Today, in front of his colleagues, fellow first responders, and his family, Paramedic Mitch Kam was honored for nearly three decades of saving lives and providing emergency medical treatment to our community. Kam, a father and a graduate of St. Louis High School, began his career with the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services in 1995.

“Mitch Kam has dedicated his life to caring for people during their worst times. He consistently shows up with a smile on his face, despite the hundreds of difficult and tragic calls he has faced during his career,” said Honolulu Acting Chief of EMS Chris Sloman.

His Supervisor, Paramedic Kea Smith nominated Kam, writing en part, “In 2021, Mitch served as the long term temporary assigned supervisor of the Hawaiʻi Kai EMS Unit and worked tirelessly day in and day out. Covid-19 call, after Covid-19 call, with perfect attendance and helped to cover shifts as needed. Mitch’s work performance evaluation reads, ‘Mitch does an excellent job maintaining his unit. He is always professional and provides excellent patient care’,” said Smith.

Smith also added, “It is common for community members to drop off ‘thank you’s’ for his compassionate care rendered to his patients. While walking into stores, attending community events or entering care homes, everyone knows who he is, is so appreciative that it is him who answered their call and consistently thanks him for his hard work and dedication.”

Kam was also recognized today for saving the life of fellow first responder and Ocean Safety dispatcher Norm Skorge, who suffered a cardiac arrest in January 2022.