Howard County Medical Director Named EMS Physician of the Year

From HCDFRS: Dr. Matthew Levy, the Medical Director for the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS), was named Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Physician of the Year by the Maryland Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Each year, this award is given to a Maryland physician who has made significant contributions in the field of EMS. Dr. Levy has been recognized for his extensive career in Maryland EMS and his decades long commitment to EMS Medicine. Dr. Levy holds leadership roles in a number of state and national EMS system initiatives. He is board subspecialty certified in EMS Medicine and is also a member of the inaugural fellowship class of the National Association of EMS Physicians’ (NAEMSP) Academy of Emergency Medical Services.

“The programs Dr. Levy has created for our county are truly innovative,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “He is undoubtedly deserving of this award and we are grateful for his service and dedication to the community.”

Some of the initiatives Dr. Levy has instituted are: the Pulsepoint smart phone application which alerts subscribers when Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is needed, placing public access bleeding control kits in government-owned buildings and schools, active assailant response training efforts, the Cardiac Arrest Workgroup, and the CPR meter pilot project which gives providers real time feedback on compression rate and depth while performing CPR. He is also heavily involved in the opioid mitigation within the county.

“Dr. Levy is deeply committed to advancing the practice of EMS Medicine,” said Fire Chief John S. Butler. “His leadership and foresight have driven this department to an even higher level of emergency care.”

Dr. Levy is HCDFRS’ first Medical Director to have served as an EMS provider within the department. He has held every level of EMS provider role from Emergency Medical Technician, to Paramedic, to Associate Medical Director, to Interim Medical Director, and is now the department’s Medical Director. Dr. Levy regularly runs calls, and is a strong advocate for EMS personnel. Additionally, he works closely with the Emergency Department at Howard County General Hospital.

“I am honored to have been recognized by ACEP for this award,” noted Medical Director Dr. Matthew Levy. “And I would like to thank my team members, as well as the department’s leaders, for their assistance and support. I look forward to continuing our work in EMS to ensure the safety and well-being of all Howard County residents, employees, and visitors.”

For additional information, please call the media line: 410-313-6039.

Photo courtesy of HCDFRS (Pictured: Fire Chief John S. Butler, Dr. Matthew Levy Medical Director HCDFRS, Dr. Robert Linton- Chief of Emergency Medicine, Howard County General Hospital)