ANTIOCH, Calif., January 22, 2020 – Recently, Dr. Dave Duncan, director of the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), announced the recipients of California Emergency Medical Services Awards for 2019. The recipient of the EMS Educator of the Year Award was Contra Costa County Office of Education’s ROP teacher Gretchen Medel. Medel teaches her EMS course at the Dozier-Libbey High School, in Antioch. She was selected for her impassioned service to students of emergency medicine at all levels and advancement of EMS education in the State.
Dr. Duncan said, “Gretchen Medel inspires her students and teaches them to exemplify principles of respect, integrity, and humility.” In 2008, Gretchen Medel left her position as president of a staffing company to work in Alameda County as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for American Medical Response (AMR), the county’s 911 provider. Five years later, she began teaching EMS at high schools, colleges, and an adult education center.
Dr. Duncan continues, “Gretchen has mastered the use of instructional resources by incorporating videos and discussions in unique ways to enhance learning. She has proven that she genuinely cares about educating her students, even deciding to continue teaching while going through chemotherapy treatments. Gretchen’s impact has been far-reaching as she has and continues to touch and inspire those around her.”
Initiated in 2007, the annual awards honor and recognize exceptional acts and service by individuals working or volunteering in California’s emergency medical system. For additional information about the awards, ceremony, and other recognized categories, visit: www.emsa.ca.gov/awards.
The CCCOE’s Regional Occupational Program (ROP) provides innovative Career Technical Education to prepare students for challenging careers, post-secondary education, and lifelong learning. ROP annually serves nearly 10,000 students at 20 high schools, a county special education facility, two adult detention facilities, and two adult training centers in Contra Costa and northern Alameda Counties.