TidalHealth Peninsula Regional earns Maryland Star of Life Award

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional's Emergency Department has received the Maryland Star of Life Award from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) for its outstanding emergency department throughput, particularly for patients arriving by emergency medical services (EMS), while managing high patient volumes.

MIEMSS Executive Director Ted Delbridge, MD, and Maryland State Emergency Medical Services Board Chairman Clay Stamp, NRP, presented the award Wednesday, July 15, during a visit to the Salisbury hospital.

The recognition highlights TidalHealth's commitment to providing timely, efficient care and maintaining strong coordination with EMS partners despite the increasing demands placed on emergency healthcare services.

Delbridge noted that TidalHealth Peninsula Regional has the third-busiest emergency department in Maryland and the sixth-busiest in the state for receiving EMS patients. He also praised the ED’s coordination with EMS clinicians, saying the hospital transfers patients from EMS care to emergency department staff in under 14 minutes more than 90 percent of the time.  

“That equates to putting one more ambulance on the street for 10 hours a day in the community, where they’re needed the most,” Delbridge said.

The award reflects the ongoing efforts of TidalHealth Peninsula Regional's Emergency Department to streamline patient flow, enhance EMS-to-hospital transitions and ensure patients receive care as quickly as possible.

"This recognition is a testament to the dedication, collaboration and expertise of our Emergency Department team members, providers and EMS partners," said Angela Brittingham, DNP, MBA, RN, CEN, CPEN, NEA-BC, CPHQ, chief nurse executive and senior vice president of Patient Care Services for TidalHealth. "Delivering exceptional care in a high-volume emergency department requires constant focus on efficiency, communication and patient-centered care. We are incredibly proud of our team's ability to consistently provide timely access to treatment while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety for our community."

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional remains committed to advancing emergency care across the region through strong partnerships, operational improvements and a focus on improving the health of the communities it serves.