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Archives: Stars

Jill Holmquest

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Jill Holmquest has served with Huron Valley Ambulance since 2014. Jill is known for being a compassionate and caring individual who gives 110% in all she does. Jill joined HVA as a Paramedic and has worked her way up to Senior Paramedic and Field Training Officer. She has become certified as a Critical Care Paramedic and a Community Paramedic, and serves on HVA’s National Response, Special Pathogens, and Hazardous Materials Response teams.

Jill’s time as a Field Training Officer has made her a pillar of HVA’s training program. She puts endless time and energy into helping EMS students and trainees. She has gone above and beyond to assist her peers before and after her shift and has dedicated much of her own time to creating programs and curriculums that allow her trainees to excel in their positions. Jill recognizes the value of a nurturing learning environment and ensures her students and trainees have the resources and welcoming space to craft their skills as EMS providers. Jill’s dedication to her students and trainees has developed them into outstanding clinical practitioners.

Jill is looked to as a leader both inside and outside of our organization. In addition to her training role at HVA, she has also taken a special interest in mentoring students from the University of Michigan EMS club and has frequently been a guest speaker at their monthly club meetings. Jill’s passion for EMS has led both of her sons to follow in her footsteps. Cody and Christopher also serve at HVA as a Senior Paramedic and an EMT, respectively.

Jill’s dedication to training the next generation of EMTs and Paramedics is remarkable and stands in direct opposition to the nationwide shortage of EMS providers in the nation. She is creating a bright future for both HVA and the field of EMS.

Daniela Flores

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Daniela Flores is a dreamer. She was born in Santiago, Chile in 1994, and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of five to pursue the “American Dream.” Daniela was raised in Vallejo and has lived there for the last twenty years.

After arriving in the U.S., Daniela had no choice but to adapt to her new country and learn a new language. She remembers crying every day in first grade because she had no one to talk to, as her twin sister was placed in a different class. After fifth grade, Daniela graduated from Admiral Farragut Elementary School and moved on to Vallejo Middle and High School, from which she graduated in 2012.

When she was fifteen, Daniela discovered that she was undocumented and could not apply for a job as her friends were doing. It was not until 2012 that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program began accepting applications. Daniela applied to obtain a work permit while continuing her education at Napa Valley College. At first, Daniela was unsure what career path she wanted to take, but she knew she wanted to help people. She decided to take an emergency first responder course and immediately fell in love with emergency medicine. She graduated from the Napa Valley College Paramedic program in February 2019, and is currently a Paramedic for Medic Ambulance.

Daniela is being honored for her dedication and commitment to Medic’s Emergency Response Team. Daniela was a part of the Ambulance Strike Teams that deployed to the Napa, Lake, and Butte County fires. She deployed for a total of fourteen days, and did many tasks to assist citizens and caregivers in need. Daniela helped to evacuate hospitals, residences, and skilled nursing facilities during her deployments, all while receiving the highest remarks from her Strike Team leaders. She was also part of the first ambulance responses back into the City of Paradise as medical responders were allowed back into the city. Daniela was recognized by U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson as a Public Service Hero in 2019.

Daniela is a leader in many ways and we are proud to have her a part of the Medic Ambulance Family.

Michael Hoffman

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Michael A. Hoffman has been chosen to be honored as a Star of Life for his commitment to his patients, his service, and his community.

Michael has been a dedicated EMT for Regional Ambulance Service for over a year. In that time, he has shown his compassion and commitment not only for the patients in his care, but also for the communities that he serves and his fellow employees. He began his EMS career as a Nationally Registered EMT, a certification that he obtained through his military training. Michael is a veteran, and served nine years of active duty in the VT Army National Guard as well as in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Michael has chosen to continue his EMS training. He recently completed his AEMT and has been accepted to Vermont Technical College’s Paramedic program to begin this fall.

In addition to his duties at Regional Ambulance Service, Michael is a dedicated husband and father of five.

David Bingham

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Fulfillment is found in many ways; and for EMSA Paramedic David Bingham it centers around one thing – helping others. Whether making a patient smile, mentoring students and new recruits, or taking care of critically sick and injured patients, David enjoys seeing the difference he can make.

David relentlessly checks up on his fellow team members. He is cognizant of the fact that this job takes a toll no matter how much experience you have, and is transparent about struggles. David checks in on other team members after difficult calls, long weeks, or busy nights. Despite how fatigued he may be, David always puts others above himself.

David joined the EMSA team in 2018 and has thrived in a busy system, rising through the ranks to the positions of Field Training Officer and Assistant District Chief. David maintains the REMSS trailer which is deployed for large events in EMSA’s Western Division, including the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. He says, “There is so much to do at EMSA – your opportunities are abundant as long as you are willing to chase them.”

Brett Palmatary

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EMSA Paramedic and Assistant District Chief Brett Palmatary knew early on that a career in emergency medical services was right for him. In high school, Brett began teaching CPR and Lifeguard classes at the American Red Cross, which was next door to the local EMS agency. He spent a lot of time talking to the Paramedics who worked next door, learning the ins and outs of their careers. Brett was intrigued, and soon began pursuing a career in EMS.

Brett hails from Fort Smith, Arkansas, and joined the EMSA team in 2016. He was a founding member of EMSA’s Peer Support Team, which strives to improve the quality of life for team members by providing support and resources after stressful calls. Brett also serves as an Assistant District Chief and Incident Command at Special Events. He truly believes EMSA is at its best when every member of the team is working toward the same goals.
Brett is described by his coworkers as having “a servant’s heart,” which is reflected in his daily duties of meeting the needs of his patients, colleagues, and community. Brett has a unique ability to lead his team, while still remaining approachable and trusted.

Brett places a high value on continuing education for EMS providers. He says, “It takes a lot of time and effort; however, it is all worth it in the end.”

 

Brenda Voshalike

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The City of Cannon Falls Ambulance Service takes great pride in nominating Paramedic Brenda Voshalike as a 2022 Star of Life recipient.

Brenda has served the community as a Dispatcher, Police Reserve Officer, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, and Educator. Brenda is now in her fifth decade of service to the Cannon Falls community.

Beginning as a Police Dispatcher in the 1970s, Brenda was encouraged to become an EMT with what was then a volunteer ambulance service. She eventually assumed a leadership role as the Ambulance Supervisor, and then Service Director, and assisted in transitioning the service to a combination career/volunteer model. After identifying a need for Advanced Life Support service in the community, Brenda earned her Paramedic certification, becoming the first Paramedic in Cannon Falls. When the concept of Community Paramedicine became a reality, Brenda was one the first to obtain the additional training and licensure.

Brenda has been, and continues to be, actively involved as an educator for both new EMTs and members of the community, teaching CPR and First Aid. Hundreds of students throughout the years have learned life changing and lifesaving skills from Brenda.

As part of the Minnesota EMS Honor Guard, Brenda provides a valuable service to her profession throughout the state. She offers support services for Line of Duty and Non-Line of Duty funerals, and honors those who have fallen in our challenging profession. All of the members, including Brenda, volunteer their time for the program.

While many of her peers might joke that her first charting system was on stone tablets, no one has provided more time contributing to EMS in the community. Brenda has averaged over 3,000 hours on the schedule per year. Although many of these hours are on duty hours for her full-time position, plenty are also from back up coverage, teaching, and public information events.

Brenda Voshalike is the very definition of service before self. Thousands of residents and visitors to the Cannon Falls community have been impacted by Brenda. Without any doubt, we are proud to call her a friend, a partner, and a Star of Life.

Kendra Vermillion

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Kendra Rene Vermillion was born in Seiling, OK and graduated from Seiling Public Schools in 2009. She continued her education at Northern Oklahoma College, where she also played JUCO Division II basketball, and graduated with honors in 2011. During her two years at NOC, Kendra assisted her basketball team in reaching the National Tournament twice and the Final Four during her Sophomore year. This was the first time in NOC’s history that the women’s JUCO basketball team reached the National Tournament.

After graduating, Kendra found her love for EMS when she attended a Basic EMT class in Enid, OK and developed a passion for caring for others. Kendra began her career at Life EMS in 2015, and obtained her Advanced EMT license at Redlands Community College in 2017.

In addition to running full-time on the ambulance, Kendra is constantly looking for ways to improve the service. She created and implemented Life’s EMT and AEMT orientation and training program, which earned her the title Senior Field Training Officer. Kendra is well respected by her coworkers and emergency department personnel for her professional demeanor and medical knowledge.

When not at work, Kendra enjoys spending time with her husband, Life EMS’s Star from five years ago, and their four dogs.

Life EMS is proud to have Kendra as its 2022 Star of Life.

Kendra Rene Vermillion is the 2022 Oklahoma Ambulance Association Star of Life.

 

Russell Johnston

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After graduating high school, Russell Johnston attended UW-Milwaukee to become a physical therapist. After a year, Russell was not sure that was the path for him, though he knew he wanted to help people. He decided to leave UW-M and enter into the firefighter program at his local technical college. There he enrolled in an EMT course and, after its completion, decided that EMS was the career path for him.

Russell began his EMS career with Bell Ambulance in 2008. After a few years of ambulance work in Milwaukee, Russell became an EMT Crew Chief. He next joined Bell Ambulance and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Critical Care Transport team. Through his hard work, dedication, and ever-present positive demeanor, Russell became a highly valued member of the transport team. He also advanced to the position of EMT Supervisor, which he excelled at and quickly garnered a positive reputation as a supervisor and caregiver. Russell has the ability to establish a good rapport with both patients and employees, while always maintaining the highest degree of professionalism. As a result, Russell was asked to take on a new challenge within the Client Services Department as a liaison between the company and its facility clients. Soon after, he became the Client Services Supervisor, and, in 2020, was again promoted to Client Services Coordinator.

In his personal life, Russell cares for his rescued English bulldog, Tilly, and gives back by both coaching and refereeing high school powerlifting at the local, state, and even national levels. In fact, Russell is a two-time Powerlifting State Champion!

Russell was voted Employee of the Year and Star of Life in 2019 by his peers.

Arlyn Hatch

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Arlyn Hatch joined Life EMS as an EMT in 2018. Over the past few years, he has also obtained his Paramedic license and become a Field Training Officer for Life EMS. These many accomplishments in a short amount of time are proof of Arlyn’s strong work ethic and dedication to his community and his fellow coworkers.

Arlyn has always wanted to be in a field that helps and serves his community, though his real push to become a Medic was the untimely passing of his daughter. He began his career in 2013 with Garber Fire Department as an EMR/Firefighter. In 2018, Arlyn started basic training at Autry Technology Center and then pursued his career at Life EMS. In 2019, he enrolled at OSU-OKC to continue his education and he became a Paramedic in 2020. He has now proudly served his hometown community of Enid for eight years.

Arlyn always strives to better himself and to help those in need. These admirable qualities shine through not just in his job, but also in his care and devotion towards his four children, Dexter, Madolynn, Adyn and Eisley. His interests outside of serving his community include fishing and watching OU football. Boomer Sooner!

Noelle Gross

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Noelle Gross will often joke around about the fact that she is short, but she is proof that big things come in small packages and can make a HUGE impact!

Noelle came to Bell Ambulance as an EMT in the fall of 2016. She earned her Paramedic license in 2017, obtained her Critical Care certification through UMBC in 2018, was promoted to Field Training Officer in 2019, and then to Paramedic Supervisor in 2020.

Noelle continues to perform in her role as a Critical Care Paramedic doing ground transfers. She also works in the 911 system in Southeast Wisconsin and has completed the requirements to be a Secondary Dispatcher in the ACE Dispatch Center. She has taken on an additional role as an AHA BLS/ACLS/PALS Instructor, frequently teaching and helping her coworkers with their renewals. Noelle also helps to train new Paramedics and Critical Care Paramedics and is involved with the Education and Training Department. As a Supervisor, she has proven herself to be a dependable and “go-to” person for employees to talk with about calls, any issues they may have, and any problems they may face.

As a result of her constant commitment to her job, her patients, and her colleagues, Noelle was voted by her peers to be Bell Ambulance’s 2020 Employee of the Year.

Noelle and her boyfriend live in West Allis, Wisconsin with their two dogs, Copper and Lady.

 

Gabriel Swart

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Gabriel Swart was raised in the small town of Saugerties, NY with his parents and two brothers. He and his brothers have always shared a strong bond and grew up doing everything together, from snowboarding and biking to playing video games and LEGO. They always enjoyed spending time together and have always encouraged each other to strive for greatness.

Gabe believes his interest in EMS began as a result of his brother’s illness. His younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia three times over the course of his childhood. Watching the doctors and nurses perform miracles for his brother inspired Gabe to want to help others as well. He knew he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, and thought EMS seemed to be the best way to fulfill his goal.

Gabe began his career at Mohawk Ambulance Service in February 2019 and has quickly become a valuable leader. He has become a Field Training Officer and is instrumental in welcoming and training new hires. Gabe sets an example for all who are around him in regards to professionalism and how to be a respectful leader, and he exemplifies what it means to be a hard worker and a great caregiver.

Of his nomination as a 2022 Star of Life, Gabe says, “This is a great honor for me. I have such a passion for EMS and it is such a privilege to work with my friends and to serve the people of Albany Capital District. Mohawk is a home away from home, and I feel proud to say I’m an asset to the team.”

Gabe strives to always help others and to be the best patient care provider he can be. He aspires to soon become a Paramedic.

Chris Kapla

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Chris Kapla received his Paramedic license in 2006 and joined Life EMS in 2009.

Chris is a dedicated Paramedic who excels in training staff. He is also a member of the CISM team. Chris upholds the values of Life EMS by delivering skill and passion with dignity and respect.

Christopher Jimenez

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Christopher Jimenez was born in Savannah, Georgia. He was accepted into Georgia Southern University where he completed a four-year program and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2016. In order to pursue his interest in the medical profession, Christopher sought ways to obtain patient contacts and field experience.

Christopher enrolled in the Savannah Technical College Emergency Services program and completed his EMT-B in 2017. He fell in love with the field and with the opportunity to aid those in his local community in the worst times of their lives. He completed the Savannah Tech Paramedic certification in 2019 and has since been a lead Medic in downtown Savannah. He is now a part-time adjunct instructor for Savannah Tech and has recently been promoted to an FTO position at Chatham EMS.

Christopher and his wife, Savannah, actually met in kindergarten; a fact discovered one night going through the yearbooks. Christopher and Savannah live with their two German Shepherd fur children, Rocco and Titan.

Mercy Ambulance Service is proud to nominate Christopher Jimenez for his hard work and exemplary service to his community.

Matthew Hapner

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Matt Hapner joined Life EMS in 2014, and is currently a Medic, Supervisor, and Education Coordinator (Medic Instruction).

Matt brings a strong drive and dedication to the Education Department every day. He has grown through the ranks at Life EMS, beginning as an EMT, then a Paramedic, and now a Supervisor. He has served the community with skill and compassion, and has earned the respect of his colleagues with his willingness to help each associate gain the knowledge they need to better themselves every day on the road.

As a result of his passion to help others, Matt transitioned to the Education Department and became the lead Paramedic educator. He has brought the same skill and compassion that he displayed in the field to the classroom, and goes above and beyond for every student. He will make time for anyone who has a question or who is struggling with learning, including coming in on his days off to help students prepare for tests. Matt is passionate about setting his students up for success with the skills and knowledge they need before starting their clinicals on the ambulance.

Christopher Fouch

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Chris Fouch joined Life EMS in 2009 and is currently a Paramedic and full-time Field Training Instructor in the Kalamazoo, MI operation.

Throughout his time at Life EMS, Chris has demonstrated an incredible resiliency and a willingness to lead by example. He has recognized that leadership alone cannot set the culture and tone within an organization, and has stepped up to assist by acting as a positive role model for new associates. As a result, Chris has taken on additional responsibilities over the past year, including the formal orientation of new hires. He has been invaluable in orienting EMTs to the NICU and PICU ambulances, as recent transitions in policy allow for EMTs to complete these mission critical transports. Chris has been cited by the local medical control authority (KCMCA) as “the field trainer who is ‘doing it right,’” ensuring that training is complete, all medical control course work is completed, and trainees are set up for success.

Chris displays a contagious spirit of positivity and it is authentic in every way. He enjoys participating in shift builds for schedules and continually seeks any way in which he can better both himself and Life EMS as a whole. Through the active participation of associates such as Chris, the future of Life EMS is bright.

Life EMS is honored to nominate Chris as a 2022 Star of Life for his work ethic, tenacity, grit, positivity, and organizational involvement.

Jose Salas

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Jose A. Salas (“Joe”)  began his career in EMS in 1992 as an Emergency Medical Technician. In 1994, he transitioned to EMS dispatch with Advanced Medical Transport, which eventually became AMR of Illinois. In March 1997, Joe began his journey at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Illinois, Inc., where he worked in the Communications Center as an EMS Dispatcher for seven years. He then transferred to Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Indiana, Inc. and was promoted to Dispatch Supervisor. Joe became the Dispatch Manager in 2020, and is responsible for Superior’s Indiana and Ohio Communications Centers. Joe provides exceptional leadership to Dispatchers, Customer Service Representatives, and On-site Coordinators: all working together as a solid team.

Joe is a certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) through the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch. He participates in many of the national EMD conferences, particularly the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Navigator, to keep current and knowledgeable on key changes and critical information regarding EMD. He has helped implement and train dispatchers in system status management, which is still in use to this day.

Recently, Superior Ambulance of Indiana relocated its dispatch center into a new state-of-the-art facility. Not only was the move inherently difficult, but we had to close one dispatch center and reopen another, all while still providing exceptional customer service to our 911 communities and hospital systems. Joe was instrumental in ensuring this seamless transition.

In 2020, the Superior Ambulance of Ohio was created. The biggest challenge was taking two completely different companies (Columbus Connection and CEMS), which had their own cultures and identities, and remolding them into a new Superior culture. Time, patience, and communication were essential to accomplish this monumental task while continuing to provide exceptional customer service to the 911 community and hospital systems we serve.

Joe is a servant leader who purposefully uses active listening to make sure that collaboration is achieved. His personal mission statement is “Coming together is the beginning; Keeping together is the progress; Working together is the success.” Joe’s colleagues describe him as driven and passionate about his job and his personnel, and assert that “he spends a lot of time developing individuals in the dispatch center.” Joe aspires to lead both his teams through the ACE accreditation. His goal for his employees is to give them the tools they need for success in both their personal and professional lives.

In his free time, Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is a proud father of three. His oldest daughter is involved in social work and his other daughter is in her last year of nursing school. His son is still deciding which college to attend. Joe is also proud of his Native American heritage. His father was a Lakota Sioux Chief. Joe is active in the Native American Nation and frequently attends events in the community. He also volunteers at the National Gathering of American Indian Veterans’ annual event at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. It is an event held over three days that honors veterans and military personnel of all cultures, eras, and branches in the Native American style.

Lukas Robinson

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Lukas Robinson joined Umpqua Valley Ambulance as a full-time Paramedic eight years ago. He began his career in EMS when he earned his paramedic and fire science degrees at Umpqua Community College. Throughout his career with Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Lukas has developed an outstanding approach to EMS and earned tremendous respect from his colleagues. In addition to his 911 response duties as a Paramedic, Lukas is a Field Training Officer and assures that future generations of medics are able to provide high-quality care and response to patient needs.

During the wildfire season in the western United States, Lukas serves as a Fire Ambulance Paramedic, operating in remote and difficult conditions. Lukas is always willing to go above and beyond to help out his coworkers.

Lukas has a wife and two boys. During his time off, he enjoys hunting and riding ATVs and UTVs at the coast. He was recently awarded Paramedic of the Year by his coworkers for his dedication and outstanding service.

Umpqua Valley Ambulance salutes Lukas Robinson as our Star of Life!

Aaron Myers

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Aaron Myers has worked at Woodburn Ambulance Service as a Paramedic since 2016. Aaron has, in a short period of time, established himself as a leader, not only at Woodburn Ambulance but in EMS as a whole.

Aaron is an excellent Paramedic and a perfectionist when it comes to patient care. He has shared his wisdom with Paramedic students, and has trained most of Woodburn’s current staff in the Field Training Program when they were first hired. Although he is thought of by new employees as a tough evaluator, Aaron has raised the bar in patient care and many of his peers continue to aspire to reach his level. As a result, Aaron received Woodburn Ambulance’s 2021 Paramedic of Year Award.

In his short time as a Paramedic and as an employee of Woodburn Ambulance, Aaron has been awarded the position of Shift Officer. Management recognized that, through his own actions and without an official position, Aaron’s peers were already following his lead and often sought out his advice on medical protocols and on company policy. In essence, the employees placed Aaron in a leadership position well before management gave him the title.

In addition to his roles as Shift Officer and Field Training Officer, Aaron has also taken on the job of Chair of the Regional Protocol Committee. His passion for the field of EMS is beyond compare, and he frequently researches new treatment modalities to ensure that the region continues to advance in the field of EMS.

What is possibly most remarkable about Aaron is that he is extremely humble and unassuming. He leads by example and never expects his subordinates to perform any task that he would be unwilling to do, nor perform at a level that he could not attain himself. Because of his leadership success, he has been a trusted advisor to management and a trusted leader for all employees.

Howard Mullins

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Howard Mullins was born and raised in Warrenton, Oregon. He has been with Medix Ambulance since November 2013, beginning his career as a Wheelchair Van Driver. It soon became apparent that he had an additional high-level skill set when he jumped in as a mechanic for the Wheelchair and then for the Ambulance Divisions of Medix. Howard has the ability to quickly learn new things and has proven himself to be extremely valuable to the company.

Howard soon became responsible for helping put new wheelchair vans in service by performing the initial installations of the necessary equipment. He has become certified as a Ricon Lift service person, and is also the primary installer of the Stryker Power Gurney and Lifts systems for all of the Metro West family of companies. Howard is always available for any needs the company or its employees may have at any time. He is a great example to all fellow employees as someone who is willing to go the extra mile to accomplish his and the company’s goals, and he always leads by example.

When not keeping Metro West’s lifesaving equipment on the road, Howard also enjoys riding motorcycles and spending time with family and friends. He and his spouse, Nelda, enjoy living on the Oregon coast and in the relaxed atmosphere that comes naturally to the area.

Medix Ambulance is proud to announce Howard Mullins as our Star of Life!

John Lents

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John has been involved in EMS as an EMT and Paramedic for 26 years. He joined CHS MIHC in 2000 and is an Advanced Practice Paramedic.

John’s patient care skills are among the best in the profession, but what really sets John apart is his passion for patient advocacy. He displays this passion through his work with the adult protective program and previously within the community paramedicine program. John contributed to the development of both programs, and also assisted with streamlining their methods for delivery of care. Every day, John puts forth the effort to learn new processes and treatment modalities to improve patient care. His commitment to the profession of EMS has been a foundation and example for others within the field to model themselves after.