Medical director receives congressional award

Longboat Key Medical Director Dr. Steven Newman is the recipient of the 16th District Congressional Fire and Rescue, EMS Career Service Award for 2014.

Newman has been Sarasota County Emergency Medical Services medical director since July 1984.
As part of that position and through individual agreements, Newman also holds the title of medical director of emergency services for Sarasota County, Longboat Key, North Port, Englewood, Sarasota County Technical Institute and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

That means Newman allows more than 600 firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians throughout Sarasota County to use his medical license seven days a week.

Florida statutes and the Department of Health require that every licensed emergency medical services provider employ or contract a licensed emergency medical services doctor to serve as its medical director because firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians don’t possess medical licenses but are able to perform medical procedures through the training and guidance they receive through directors like Newman.

Last year, Newman received state’s Emergency Medical Services Raymond H. Alexander Medical Director of the Year Award for 2013.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue nominated Newman for the latest honor.

“You were nominated by Longboat Key Fire Rescue for your remarkable accomplishments and the level of cooperation you have fostered among the individual districts and departments within Sarasota County,” wrote U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, in a July 30 letter.

Buchanan will honor Newman in an Aug. 22 ceremony in Sarasota County commission chambers.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].