Jacob James

Jacob James’ journey toward emergency medical services is rooted in a longstanding commitment to serving others. Before entering EMS, Jacob joined the U.S. Army in 2019 and served for seven years as an infantryman stationed in Savannah, Georgia. During his military service, he met his wife, Kelli, who is originally from Wisconsin.

After completing his military service, Jacob and Kelli made Wisconsin their home. With the goal of pursuing a career in firefighting with the Oshkosh Fire Department, Jacob enrolled in EMT training at Fox Valley Technical College, taking the next step in a career dedicated to helping others during their most critical moments.

Only months into his EMT education, Jacob encountered an emergency no classroom exercise could fully prepare him for.

On March 25, Jacob was working in another room during a training scenario when he heard his head instructor, Traci Blondeau, urgently call for an AED. An instructor who had been portraying a patient during the exercise had experienced an actual cardiac emergency.

Jacob immediately recognized that the situation had shifted from simulation to reality. He retrieved the AED and joined his fellow students and instructors in the resuscitation effort. Working together, the group performed CPR and used the AED as they worked to save their instructor’s life. Their efforts were successful.

Although still a student, Jacob demonstrated qualities essential to emergency medical care: composure, initiative, teamwork, and a willingness to act when someone needed help. His military experience had taught him to remain focused under pressure, trust his training, and work as part of a team. When confronted with a genuine medical emergency, he put those lessons into action.

The experience offered Jacob an unforgettable introduction to the responsibility that accompanies a career in EMS. It also reinforced the path he had chosen—from serving his country as an Army infantryman to preparing for a new career serving his community as an EMT and aspiring firefighter.

Jacob’s actions demonstrate that a commitment to service is more than a career choice; it is the willingness to step forward when another person needs help. Through his courage, composure, teamwork, and dedication to serving others, Jacob represents the promise of the next generation of emergency responders.

We are proud to recognize Jacob James as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.