Elle McCollum

Elle McCollum has served as a Paramedic for nearly a decade and currently serves as a Paramedic Shift Leader with Linn County Ambulance District in Missouri. She has earned the respect of her colleagues and leadership through exceptional clinical skill, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to those around her.

A passionate instructor and dedicated shift leader, Elle cares for the members of her team as if they were family. Her colleagues know they can depend on her, whether they need guidance, encouragement, or a calm and capable clinician beside them during a difficult call.

Elle’s clinical abilities are perhaps most evident when the stakes are highest. Recently, a critically ill traveler stopped at a gas station near Elle’s base while driving across Missouri. The patient was in respiratory failure and rapidly approaching cardiac arrest. Elle immediately recognized the severity of the situation and initiated aggressive treatment, including advanced airway management, nebulized magnesium and bronchodilator therapy, and mechanical ventilation. Her rapid assessment, decisive interventions, and expert care ultimately saved the patient’s life.

It was far from an isolated example. Elle also cared for a critically injured 17-year-old following a high-speed highway crash. The teenager was trapped inside the vehicle and facing an immediate life threat. While firefighters worked to free the patient, Elle performed an emergency finger thoracostomy and placed a chest tube while the teenager remained entrapped. Her intervention bought precious time for rescuers to complete the extrication and helped prevent the patient from dying at the scene.

Elle brings that same level of commitment to developing and supporting her colleagues. Whether she is teaching, leading a shift, mentoring another provider, or caring for a patient whose life hangs in the balance, she combines clinical confidence with compassion and a steadfast commitment to doing what is best for others.

Through extraordinary patient care, courageous clinical decision-making, leadership, and devotion to her teammates and community, Elle exemplifies the very best of the EMS profession. Linn County Ambulance District is proud to recognize Elle McCollum as a Star of Life.