New Hanover Regional Medical Center was recently recognized as the top EMS system in the country.

The recognition was reported by the EMS National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and EMSWorld Magazine.

NHRMC’s EMS and Critical Care Transport teams earned the 2016 Dick Ferneau Career Service of the Year award, which will be presented at the association’s annual conference in October.

The medical center’s EMS and critical care transport services, AitLink and VitaLink, were recognized for their “innovative and advanced approach to delivering care,” according to a New Hanover Regional news release.

The EMS and Critical Care Transport teams “have been leading the way in developing programs to manage patients at high risk for readmission after being discharged from the hospital and have received the American Heart Association Mission:Lifeline award for three years running for outstanding cardiac care,” the release stated.

The teams are equipped with “progressive clinical protocols, innovative mobile medical technology, and emerging medications,” the release stated.

More than 235 medical and administrative staff operate NHRMC EMS and AirLink/VitaLink which includes 45 ground emergency vehicles and two helicopters that cover 1.1 million miles a year.