Each year, Acadian Ambulance recognizes its exceptional paramedics and EMTs for their tireless work ethic and dedication. From across the company’s four-state service area, as well as sister divisions Acadian Air Med and Safety Management Systems, 32 paramedic and EMT finalists were nominated by their peers for displaying exemplary attitudes and providing excellent patient care. The top winners are selected by a company-wide committee.
Acadian Ambulance will honor its top Medics of the Year, all regional honorees, and its entire medical team at its celebration on May 9 in Lafayette, LA.
Acadian Air Med Flight RN Joannie Sanchez was chosen as one of the top two Medics of the Year.
Joannie has been a valued member of the Air Med team for two years, serving as a flight nurse on Air Med 1 in Lafayette. Originally from LaPlace, she resides in Duson with her rescue dog, Xanadu. After earning her EMT certification in 2018, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Emergency Room tech while completing her Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Joannie gained experience in the ER, trauma care, and ICU before joining Air Med. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nursing, at the University of South Alabama.
Since joining Air Med, Joannie has shown exceptional dedication through mentoring new nurses, and actively participating in the clinical development team and safety committee. Her colleagues admire her commitment, often going above and beyond to support her team. Joannie’s goal is to continue her education and provide the best care for her patients.
Acadian Air Med was founded in 1981 and currently operates a fleet of 12 medically configured helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft from bases strategically located throughout Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems, the gold standard for air ambulance services in the United States.
