IDHS Special Recognition

The EMS Section acknowledges Hoosiers in various capacities. Select a recognition to learn more about it or select the button below to nominate someone.

Note: Check the eligibility requirements before making a nomination. Questions should be directed to emscertifications@dhs.in.gov.

Submit an EMS nomination
This form is for EMS personnel only. Choose the other tabs above to nominate a public safety worker for other types of recognition.

Recognition Descriptions

• Cardiac Arrest Save

  The cardiac arrest save designation is intended to recognize EMS responders or bystanders that assist with quality CPR that results in successful resuscitation of a patient that is discharged neurologically intact after the resuscitation.

• Certificate of Appreciation

  This recognizes an EMS-certified or EMS-licensed person for periods of service.

• Certificate of Remembrance

  A certificate of remembrance is issued to any EMS professional who dies while certified or licensed but is not eligible for other forms of recognition. These could be deaths while on duty but not deemed line of duty; they also could be unexpected deaths of individuals where a department, co-worker, friend or family member is seeking to honor the deceased's service.

• Certificate/License Retirement

  Certified EMS personnel may have their certificate or license retired if held for at least 15 years. Additionally, a certified individual, once having the certificate or license retired, may be allowed to use the title suffix "-Retired." For example, a retired EMT may then use the title "EMT-Retired" or "EMT-Ret."

• Emeritus Designation

  Awarded at retirement, post-retirement or death of an EMS-certified or EMS-licensed person, this recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the EMS field during their lifetime.

• EMS Star of Life

  An EMS Star of Life is designated to an EMS certificate or license holder who died in the line of duty. View the Indiana EMS Memorial page.

• Honorary Lifetime Certification/License

  These awards may be given to non-EMS certified or licensed people who have engaged in heroic conduct to help an EMS patient or response or who made EMS contributions above and beyond the call of duty. An EMS student who was in good standing in the class but died before completing certification testing may also receive an honorary certificate or license.

• State EMS Director's Award

  The State EMS Director may award this to either non-certified or EMS-certified or EMS-licensed personnel who have made significant positive contributions to the EMS field.

• Stork Award

  The Stork Award is given to EMS-certified professionals who assist with a non-hospital delivery of a newborn as part of their EMS duties.

Eligibility Requirements and Nominating Criteria

• Details

  Eligibility

  EMS personnel who do not have any pending investigations or sanctions against their EMS certification or license.

  Nominations

  Nominations can be made by the nominee, others in the EMS field, the EMS Commission or the State EMS Director. The general public can nominate for several of the recognitions, as can a spouse or someone whose life was saved.

  Required Documentation

  See the special recognition guidelines for requirements for each of the EMS recognitions.

  Judging Criteria

  An EMS Star of Life designation is automatic once IDHS and the State EMS Director confirm the line-of-duty death. Others are at the discretion of the State EMS Director, or with joint approval of the director and the EMS Commission chairperson.