Labette Health Ambulance Service Paramedic Sabrina Waun has won the state Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Award and a national EMT service award through the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Waun received the awards Wednesday evening at the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, VFW, in Parsons.
Waun has worked at the Labette Health Ambulance Service since 2017 and has been a paramedic since 2020. She started emergency response work in 2000 in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she also served as a volunteer firefighter.
Her husband, Mike, is an advanced EMT for Labette Health Ambulance Service.
Jim Ewan of the VFW gave Sabrina Waun the awards. Randy Grimmett, EMS director, said a couple of Sabrina’s coworkers got together and filled out the nomination form for Sabrina, offering background and a list of accomplishments. For example, she and her husband started Off-Duty Overland, a non-profit that provides a healing environment for first responders suffering from job-related trauma and stress. Events include camping trips.
“It’s basically healing through nature and disconnecting from the job to reconnect,” Sabrina said.
According to the nomination form, Sabrina consistently demonstrates a level of care and professionalism that sets her apart as a leader in her field.
“Her calm and compassionate demeanor under pressure has earned her the respect and trust of her peers, patients, and
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their families.”
And beyond her technical expertise, Sabrina is lead coordinator for the Kids Safety Camp, a program designed for children ages 5-9 to learn about safety in a fun and engaging way. The camp will be Friday, June 13, this year.
“Under her leadership, the camp has flourished, providing vital education about topics like fire safety, first aid, and emergency preparedness. The program has equipped hundreds of young people with life-saving knowledge that they can carry with them as they grow,” according to the nomination form.
Labette Health Human Resources Director Christina Sykes called Waun an outstanding paramedic.
“We’ve had patients come back and compliment her efforts because they’re still alive. And a lot of that’s been based on Sabrina’s work and what she’s done. She’s just done an outstanding job,” Sykes said.
Sykes said the hospital and the community are fortunate to have the Wauns.
“They definitely make the community better,” she said. Mike responded: “We try.” Sykes complimented Sabrina’s work ethic and positivity as well.
“She could have the worst day. And she’s so positive,” Sykes said.
“I try to find the bright side in everything. Otherwise, it’s just gonna be a bad day,” Sabrina said.
Sabrina started her career as a member of the Steese Volunteer Fire Department, Fairbanks, Alaska, and received her EMT certification. She received her EMT II and fire science degree from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. She worked in the Forestry Service as a medic and firefighter. She received her paramedic degree in Coffeyville and has been a member of the Labette Health EMS team since 2017.
