The exceptional work and efforts of the Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Inc has not gone unnoticed.

On Nov. 10 the organization was awarded the Gold Standard of Excellence award from Everitt F. Binns, Ph.D., executive director of the Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council.

"There is no question, you guys are leaders," Binns told members of the Northampton EMS. "You have no idea how important this is. We really appreciate it."

Binns said the purpose of the award is to recognize those organizations that go above and beyond the minimum service requirements.

The Eastern Pennsylvania EMS Council presents EMS organizations with the award based on clinical practices, safety, community outreach, operations, education, administration, best practices, performance improvement, preparedness, recruitment, retention and recognition.

Eric S. Wescoe, executive director of the Northampton Regional EMS, said the award is testimony to the organization's commitment to excellence.

"The people representing us are achieving," he said. "We're providing the best care we can."

"We try very hard for continual improvement," added Marie Wescoe, operations director of Northampton Regional EMS.

"Over 50,000 residents, workers and commuters count on our services in the event of any life-threatening emergency," added Eric S. Wescoe. The organization responds to over 4,800 emergency calls annually.

To date, Binns said, only four EMS organizations out of a total of 140 have been presented with the award.

Northampton Regional EMS is a nonprofit providing emergency ambulance services to Northampton, Catasauqua and North Catasauqua boroughs along with Allen Township, Lehigh Township and Hanover Township in Lehigh County. It also provides advanced life support services to East Allen Township.