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Archives: Stars

James Dalrymple

In the dynamic and demanding world of emergency medical services, James Dalrymple stands out not just as a leader but as a beacon of dedication, humor, and rapport. As the Fleet Supervisor at Sunstar Paramedics, he’s become synonymous with reliability, sustainability, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Every vehicle under James’s charge operates at peak performance, ensuring that when a patient’s life hangs in the balance, Sunstar Paramedics can respond without a hitch. His attention to detail means these vehicles don’t just meet the standards – they often exceed them. Moreover, his mindfulness towards the environment ensures the fleet’s operations align with broader sustainability goals, reflecting care for the community that goes beyond immediate medical needs.

But James isn’t just about the mechanics of fleet supervision. His prior service in the military has endowed him with a unique blend of discipline and teamwork, qualities he brings to Sunstar every day. It’s his camaraderie with the field crews, forged from genuine understanding and mutual respect, that truly sets him apart. His approachability, punctuated by a refreshing sense of humor, has become a cornerstone of the positive and supportive work environment at Sunstar.

In a high-pressure field, where every decision can have life-altering implications, having a leader who can inject levity, understand challenges from the ground up, and prioritize safety is invaluable. James’s ability to foster strong relationships, enhance communication, and create a workplace where laughter is as prevalent as dedication speaks volumes of his leadership style.

As we recognize James Dalrymple for his outstanding contributions, we celebrate a man who seamlessly blends the rigors of fleet management with the heart of a team player. His service, both in the military and at Sunstar Paramedics, is a testament to a life dedicated to excellence, community, and genuine human connection.

Austin Baffa

EMT Austin Baffa is being honored as a Star of Life for saving a patient in cardiac arrest.

He recounts, “My partner and I were dispatched to a Code 3 unconscious patient at a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Irvine, California. We were down the street and were upgraded to a full arrest and were notified by fire that they would be delayed. Prior to the call, we were practicing a ‘first on-scene’ full-arrest scenario and the call dropped as we finished our practice scenario. Upon arrival, we were flagged down by bystanders. My partner ran upstairs to begin her assessment while I grabbed the trauma and AED bag. Upon patient contact, we determined that they were pulseless, apneic with cyanosis and death rattles. My partner began CPR while I set up the AED. After a few minutes of high-quality CPR, we were able to get a shockable rhythm on the patient, ultimately achieving ROSC. The patient then began to throw up, at which point we cleared their airway and stabilized them. It was at this point that the fire department arrived to assist. By the time we loaded up the patient, they were fully oriented and in good spirits. It was later discovered that the patient sustained no brain damage and is making a full recovery.”

As luck would have it, before working as partners on the ambulance, Austin and his partner and fellow Star of Life, Becca, went to school together. During training, they spent time practicing just such skills and scenarios prior to their time working together at FALCK.

Austin spends his free time surfing, hiking, and going to the gym. He is active in his community and prioritizes his mental, physical, and emotional health. He is currently working toward a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic.

Don Speicher

Upon moving to Pawnee, Oklahoma from Pittsburg in 1977, Don asked his wife, “What can I do here”? Little did he know the path that his life was to take over the next 50 years, nor the impact he would have on countless lives.

Don started out as a rookie carpenter and concrete man, later becoming part owner of the local lumber and hardware store. He accomplished this while raising a family, serving on the local school board, and volunteering for 22 years as a firefighter.

Additionally, Don has dedicated 40-plus years to his community as an EMT, first as a Basic then progressing in 1985 to the Intermediate level. Today, he continues to serve as the training officer, keeping the department up-to-date on certifications and new techniques. Recently Don received a federal grant to teach, retain, and equip more EMTs in the rural area.

Don is always willing to teach if one is willing to learn. He always looks to give a hand up, not a handout.

Oh, the stories he could tell about the changes he has seen over the past 40 years in rural emergency medicine. Our department and the community are grateful for his service and contributions. Pawnee Ambulance Service is honored to name Mr. Don Speicher as a Star of Life.

Don Speicher represents the state of Oklahoma as a 2023 Oklahoma Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Joshua Morgan

Southern Oklahoma Ambulance is proud to present Josh Morgan as an outstanding star in EMS. Josh is a dedicated healthcare professional with a career spanning more than 18 years. He began his journey as an EMT at AMR in 2005, subsequently expanding his skills and knowledge across several services statewide. Achieving his Paramedic certification in 2010 marked a key milestone in his career, bolstered further when he became a certified Flight Paramedic for Air Evac Life Team.

Outside of his primary profession, Josh spent more than 12 years as a volunteer firefighter at Corum and Meridian Volunteer Fire Departments, showcasing his unwavering commitment to serving his community. His passion for helping others extends beyond the physical realm of healthcare as he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in medical health counseling, with a specific focus on trauma.

His goal is to provide invaluable peer support to EMS agencies, with an ardent desire to help his colleagues avoid developing PTSD and burnout. As a devoted husband to his wonderful wife Allison for 29 years and a proud father to Lilyan, Wyatt, and Jenson, Josh is a true family man.

Joshua Morgan represents the state of Oklahoma as a 2023 Oklahoma Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Don Thomas

Don started his EMS career over 37 years ago as an EMT/Firefighter in Astoria, Oregon. While he enjoyed being a firefighter, he fell in love with the EMS side of the job.

As such, 19 years ago, Don came to Medix Ambulance as a Paramedic Supervisor. Three years ago, Don progressed to overseeing the operations in our newest division in Longview, Washington.

Don’s dedication to his job, the company, and the care of our patients has been a huge part of Medix’s continued success.

Don has been married to his high school sweetheart for 35 years. Together they share three beloved children. The couple adores doting on their four grandchildren.

Medix is proud to call Don Thomas a 2023 Star of Life.

Darrell Stanley

Darrell Stanley is approaching his 22nd anniversary serving his community at Olympic Ambulance. Throughout his tenure, Darrell has excelled in many roles in the organization. He has proudly led his colleagues as Duty Officer for his shift since 2015.

As an experienced Field Training Officer, Darrell is a State Emergency System Evaluator and has been key to the initial education of development of local EMTs. Darrell’s vast experience and knowledge make him an important element of Olympic’s continued success. Darrell also lends his many talents to the EMS high-risk infection team in the state of Washington.

Throughout Darrell’s time with Olympic Ambulance, he has provided quality patient care while simultaneously going above and beyond to work across departments and divisions to achieve our shared goals. Olympic is proud to honor Darrell Stanley as a 2023 Star of Life.

Kristina Ploeger

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
—J.K. Rowling.

Kristina Ploeger’s passion is to serve as a light for others during their worst moments. This drive stems from her humble upbringing in Arizona, which instilled in her values that paved the way for the person she is today. Kristina realized at a young age what was important to her; family, health, and happiness.

In that spirit, Kristina launched her healthcare career in 2002 caring for dementia patients. A few years later, she started volunteering as a Firefighter with Columbia River Fire in St Helen’s, Oregon. It was there that Kristina quickly realized she had found more than a career—she found her destiny. Kristina graduated from college, earned her Paramedic license, and spent 17 years working for Metro West Ambulance in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Last year, in search of a change of scenery, Kristina and her family moved to Idaho where she became licensed as a real estate agent. A few months later, when she learned that Metro West had become the ambulance provider for Baker County, Oregon, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to serve at Metro West again. Kristina has spent many years providing great patient care. Now she has taken on the role of helping to build and grow a new division for the company.

Kristina’s spare time is often spent with the Coast Guard Auxiliary promoting water safety. Kristina is happily married to Paul Ploeger. Together they have five beautiful children as well as a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law. 

Metro West is proud to honor Kristina Ploeger as a 2023 Star of Life.

Lilliana Ferguson

In 2019, Lilliana Ferguson enrolled in an EMT course for academic credit and to gain patient contact hours. She began her mobile healthcare career at UMass EMS in college before relocating to the Boston area and joining Cataldo Ambulance Service.

Lilliana states that she initially joined the Cataldo team, “because of Cataldo’s good reputation in the Boston area” and the call volume and population diversity for patient contact hours. She adds, “I fell in love with EMS. Every day is different, and you never know what to expect. You get to meet a lot of people and be exposed to their lifestyles.”

Lilliana became a Paramedic in 2021 and has since become extremely adept at managing high-acuity patients. She is always prepared to confidently surmount any complications or barriers to ensure patients always receive exceptional care. Over the course of her EMS career, Lilliana has been a field training officer at both the BLS and ALS levels. Her experience, knowledge, and positive nature makes her a great role model for her peers.

Christopher Crowell

Christopher “Chris” Crowell initially enrolled in an EMT course in college for academic credit and to gain patient contact hours. Soon after, he joined the Atlantic division of Cataldo Ambulance Service, the contracted ambulance provider in his hometown of Lynn, Massachusetts. Chris fell in love with EMS immediately, and notes that “when it’s rewarding, it is extremely rewarding.”

Chris has an innate talent for establishing trust with patients with whom it might be more difficult to build rapport. As a BLS Clinical Field Supervisor, he applies these same skills to effectively manage team members in the field. He leads colleagues with the same empathy and understanding he learned by managing complex patient situations.

Cataldo team members rely on Chris to handle any situation that is thrown at him in a way that is consistent, fair, and reliable. His friendly and outgoing nature helps all team members feel welcomed and supported as he assists them in diffusing difficult situations while ensuring that patient care is never compromised. “Knowing that people rely on me and have confidence in me is what keeps me coming back to work every day,” Chris adds.

Erica Blockman

Erica Blockman is the clinical Coordinator and Paramedic for Del Norte Ambulance. Prior to joining Del Norte Ambulance, Erica served as a certified Flight Paramedic, a ground transport Paramedic, and engineer firefighter. She received her Fire Science degree in 2007 and her Associate of Science Degree in Prehospital Emergency Medicine in 2013.

Erica has gone above and beyond the call of duty time and time again. Her efforts significantly impact our company and our community through her commitment to providing quality mobile healthcare.

In addition to her commitment to EMS, Erica also strives for physical well-being. She is a former IFBB Physique bodybuilder and a physical trainer. In her free time, Erica enjoys relaxing with her dogs and paddle boarding on our local river.

Del Norte is proud to honor Erica as a 2023 Star of Life.

Bobbi Tremblay

Bobbi Tremblay began her EMS career in April of 1997 as an EMT at Armstrong Ambulance Service in Arlington, MA. She quickly rose through the ranks to become a base supervisor in Peabody, MA and then later in Wilmington, MA. Bobbi was an excellent EMT for many years, but a shoulder injury began a new journey for her. After surgery to address her issue, Bobbi joined the Communications Department in 2006 as a Call Taker and quickly became an Emergency Medical Dispatcher.

Since joining the Communications Department 17 years ago, Bobbi has been a cornerstone of Armstrong’s dispatch operations. Bobbi has done, and will do, anything asked for the betterment of the team, including picking up shifts, training new staff, and offering suggestions on how to improve processes and the room as a whole. Throughout Armstrong Ambulance, Bobbi is known for her skill and empathy by callers and colleagues alike. Whether it’s her fellow Dispatchers, crews out on the road, or anyone who calls into her line, Bobbi treats everyone with respect, patience, and genuine kindness.

Bobbi has thoroughly enjoyed every role she has held in EMS, but she admits to enjoying EMD the most. Says Bobbi, “When Armstrong started emergency medical dispatching for multiple towns, it quickly became my favorite position. In my time here, I have assisted in delivering a baby and giving CPR instructions multiple times. My most satisfying call was for a facial laceration where I recognized the situation as being an assault. I was able to obtain identifying information as well as the location of the incident to update police prior to their arrival.” Clearly, Bobbi’s natural compassion helps her excel at her job.

In her free time, Bobbi loves to spend time with her grandkids and her dogs, Marley and Koda. Bobbi also has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and gardening when she is not busy helping others!

Samantha Migliore

During Samantha “Sam” Migliore’s senior year of high school, while manning the cash register at her after-school job, she noticed a woman who didn’t appear much older than her wearing an EMT uniform. At that moment Sam realized that joining the EMS field was an attainable goal. That fall she enrolled in an EMT course and obtained her certification soon after.

Sam began working for Armstrong Ambulance in 2019, the day after she graduated from high school. She quickly fell in love with EMS, enjoying the work and the meaning behind it. Sam finds it deeply rewarding to assist patients during some of their most challenging moments. She recognizes the necessity of bringing a sense of calm to a chaotic scene.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam took a two-year leave of absence from her studies to work full-time on the front lines. She dedicated most of her time to Armstrong Ambulance’s COVID-19 response efforts focused on testing and vaccinating individuals across Massachusetts. Sam is proud to have worked alongside such motivated and resilient teams during the pandemic.

Combining her two passions—healthcare and education—Sam decided to pursue a degree focused on healthcare upon her return to school. As a Field Training Officer at Armstrong, Sam developed a uniform curriculum to train the next generation of EMTs with the tools they need to succeed in the field. Sam feels that teaching is the most rewarding aspect of her job, and aims to instill in trainees the same passion for EMS that drives her. To know Sam is to know why it’s easy for Armstrong Ambulance to recognize her as an incredible instructor, consummate professional, highly skilled clinician, mentor to many, and all-around great person.

Sam is currently a senior at UMass Lowell. In spring she will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. From there, Sam hopes to continue her education by enrolling in Physician Associate (PA) school where she can further her emergency medicine skills.

In her free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, taking road trips across New England, and spending time with her puggle, Rocco.

Nicholas Spencer

Nicholas “Nick” Spencer joined Bell Ambulance in 2021 and quickly made a positive impact. Awarded the Employee of the Year in 2022 by his colleagues, his influence was clear. Rising to the role of EMT Field Training Officer, Nick focused on sharing knowledge, often mentoring EMT students in the cadet program.

Staff members appreciate Nick for his willingness to help and educate. His commitment to learning stands out, and he’s always ready to face challenges head-on.

On a personal note, Nick’s longstanding bond with his wife, dating back to their childhood, speaks to his steadfast nature. His service as a youth pastor further enriches his community as well.

Bell Ambulance is proud to honor Nick Spencer as a 2023 Star of Life.

Quentin Nation

Since joining Bell Ambulance in 2021, Quentin Nation has time and again demonstrated his leadership and commitment to the field. He played a vital role in an innovative collaboration with the Milwaukee Fire Department, helping staff ambulances at firehouses. This dedication to caring for Milwaukee residents earned him the honor of being chosen as the 2021 Employee of the Year by his peers.

Quentin’s expertise was put into practice when he successfully delivered several babies, further affirming his capability and passion. Rising to the role of EMT Field Training Officer, he now ensures that the next generation of EMS providers receive top-tier training.

Quentin’s work is deeply personal. He proudly carries forward the legacy of his mother, who served as a Bell Ambulance EMT two decades ago. Quentin’s unwavering commitment to service and mobile healthcare makes him a standout Star of Life.

Chris Workman

Chris Workman NREMT-P, RN is in his 23rd year in EMS, and is nearing his fifth year of service at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Chris’s career has spanned various areas of Arkansas, several types of EMS agencies, and numerous roles on and off duty. Chris launched his EMS career by earning his EMT certification after eight years as a welder and has continued to grow professionally since. He attained his Paramedic certification in 2008 and became a Registered Nurse in 2014. In addition to his field duties, Chris is a member of the MEMS Honor Guard and is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor. But that is just the beginning of his contributions to the community.

Chris is known throughout the state for his community involvement, volunteerism, and auctioneering skills. Chris has served countless hours as a Volunteer Firefighter and Reserve Police Officer. Additionally, as Community Outreach Coordinator he designed, built, and won first place for a County Fair float representing his agency and the EMS profession. He coached children’s T-Ball teams and served as a counselor, staff member, and on the planning committee for Camp Sunshine Burn Survivor Camp for 14 years.

Chris is also a longtime member of the Arkansas Emergency Medical Technician Association. He has lent his talents to their annual state-wide EMS conference planning committee and continues to serve as their annual fundraiser’s auctioneer.

Chris is a proud small-business owner, operating Workman’s Auction since 2006. In this role, he has conducted over 500 live, charity, and online auctions. Chris is well known for his trustworthiness and professionalism. and as such his efforts have supported EMS agencies in liquidating equipment. He was also entrusted with the sale of priceless career-long memorabilia collections by a few EMS legends who were approaching the end of their lives.

Chris is deeply humble and compassionate. Over the course of his career, he has successfully performed four field deliveries and one Pedi-Code save. In his time at MEMS, he has already been honored with four Phoenix Awards for cardiac arrest saves. These patient outcomes earn accolades from many. However, it is the times when Chris offers non-traditional, outside-of-the-box care for his patients that set him apart from his peers and earned him a nomination as a 2023 Star. From cooking a meal for a stressed, frail diabetic to singing gospel music with patients during transport, Chris fully dedicates himself to mobile healthcare. Similarly, he invests countless hours supporting his partners and mentoring new EMTs during the early stages of their careers.
When asked about being a Paramedic, Chris notes, “I do not save lives. God saves lives and decides who lives or dies. He blessed me with the tools and knowledge to help him; I get to play on his playground.”

Chris is married to Jayme who is a registered nurse and Emergency Department Director. They are both active members of Destiny Cowboy Church in Austin, Arkansas. Their son is currently enrolled in EMT school with plans to continue the family legacy of public service and EMS.

In their free time, Chris and Jayme enjoy spending time on the lake and at their cabin with friends. Chris is also an avid deer and turkey hunter, a skilled fisherman, and a proud Dallas Cowboys season ticket holder.

Garrett Whisenhunt

Sergeant Garrett Whisenhunt, B.S., NREMT-P is in his fifth year in EMS at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock, Arkansas. After two years of working as an EMT, Garrett was selected for the MEMS in-house Paramedic school. Here, he earned highest honors as the class Valedictorian while simultaneously attaining his Associates of Applied Science in Paramedicine. In his second year as a Paramedic, he distinguished himself from his peers through his contributions to the agency as well as his work outside of EMS.

From Paramedic school to the present, Garrett’s dedication to lifelong learning is second to none. He notes that being an effective Paramedic and driving excellent patient outcomes fuel his investment in his own education. He is similarly committed to the development of his 400+ coworkers and thousands of EMS colleagues across the state. His desire to increase knowledge and reduce self-doubt for himself and his EMS colleagues led to his formation of the “Journal Club” at MEMS. This initiative has led to multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and discussions resulting in new and revised protocols as well as an informative learning and training medium.

In addition to his role as a Paramedic and Field Training Officer, Garrett serves as a member of the MEMS Bike team, Safety Council, Recruitment Team,  and as an Adjunct Instructor for the MEMS’ Academy, as well as a Stop the Bleed and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor. Another innovation driven by Garrett is his redesign and redevelopment of the agency’s driving training program, both didactic and practical portions. Overseeing a collaborative effort between other FTOs, Instructors, and Supervisors, this new course resulted in a year-long safety campaign that was designed to recognize and incentivize safe practices.

Furthermore, Garrett is a leader in the agency for his interdepartmental efforts and relationships with the area police and fire departments. He and his partner are known for their close relationship with their fellow public service professionals. They often share credit for positive outcomes on-scene with our partners and co-responders.

Garrett has been married to Sara for seven years and they have an 11-month-old daughter, Jane, who is the joy of their life. They are members of the Hwy 65 Church of Christ where he serves in numerous roles singing, preaching, teaching, and hosting Bible study classes for local college-aged adults. Garrett’s hobbies include mountain biking, smoking meats, making coffee and espressos, and spending time with his two Scottish Terriers. He is a self-described yard nerd who strives to have the greenest lawn on the block.

MEMS is proud to recognize Garrett Whisenhunt as a 2023 Star of Life.

Aaron Wainwright

Aaron Wainwright began his journey in EMS in 2011 and soon after, in 2012, he joined Life EMS as an EMT. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous growth, Aaron achieved his Paramedic certification in 2019. In 2021, he progressed to Supervisor in the Northern Operations in Mason County.

As a leader, Aaron stands out as a true visionary. He possesses a unique ability to communicate his expectations with both clarity and precision, ensuring that every team member comprehends their specific duties and responsibilities. This style of leadership not only nurtures unity within the team but also boosts overall efficiency and productivity.

Beyond his leadership skills, what truly distinguishes Aaron is his authentic and respectful care towards his patients. The warmth of his demeanor combined with his innate empathy establishes a comforting atmosphere for those in need of medical assistance.  Patients consistently express their gratitude for his attentive and compassionate approach, underscoring his commitment to providing exceptional care.

In addition to his professional achievements, Aaron is an exceptional human being. He treats everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their role or background. His willingness to lend a helping hand and offer guidance to colleagues further solidifies his reputation as a remarkable leader and team player.

Life EMS Ambulance is proud to recognize Aaron Wainwright as a Star of Life.

Brandon Trauba

Brandon Trauba has been an incredible asset to Lakes Region EMS over the course of his career. Starting as an EMT in 2014, Brandon quickly progressed to Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic, Supervisor, then on to Operations Manager today. Brandon continues to be an exemplary leader in his newest role; he asks difficult questions and is thoughtful but firm in how he deals with challenges. He shows great ownership and engagement in the organization and has a good practice of looking at things through both a leadership lens as well the lens of a field provider.

In his role as an Operations Manager, Brandon is the driving force behind many improvements within the organization. He leads the Field Training Officers group, mentoring new and experienced employees. He also guides new staff through orientation, readying them to serve the community on their own. Brandon also spearheaded the rollout of an entirely new narcotics process. He diligently gathered feedback from all staff, worked to understand the process, and then trained the team before launching the module.

In addition to his contributions to the communities of Lakes Region EMS, Brandon has been a member of the United States Reserves for the past 12 years. He has served our country on multiple deployments as a Flight Paramedic.

Outside of work, Brandon enjoys spending his time with his four-year-old daughter and wife, Justine. He also enjoys going to the family cabin in his spare time.

Lakes Region EMS is proud to recognize Brandon Trauba as a 2023 Star of Life.

Veronica Smith

Veronica launched her EMS career in 2002 as an EMT in the Mobility Division at Life EMS Ambulance. She switched gears and joined the Life EMS Control Center team in 2009. Here, she rose through the ranks and became a Supervisor in 2016, a position she excels in to this very day.

Veronica has always been incredibly kind and helpful to the associates in the Control Center. Veronica’s dedication to professionalism, leadership, and compassionate care is truly exemplary. Her impact on our team, the associates in the field, and the communities served by Life EMS cannot be overstated.

Veronica is well deserving of recognition given her extraordinary efforts and attributes. The Life EMS Control Center celebrates Veronica as a 2023 Star of Life.

Jill Roys

Over the span of her EMS career, Jill Roys has held every title available. She started as a driver, then progressed to EMR, EMT, Paramedic, then Critical Care Paramedic. Today, she serves her community as a Lead Paramedic.

Jill greets each workday with a positive, can-do attitude. She is not afraid of a challenge, is always willing to help out, and serves as an extraordinary role model for both new and seasoned field providers. For example, she goes above and beyond in her efforts to assist with the orientation and training of new employees. Onboarding new staff is not always an easy task, but her dedication drives the success of the process.

Jill was born and raised in a rural community in northeast Iowa. She is married to her husband, Shad, who is a Sergeant with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department as well as an ambulance driver. Jill has four kids, two stepkids, and one grandchild. In their free time, the Roys love to ride motorcycles and go boating with family.

Jill Roys is a true team player and a great leader to Gundersen Ambulance. Each day, Jill demonstrates teamwork, integrity, and leadership—all that a Star should be!