Eldrina Coleman started her career with Acadian Ambulance as a van operator in 2011, and in 2012, she received her EMT-Basic certification from the National EMS Academy. Named as Acadian’s 2014 Texas EMTBasic of the Year, she recently took the next step in her career by enrolling in the NEMSA’s paramedic program. Eldrina works in the Austin,Texas, area, and is a member of the North Central Texas safety committee and an All Safe instructor. She is also a highly-respected preceptor for new van operators and EMTs. To give back to the Austin community, Eldrina owns and operates Humanity, a non-profit hair salon for the elderly. Housed in a nursing facility, Humanity offers complimentary hair and nail care for male and female senior citizens.”
Humboldt General Hospital EMS Rescue is proud to nominate Michael Cogsdill, NREMT-Paramedic for Star of Life 2014. Mike started his career at HGH EMS Rescue in 2011 as a paramedic and preceptor; in January 2013 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Community Paramedicine Division. During the past year Mike has been on the front lines rolling out Community Paramedicine in Humboldt County. Mike is instrumental in educating physicians and other health professionals in our community about the role of Community Paramedicine. It is Mike’s reputation of dedication; competency, loyalty, honesty, and success that have given him the ability help with Community Paramedicine’s success in Humboldt County. Paramedic Lieutenant Mike Cogsdill exemplifies the professional pre-hospital provider; from his dedication to the community, his leadership by example, mentoring new employees, and as a community liaison. Mike’s EMS career goes back a number of years with many successes across the State of Nevada, but most appreciated are the ones at HGH EMS Rescue.”
Mr. Coflin currently serves as a Lt. Commander at Central EMS. He was born in Decatur, Georgia, raised in Fishers, Indiana and attended Purdue University; but, he left shortly after to enlist in the United States Army. After serving honorably for four and a half years as a 13F Forward Observer for HHT 7-10 CAV 1BCT 4ID on a COLT Team with a tour in Iraq in 2006, he became a volunteer firefighter for Bloomington Township Fire Department. This eventually led him into the field of EMS. Mike joined Central EMS in 2011 as an EMT-P and is now a CCP. During the recent ice storms in Atlanta, Mike demonstrated extreme leadership and decision making capabilities. His ability to calmly supervise crews and treat patients under extreme conditions proves he is well-suited for EMS industry and highly qualified for his leadership position. His military and EMS experience, attention to detail, sense of self pride, and commitment to Central EMS make him a role model for all.”
Ruben made the decision to enter the medical profession at the age of 28 after the untimely death of his father. “I wanted to make sure I did all I could to help prevent that from happening to another son.” For the past 31 years, Ruben has dedicated his career to helping others and doing all he can to keep true to his mission for entering this profession. He has been a paramedic with MedStar for 16 years and he explains the best part of his job is “knowing I’ve done the very best that I could to help someone.” This is Ruben’s first trip ever to Washington, DC and he is most excited about sharing the experience with his wife and 8 year old daughter.”
Cody Chaney’s peers described his attributes well when they nominated him as LifeNet’s Star of Life. Among their accolades were these words: “Cody has great integrity and compassion for his job and for our customers,” “He has held close our mission, values, and vision,” and “His attitude and presence are always uplifting to employees and patients!” Obviously Cody’s personal impact is as strong as his solid clinical contributions to healthcare in LifeNet’s Oklahoma service area. A relative newcomer to prehospital medicine, Cody joined LifeNet a little more than two years ago as a part-time EMT while he worked toward his Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Technology at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. This winter, as his course work neared completion, Cody was able to further impact LifeNet staff and customers by accepting a full-time role. And Cody’s influence extends beyond the workplace. For nine years Cody has volunteered countless hours and entire summers at Shepherd’s Fold Ranch in Avant, Oklahoma providing a place in the country for kids to spend their summer exploring God’s creation. Through his ministry at Shepherd’s Fold, Cody has supported the camp’s vision by planning and executing camps for children, managing properties and facilities, and investing his talents into developing staff and participants. Cody participated on the OSU Firefighter Combat Challenge Team as both competitor and Training Officer. During his tenure the team qualified for World Competition three consecutive years. We are pleased that you can join us in celebrating Cody Chaney as our 2014 Star of Life.”
Gary is being recognized for providing outstanding care and exceptional service to patients at LifeCare Medical Transports. He constantly strives for improvement and seeks opportunities to enhance his clinical skills. Gary began his career in EMS in 1993 when he became an EMT, wanting to make a difference in people lives. Gary realized that being an EMT was very rewarding and had a desire to provide more help, so he went back to school and received his Paramedic in 1999. Gary has been involved in mountain rescues as part of his career as well as several FEMA deployments. Gary was very involved with the rescue efforts in Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina and New York for Hurricane Sandy. He continually goes above and beyond by learning general phrases in various languages as a way to improve communication with his patients. This small step in providing outstanding customer service makes the patient feel more comfortable at a time of great worry. We at LifeCare Medical Transports are honored to call Gary Chambers, one of our own STARS since joining our team in 2004.”
It is with great honor and pride that I recommend Ms. Lisa Camp for the 2014 Stars of Life Award. Ms. Camp should be recognized due to her support of the citizens of the State of Texas and the Country through her leadership in quality pre-hospital care and community wide emergency response. When it comes to emergency medical services, Ms. Lisa Camp basically is the sage in the area. She gives much of her time to the EMS community and the Medics across the country. She has been at the forefront in the areas of patient care, public access, medical control, disaster preparedness, public education and training. Lisa Camp’s Emergency Medical Services are using cutting edge technologies to help their patients recover as fully as possible from emergencies. One of these technologies that Lisa was instrumental in setting up was the use of an I.C.E. (Induced Cooling by EMS) protocol. Lisa also noted a lag time in Cardiac patients getting into the Cardiac Catheterization Labs. Lisa attacked this challenge head on and her response was for the medics to start double-lumen IV catheters in the field, administration of Heparin, and to send 12-Lead ECGs via telemetry. Ms. Lisa Camp has served as the mentor, supporter and advocate for EMS throughout the Country. She has created a successful continuing education program that kept members informed, providing motivation and confidence regarding their abilities to provide excellent patient care. Lisa encourages FVFD to be active with the community and assists in bimonthly free immunization clinics, Community CPR training, and other safety and injury prevention activities. I was once asked “what is a hero?” I answered this “a hero is someone you strive to imitate”. Lisa Camp is my hero for all the wonderful things he does for her community and Country.”
Callie Callais majored in geophysics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, but during her college tenure, decided a desk job was not for her. She found her calling in Gretna, LA, where she enrolled in the National EMS Academy and graduated in the fall of 2011 as an EMTBasic. She is currently Acadian’s 2014 Louisiana EMT-Basic of the Year. Callie works in Acadian Ambulance’s Orleans operations, and often assists with large-scale New Orleans events such as the Jazz & Heritage Festival and Voodoo Music Experience.When she isn’t working, she enjoys Mardi Gras, camping, hiking, and concerts. She is still quite fascinated by rocks, and enjoys traveling and bringing back different minerals for her collection.”
Stanley Caballero has been employed with Acadian Ambulance for only 14 months, but during that time he has made such an impact that he was named Acadian’s 2014 Texas Paramedic of the Year. He works full-time in McKinney, Texas, and is also a mentor to new employees and critical care paramedics. Stan’s strong work ethic and compassion for others exceeds far past his day-today job duties as a paramedic. Stan is involved with a non-profit hunger relief organization called Numana, which empowers people to package meals and send them all across the world to serve the starving. Recently, he was a part of a worldrecord breaking event in Nashville, Tenn., where more than 530,000 meals were packaged for the hungry around the world in less than one hour.”
Jimmy started in EMS in 2005 and has worked as a firefighter, EMT, and Paramedic. He joined EMS in hopes to make a difference in people’s lives after his best friend died in a motor vehicle crash and EMS was too far away to help save him at the time. Jimmy joined Sunstar in 2009 and has held the position of EMT, Paramedic, Special Events Team, All Children’s Transport Team, Preceptor, F.T.O. and Assistant Supervisor. Jimmy has a passion for helping and teaching other co-workers at Sunstar and instructing others. When asked for specific incidents he recalls where he has made the biggest difference in someone’s life, he replies “I have had many critical calls and some that aren’t. Some that required the best of skill and others were just holding someone’s hand during transport, both equal in significance. I can remember a MVC that a man hit a pole and was able to tell me he was ok then went into cardiac arrest; a mother handing me an infant not breathing; gunshot wounds/ heart attacks/strokes/asthma all needing treatment and a smile.” Jimmy is also a leader in the community volunteering for numerous foundations, and ready to make a positive impact in the future of EMS as an instructor. Jimmy has volunteered for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. On his days off, he spends his time giving back to the community through his work at the Shriner’s Hospital, Disabled Pediatric Dentistry, Masonic Cardiac Medical Research Foundation, and the MDA. Jimmy also is an instructor for Fortis Institute teaching EMT and Paramedic Courses.”
Tasha Browne is being nominated for her exceptional contribution to daily human resource and finance aspects of LifeCare Medical Transports. Tasha is a crucial part of the Senior Leadership team at LifeCare serving as the Vice President of both Human Resources and Finance. This is no small task for an EMS agency that employs hundreds of individuals throughout the state of Virginia. Tasha began her career with LifeCare in 2006. Since that time, she has consistently given her all to ensure that LifeCare operates efficiently and ethically day in and day out. A good steward of corporate resources, she has stayed abreast of industry changes by attending virtual training programs. She is also currently attending a Leadership Development Program through the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce which allows her to improve her leadership skills while building regional business connections. Tasha has always been a team player. She has been trained to serve as a call-taker, dispatcher as well as a corporate manager in order to help when crisis strikes. Tasha has also been instrumental in implementing LifeCare “green” efforts with an electronic orientation and on boarding process, electronic personnel files, electronic pay stubs, electronic signature pads, and virtual training. These items were key in LifeCare’s latest award: 2014 Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Green Frontier Award.This award was presented for LifeCare’s continued promotion and support of green initiatives throughout the company. We at LifeCare Medical Transports are honored to call Tasha Browne, MBA, a star since joining our team in 2006.”
To say that Chris Brown wears many hats would be an understatement. Not only is he a full-time Paramedic in one of the largest EMS systems in the region, but he is also an ordained minister, a Chief Warrant Officer in the American Volunteer Reserves, a member of the Memorial Honor Guard at Riverside National Cemetery, and President of AMR Riverside’s CARE team. A former member of the Seventh Medical Battalion in the US Army, co-workers describe Chris as a caring and understanding individual willing to go out of his way to help others in need. Whether seeking financial donations for employees that have experienced major medical events, or collecting toys for needy children and dressing up as Santa Claus, Chris never hesitates to come to the rescue. When Chris met a certain elderly patient who was living in deplorable conditions, failing to take her medications and calling 911 two to three times a day, Chris befriended the woman and began taking her to church and on outings with his family. Eventually Chris was able to convince her to move to a board and care home. She is now healthier and happier. Chris’ commitment and actions both on and off-duty are exceptional, and he is truly deserving of the Star of Life award.”
Brianne Bourne, Paramedic and Field Training Officer, is the REACT EMS Star of Life for 2014. Paramedic Bourne started her career with REACT EMS in August 2009. She began as a Basic EMT while she attended Oklahoma City Community College for her Paramedic and passed her National Registry. She expertly completed her Field Training and Evaluation Program and has performed proficiently as a Paramedic since. Brianne has cared for her patients and managed her calls with admirable skill. Her fellow medics comment frequently as to her compassion for patients. Her Supervisors commend her work to reliably respond and handle nearly every scene as though she has been doing it for years. In emergencies, they count on Brianne to give patients every chance at positive outcomes. When asked, Brianne says her most memorable call involved a multi-patient MVA, with 5 patients. One was flown, and four were transported to the Trauma Center by two REACT units. Brianne cared for two of those seriously injured patients on scene and during the 45 mile transport. A few months later, the OU Trauma Services held a special event to honor Brianne and her fellow medics. Brianne enjoyed seeing her former patients as they were recovered and able to attend as an example of how excellent trauma care can make a difference. Brianne is so dependable that she is now teaching and training paramedic students. She works part time as an instructor at Gordon Cooper Technology, performs as a preceptor for clinical experience and works as a Field Training Office for REACT. She says she enjoys watching students learn what she knows, enjoys seeing the moments when it starts to “make sense.” New and future paramedics benefit from her efforts. Brianne worked previously in retail and restaurant management and started an education to apply for nursing school. She realized she did not like nursing, continued to work, and started her Basic EMT class 9 years later. She knew quickly that she had found her new career. Brianne says she enjoys the challenges. She says she enjoys the job never being the same, from day to day. Brianne and her husband, David, stay busy on her days off raising their children. They have two children of their own, but they also offer their home for foster children. Brianne says they have at least 3, but have had as many as 9 at any one time. And if that isn’t enough, Brianne also enjoys working as a volunteer for Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps. She teaches and works to provide first aid for large events in the Metro area. Brianne is a vital part of the REACT team and we are proud to recognize her as our 2014 Star of Life.”
The night of July 31, 2013, EMT Jonathan Blackwell visibly demonstrated the bond between members of an ambulance crew. That night, Jonathan and his partner, Jennifer Hesselbein, were evaluating a patient lying in the middle of the street. Suddenly, Jonathan saw a vehicle veer across the double yellow line and head straight towards them. He yanked Jennifer from certain death. The out-of-control vehicle killed their patient and nearly killed Jennifer, knocking her under the ambulance. Jonathan pulled her from beneath ambulance, called for backup and helped her until more AMR crews arrived. Jonathan was unharmed but Jennifer suffered numerous severe injuries from head to toe on her left side. She underwent 18 surgeries. She spent months in a surgical ICU and weeks at a rehab hospital. She went home in a wheelchair on December 5. Almost every day, Jonathan was at the hospital, doing anything he could for “Jenn” and her family. He helped organize and conduct fundraisers to defray Jennifer’s medical expenses. Jonathan speaks about his experience at EMT classes and first responder courses as part of safety education. Known to everyone as “Popcorn,” Jonathan became an EMT in 2011. He was promoted to field training officer last year. He is openly admired by his co-workers for strong clinical skills and deep compassion.”
The only place offering organized youth activities in the community in which Ernest “Skip” Bebernitz grew up was the local firehouse where he joined the Cub and Boy Scouts and also their drum corps. To give back to the fire department for the experiences they provided him while he was growing up, Skip became an EMT and began his lifelong commitment to service. Skip has been in EMS for 44 years including 28 years with Mohawk Ambulance Service and he also continues to volunteer with the Speigletown Fire Department. In all his years in EMS, Skip has done and seen a lot. When Skip was the Chief of Speigletown Fire Department in 1985 – 86 an Incident Command Structure was instituted based on the City of Phoenix model and he also developed an ALS Intercept Program between the BLS ambulance service and the two commercial ALS providers. He was deployed, with a Mohawk Ambulance contingent, to the Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina and, since becoming a Paramedic with Mohawk in 1988, Skip has either been the team leader or a team member in a remarkable 7 cardiac arrest reversals. Skip is not only a Supervisor and Paramedic at Mohawk Ambulance but he also had a very distinguished career in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves, where he spent 22 Â_ years in Drill Status and 16 Â_ years in Retired Reserve Status before retiring as a Major with an impressive 38 years, 9 months and 14 days of service to our Country. It is easy to see that service is very important to Skip. Toward that end he continues to serve as an active member of Military Officers of America (he’s on the Board of the local chapter), National Guard Association of the US, the National Association of Uniformed Services and the Association of the US Army. Skip also serves as the EMS QI Committee Chair for Rensselaer County, New York. His years of experience in both emergency services and the military allow Skip to serve as a mentor and role model for the employees at Mohawk Ambulance and it is for his continuous contributions to EMS both at the agency and regional level that Skip is being honored as a “Star of Life”. Skip and his wife, Mary Lou, are celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year and returning to Washington, DC, their honeymoon destination, which adds to his appreciation of the Star of Life Award.”
Now in his 6th year with Armstrong Ambulance, Glen Biddiscombe has added tremendous value to the company and we are extremely grateful for his vital contributions. Glen began his career with Armstrong Ambulance in 2008 as a Dispatcher, where he coordinated 911, ALS, BLS and Chair Car calls in a busy setting. In 2009, after excelling in his communications, role, Glen completed his EMT certification and became a field provider, demonstrating his commitment to exceptional and compassionate patient care. Since that time, Glen has shown his versatility, flexibility and knowledge base by simultaneously working in multiple roles as an EMD dispatcher, EMT, and lead preceptor. Glen is known for being compassionate, calm and composed, a critical thinker who makes great judgment calls, and for his exceptional technical skills as a public safety dispatcher, EMT, CPR Instructor and Lead Preceptor. As a Lead Preceptor, Glen passes on his high standards of care and customer service to new and current employees. Glen was awarded the role of Lead Preceptor for his ability to think proactively in both every day and crisis situations, as well as having earned the respect of his peers. Glen’s positive image sets a high standard for others in the company. Glen’s reputation for being, smart, kind, patient, a great teacher, well liked, approachable and “just an all-around good guy”, has his co-workers continually seeking him out for assistance and advice which he is always willing to give. Glen always has positive words to say about his colleagues and shares encouragement with fellow employees. Glen was on duty as an EMT and in the center of the April 19th manhunt in Watertown for the Boston Marathon Bombers. Glen’s unwavering dedication to his EMS role was shown during that day and evening when the unimaginable was yet to unfold. We are proud of Glen as is his wife and daughter for being a Stars of Life recipient and are extremely fortunate to have him as part of the Armstrong Ambulance family.”
Deonarine joined Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (GMRTT) in 2005 as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Every day he demonstrates his commitment and expertise as an Emergency Medical Technician as he sets the standard for the organization. Deonarine is currently an EMT Preceptor and is responsible for the training and development of newly certified EMTs. This program nurtures skills, offers professional guidance and ensures clinical expectations among staff are met and helps provides customer service skills. This new role revealed Deonarine’s gift as a gifted teacher and role model. Deonarine was active in the 2013 World AMR Compression Only CPR Challenge, and since the event he has been conducting CPR training to communities, schools and non-profit organizations on a voluntary basis. He is currently finalizing his CPR Instructor Certification with the National Safety Council and is in the process of pursuing the American Heart Association First Aid & CPR Instructor Certification. In addition to being a full time, nationally-registered EMT, Deonarine has also been a lifeguard with the Trinidad and Tobago Lifeguard Service for the past 10 years. When he is not working for GMRTT, Deonarine spends his weekends and holidays protecting the beaches of Trinidad. He is also a Lifeguard Training Instructor for both swimming pool and open waters. Deonarine has received the Trinidad & Tobago Life Saving Society’s Award of Merit and Bronze Medallion. Deonarine is also a certified aerobics and fitness instructor and provides fitness training and instruction voluntarily in his community. Deonarine is also a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Reserve. Deonarine is a husband and father of four. He is described as a humble, outgoing individual and contributes in any way he can to his co-workers, his community, and even patients and their relatives. Deonarine says he loves swimming, fishing, cycling, running, basketball and working out in the gym.”
Dallas became an EMT in August 2009 after losing a close family member in a motor vehicle crash. She felt helpless after her loss, so she decided to become an EMT and thought it would be a great way to help others. Dallas was hired by AMR Massachusetts in July 2010 where she gained experience running both IFT and 911 calls. Dallas transferred to the D.C. operation in 2012 after moving to the area and obtaining her National Registry EMT certification.While working at AMR, Dallas became interested in various aspects of EMS, so she applied to a local community hospital in southern Maryland. Dallas is in a dual position at the hospital, holding job titles of Hyperbaric Safety Director and Hyperbaric Chamber Technologist. Dallas hopes to further her career in EMS, so she is attending paramedic school at the College of Southern Maryland and is in her second semester. Dallas is a highly motivated individual and has hopes of obtaining an Associate’s Degree in EMS within two years. Since 2012, Dallas has been an active member of AMR’s Emergency Response Team and looks forward to being deployed as needed.”
Mayo Clinic Medical Transport is proud to select Tim Alden, RN, as a 2014 Star of Life.Tim has served as a flight nurse aboard Mayo One for more than seven years and has been a nurse for more than fifteen. Tim’s efforts to serve patients continue beyond his nursing career. Tim has been a volunteer EMT for Grand Meadow (Minn.) Ambulance Service, the community where he lives, for more than twenty years. This long-term commitment to EMS, both as a volunteer and a career, exemplifies his passion for patient care. Throughout Tim’s career as a nurse he has earned the trust of his patients, his peers and leadership. “Tim models the role of nurse as the patient advocate. We have received several testimonials from patients and family members that believe their life or family member’s life was saved because of Tim’s care,” wrote a colleague who nominated Tim for the Star of Life honor. The same colleague also wrote this of Tim, “Tim Alden’s performance as a flight nurse and the word excellence may very well be synonymous. Tim was one of the first flight nurses to obtain certification as a CFRN (certified flight registered nurse) and helped to inspire others to do so.” Perhaps the best example of Tim’s embodiment of excellence in EMS is his reputation. Tim comes to work ready to work. Anything requested of Tim will be done promptly and effectively. Tim has the respect of his peers, managers and colleagues. Patients who Tim has the privilege of caring for receive high-level compassionate and professional care.”
