Surry County Paramedics Roger Horton and Barry McMillian recently won the state paramedic title. Last week, with the help of Robert Coleson, the team achieved another title: international champion.

John Shelton, Surry County director of Emergency Medical Services, said, “These guys are three of the medics that always go over and above with everything they do. It didn’t surprise me that they won ... They do this every day, and in the same manner.”

In the week after the conference, the team members reflected on their win.

“I think it says we’re from a great system,” said Horton.

“We set high standards,” Coleson added.

McMillian said, “And our treatments are aggressive.”

The competition took place at the International Trauma Life Support Conference held in Charlotte from Nov. 4-8. The teams had to complete in two preliminary rounds to determine the three teams to reach the final round.

In each round, the teams were faced with a scenario based on real-life trauma situations. People or mannequins were dressed up to fill the part. The teams were given points based on how quickly and accurately they could identify the problem in the scenario and treat it. The typical scenario took around 15 minutes to complete.

“You don’t know how long you’ve got. When you walk in the door, you just go,” explained McMillian.

In the first scenario, called “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer,” the team was told that a reindeer had gotten loose at a zoo and trampled a woman and injured two others. The other scenarios involved treating people involved in a bike wreck and structure collapse.

Surry County competed against teams from Palestine, Canada, Japan and North Carolina. First Health of North Carolina was back to defend its title, but Surry came in first, becoming only the second North Carolina team to do so.

McMillian explained how Surry County was able to take the win, “Our training from right here. Our standards are high. They don’t take substandard.”

Horton echoed these sentiments. “Our work standards here are high, and they all support us very well,” he said.

The recent state competition was composed of two-man teams, but the ITLS required teams of three. “I thought it was awesome,” McMillian said of the three-man team.

Coleson, Horton and McMillian are all leading medics or crew chiefs in Surry with critical care certifications, so they don’t work in the same ambulances normally. They said this didn’t hinder them, nor the fact that the team was composed of three people used to being in charge.

“We all work together well,” said Horton. “It fell into place.”

To compete in the event, chapters have to submit applications to the ITLS conference. The team members approached the EMS director about competing this year. This was Surry County’s first time competing at the conference. Last year, the conference was held in Mexico.

Coleson, Horton and McMillian plan to attend the ITLS conference in Reno, Nev., next year to defend their title. The group is also in#terested in attending the upcoming Journal of Emergency Medical Competition in Baltimore, Md.

The group now has a few titles at stake. When Horton and McMillian won the state EMS title last month, Surry became the county with the most state wins: four. The members of the team will also compete next year in the regional EMS competition where they hope to win for the 19th consecutive year.

“We’re very proud of that,” Shelton said.

EMS groups from around the world attend the ITLS conference to get updates on trauma care, visit vendors, learn about new equipment and practices, and more.

Coleson said, “We take pride in our work. We love our job. These competitions and conferences help us stay up on our job. Us doing competitions actually helps the public.”

Coleson has worked with EMS for 16 years, Horton for nine, and McMillian for 15. They all voiced their love for their job.

“It’s the most satisfying job you could have,” said Horton.

Shelton said, “These people have a strong commitment to serve others. I feel like they’re second to none. They have to have in their heart that care for others. That’s the only way you can be good.”

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.