Walton EMS paramedics named Piedmont Walton Hospital First Friday Heroes
Published: February 4, 2026
Monroe, Ga. (February 4, 2026) - Piedmont Walton Hospital has named Walton County EMS paramedics Kayla Smith and Alicia Wykoff as its February 2026 First Friday Heroes, recognizing their exceptional dedication to patient advocacy during a complex and potentially life‑threatening emergency.
Smith and Wykoff were nominated for the award for their response to a call involving an elderly man who had fallen. While assessing the patient, they noticed several concerning signs of serious underlying medical issues. Although the patient was alert, he was in respiratory distress but initially declined to be taken to the hospital.
Unwilling to leave the patient out of concern for his health, Smith and Wykoff explored several options to ensure the patient received the care he needed. Because the patient would not go with them, they reached out to other agencies and family members for assistance, ultimately working with a relative to transport the patient to Piedmont Walton by private vehicle. The paramedics provided oxygen, gave clear instructions to the family and followed closely behind to keep a close eye on the patient’s condition and intervene if his condition changed during the drive.
“Kayla and Alicia exemplify what it means to serve with integrity, skill and heart,” said Blake Watts, CEO of Piedmont Walton Hospital. “Their ability to balance patient respect with relentless advocacy truly reflects the lifesaving partnership between our emergency responders and hospital teams. We are proud to honor them as First Friday Heroes.”
Before arriving, Smith and Wykoff called ahead to give the emergency department a detailed update, so the care team was ready to assess his symptoms and provide treatment. Once the patient arrived, emergency staff members determined he was septic and required immediate treatment. Once stable, he was admitted to the ICU and remained hospitalized for some time.
“Their dedication and refusal to leave this patient’s side most certainly saved his life,” said Megan Hill, Emergency Department charge nurse at Piedmont Walton Hospital, who submitted the nomination. “They honored the patient’s wishes while continuing to advocate for the care he clearly needed, adapting to a rare and challenging situation with professionalism and compassion.”
Piedmont Walton Hospital’s First Friday Heroes program recognizes first responders whose actions exemplify exceptional care, collaboration and commitment to the community.
Community members, coworkers and agency leaders are encouraged to nominate deserving first responders by emailing firstfridayherowalton@piedmont.org. Submissions should include the nominator’s contact information, the nominee’s name and agency or department, agency contact information, and a brief description explaining why they should be recognized as a First Friday Hero.
Smith and Wykoff were nominated for the award for their response to a call involving an elderly man who had fallen. While assessing the patient, they noticed several concerning signs of serious underlying medical issues. Although the patient was alert, he was in respiratory distress but initially declined to be taken to the hospital.
Unwilling to leave the patient out of concern for his health, Smith and Wykoff explored several options to ensure the patient received the care he needed. Because the patient would not go with them, they reached out to other agencies and family members for assistance, ultimately working with a relative to transport the patient to Piedmont Walton by private vehicle. The paramedics provided oxygen, gave clear instructions to the family and followed closely behind to keep a close eye on the patient’s condition and intervene if his condition changed during the drive.
“Kayla and Alicia exemplify what it means to serve with integrity, skill and heart,” said Blake Watts, CEO of Piedmont Walton Hospital. “Their ability to balance patient respect with relentless advocacy truly reflects the lifesaving partnership between our emergency responders and hospital teams. We are proud to honor them as First Friday Heroes.”
Before arriving, Smith and Wykoff called ahead to give the emergency department a detailed update, so the care team was ready to assess his symptoms and provide treatment. Once the patient arrived, emergency staff members determined he was septic and required immediate treatment. Once stable, he was admitted to the ICU and remained hospitalized for some time.
“Their dedication and refusal to leave this patient’s side most certainly saved his life,” said Megan Hill, Emergency Department charge nurse at Piedmont Walton Hospital, who submitted the nomination. “They honored the patient’s wishes while continuing to advocate for the care he clearly needed, adapting to a rare and challenging situation with professionalism and compassion.”
Piedmont Walton Hospital’s First Friday Heroes program recognizes first responders whose actions exemplify exceptional care, collaboration and commitment to the community.
Community members, coworkers and agency leaders are encouraged to nominate deserving first responders by emailing firstfridayherowalton@piedmont.org. Submissions should include the nominator’s contact information, the nominee’s name and agency or department, agency contact information, and a brief description explaining why they should be recognized as a First Friday Hero.
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