiana.

Austin Mandeville, MHS, NRP

Austin Mandeville was recognized for his sustained advocacy at both the state and national levels to strengthen EMS education and workforce development. As Education Director for the South Carolina EMS Association, Austin regularly participates in EMS On The Hill Day, meeting with federal legislators and staff to advocate for EMS funding and policy support. He collaborated with federal lawmakers to advance an EMS education initiative designed to expand access to initial and continuing education in underserved areas of South Carolina — a model with potential for national replication. At the state level, he consistently engages with elected officials to address funding, regulatory, and operational challenges facing EMS systems. Through committee service, regional collaboration with other state EMS associations, and active educational outreach, including social media engagement, Austin empowers EMS professionals to understand legislative issues and participate in grassroots advocacy efforts that strengthen the profession.

Sabrina Ballew, MHA, CP-C, CHW

Sabrina Ballew was selected for her leadership in elevating EMS within healthcare policy conversations and strengthening grassroots advocacy engagement across Oregon and beyond. As Manager of Mercy Flights’ Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Program and Chair of the Oregon MIH Coalition, she has worked closely with elected officials and legislative staff to increase understanding of EMS workforce challenges, reimbursement gaps, and the expanding role of community paramedicine within value-based care models. Sabrina is known for translating complex operational realities into clear, actionable insights that resonate with policymakers. In addition to her direct legislative engagement, she actively mentors EMS professionals in effective advocacy, encouraging participation in legislative visits, public comment opportunities, and policy discussions. Her work has strengthened EMS representation in state-level policy development and fostered a more informed and engaged advocacy network within the EMS community.

Nominations for this award are evaluated on the extent to which the nominee demonstrates meaningful grassroots advocacy efforts over the past year, including:

• Building strong relationships with elected officials and their staff
• Educating elected leaders on EMS and relevant legislation
• Educating fellow EMS professionals about EMS advocacy
• Encouraging participation in grassroots advocacy activities

NAEMT congratulates the 2026 award recipients and looks forward to honoring them at EMS On The Hill Day.