Rylee Middleton
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There are a lot of incredible EMTs out there doing hard, important work—but our awardee here brings something different. She doesn’t just show up to do the job—she changes the experience for everyone involved, whether it’s her patients, her partners, or her team.
She has this natural ability to connect with people, even in the most stressful or chaotic situations. She’s calm, steady, and incredibly kind. Her emotional intelligence and empathy are just as critical to her patient care as her clinical skills—maybe even more so. And it’s not something she tries to turn on when needed; it’s just how she is. Every single shift. Every single call.
She doesn’t look for recognition, and she doesn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. She just shows up, does the right thing, helps people feel seen and safe, and makes her entire team better. You always know you’re in good hands when she’s on scene.
The Kenneth E. Cole Memorial EMT of the Year Award was made for professionals who not only meet the standard, but raise it every day. She brings humanity to a field that can sometimes feel clinical. She reminds us why we do this work. And she does it with humility, integrity, and heart.
