All Davie County departments have an AED, or automated external defibrillator, device.

And thanks to Joseph Ashburn, employes are trained to use the electronic device to quickly help a fellow employee, or someone in a county building, should they experience a heart problem.

First responders, those volunteer firefighters who often are the first on the secne during a medical emergency, likely know Joseph Ashburn, as well.

He trains them, too.

On May 5, the Davie EMS training coordinator received the John Burwell Excellence in EMS Award at the Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center in Winston-Salem.

Some of those in attendance were: the chief and retired chief of the Office of Emergency Medical Services, Tom Mitchell and Regina Crawford; Office of EMS Central Regional Office Manager Wally Ainsworth; Office of EMS Central Regional Education Specialist Eddie Jordan; along with representatives from Surry, Forsyth, Stokes, Yadkin and Davie County EMS and hospitals.

In memory of John Burwell of Stokes County, the award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on emergency medical services in Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin (Region I). Burwell dedicated his life to improving pre-hospital care, the quality of life for residents and the overall regional EMS system.

Recipients of the award will exemplify the same qualities Burwell exhibited.

Past recipients from Davie County include: Johnny Frye and James Nance, 2000; Butch Grannaman, 2001; Lonnie Tutterow, 2005; Dwayne Smith, 2011; Dr. Francis Slate, 2014; and Dr. Robert Nelson, 2015.

Ashburn has taught more than 1,800 people CPR in three years, helps  to educate doctors, physician assistances, nurses and other medical staff in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support, and basic life support.

He holds several instructor certifications and is involved in numerous activities that help promote safety for children in Davie County.

In his acceptance speech, he mentioned some of the people who had made influences on his life and career. In closing, he cited the last verse of Humble and Kind: Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you; When you get where you’re goin; Don’t forget turn back around; Help the next one in line.

“This is why I am standing before you today because the people in my life did not forget to turn back around to help the next one in line,” Ashburn said. “You all have taught me something, given me the chance to do what I enjoy doing, and given me the opportunity to teach others what you have taught me. So thank you all for coming and be a part of this special night, I am truly humbled.”