Paramedic Lieutenant Emma Vargas is being honored by Westchester REMSCO (Regional Emergency Medical Services Council) as Paramedic of the Year.
“Emma is a dedicated, highly skilled, and compassionate EMS professional who embodies the highest standards of patient care, leadership, and education,” Deputy Chief Sean O’Brien said. “Her tireless efforts across multiple divisions at Empress Ambulance Service have had a profound impact on our organization, her colleagues, and the communities we serve.”
Vargas is at the forefront of EMS innovation, leading the charge in establishing the first 911-based Community Paramedicine (CP) program in New York State, serving the City of Mount Vernon. Through her leadership, this program is expanding the role of paramedics to provide proactive, patient-centered care, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the medical attention they need while reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and improving overall healthcare outcomes.
Vargas also plays a key role in elevating the standard of care provided by Empress paramedics and EMTs through her work in the Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Improvement (QI) division. In this capacity, she reviews cases, provides feedback, and implements strategies to enhance patient-care protocols.
A respected educator, Vargas plays a key role in shaping the next generation of EMS professionals — offering mentorship, instruction, and hands-on training, preparing them for the demands of the field.
“She is a role model, a mentor, and a selfless advocate for both her patients and her coworkers,” O’Brien said. “She consistently goes above and beyond to support her team, ensuring that every member of the Empress family has the resources, training, and encouragement needed to excel. Her unwavering dedication, positive attitude, and deep compassion make her an irreplaceable figure within our agency.”
