Ché Stedman, Division Chief of EMS, received the first ever Friend of Emergency Medicine Award from the University of Wisconsin Emergency Medicine Residency Program on Tuesday, June 23.

The Friend of Emergency Medicine Award is dedicated to recognizing an individual in the community who had a positive influence on the education of UW Emergency Medicine residents during their three-year program.

Through the Madison Fire Department’s partnership with the UW Medical School, Emergency Medicine residents have the opportunity to spend time in the field with our paramedics during a four-week unit dedicated to EMS and out-of-hospital care. They participate in four 12-hour ride-alongs, assist the MFD’s Medical Director with quality assurance and developing educational content for lectures, and partake in “Doc Ops Day,” which gives them greater exposure to the work we do as a Fire Department. As a result of their month with us, they’re more familiar with the challenges faced by EMS personnel performing out-of-hospital care.

Chief Stedman has served as a mentor, facilitator, and teacher during this program. In coordinating the ride-alongs, preparing the paramedics for their educational responsibilities, and planning and organizing Doc Ops, he has been a crucial part of this chapter in the Emergency Medicine Residency Program.
“I’m grateful to receive this award on behalf of the Madison Fire Department and all of the paramedics in the field that have helped over the years,” said Stedman. “I’m happy to continue working with the UW Emergency Medical residents.”
Stedman notes that the Madison Fire Department’s partnership with UW Hospital runs deep. All MFD paramedics are trained at UW Hospital.

“Working with the Emergency Medicine residents and having a relationship with the UW is ultimately best for the citizens we serve,” said Stedman. “Having emergency room and EMS staff understand each other is ideal for optimal customer care.”