Piedmont Newton gives paramedics Hero Award for special care of hospice patient

Covington, Ga. (April 9, 2026) – The staff of the Piedmont Newton Hospital Emergency Department selected paramedics Simone Jackson and Alex Hanes with Central EMS to receive the “EMS Hero Award.” This quarterly award from the hospital celebrates emergency medical services providers from the community or surrounding communities who have made a positive difference in patient care.

Hanes and Jackson won the award for waiting with a hospice patient who was transported for comfort care at Piedmont Newton until their family arrived. They wanted to ensure that the patient was never alone in what could be their final hours of life. They played soothing music and held the patient’s hand for almost two hours while family traveled to the hospital.

Shay Ford-Ravello, a staff nurse in the Piedmont Newton ED, nominated Hanes and Jackson. She wrote in her nomination that she is “proud to have them on the team.”

Piedmont Newton and Central EMS leaders recognized Jackson and Hanes as the EMS Heroes for the quarter on April 7, presenting them with certificates during a leadership huddle at Piedmont Newton.