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Archives: Stars

Gabriel Swart

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

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.

Kevin Horst

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Kevin Horst is a Paramedic at Bay Cities Ambulance in Coos Bay, OR. He began his EMS career over ten years ago as a volunteer with Bridge Fire Department and North Bend Fire Department, and as a part-time employee with Bay Cities Ambulance. Kevin quickly realized that a career in EMS and working in an ambulance was the way he could best serve others in his community. He decided to leave his career as a Journeyman Electrician to pursue his goal of becoming a Paramedic.

Kevin started as an EMT-Wheelchair Van Driver for Bay Cities Ambulance as he continued to pursue his degree in paramedicine. He spent the next five years working full-time in the ambulance and attending school to earn his Associate of Applied Science and Paramedic degree at SWOCC in 2016. Kevin enjoys his full-time work in the ambulance because he “loves serving his community in this capacity.” He also enjoys teaching the next generation of EMS professionals through actively participating in our FTO and internship programs with the local community college.

When Kevin is not at work he enjoys hiking, backpacking, and hunting with his wife and daughter.

Eric Dunaway

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Paramedic Eric Dunaway has served in EMS since 1985. He began as an EMT and then obtained his Paramedic certification in 2002. Caring for his community has been Eric’s passion and fascination since he was a young boy. Eric has spent his career working in 911 services and has served as a Critical Care Paramedic in the past.

His supervisor, peers, and dispatchers all identify him as a spirited, intellectual individual who routinely goes above and beyond to provide excellent care and comfort to his patients. For example, Eric has often purchased furnishings or other extra items for his patients in order to make them comfortable upon their return home after a medical event. Eric’s personal quote is, “Choices are Power.”

In addition to his career as a Paramedic, Eric discovered a passion for BMX riding and spends his off time doing downhill dirt jumping. He also found that the sport crosses generations and has found a niche in mentoring the younger enthusiasts of the sport, helping to teach them not just BMX riding but also valuable life lessons. Eric’s other community outreach effort includes teaching and preaching helmet safety, and he is looking towards providing service to Meals on Wheels.

The accomplishment that Eric is most proud of is raising his daughter as a single parent, willing to sacrifice everything to ensure she grows up happy and healthy. Eric is now the proud grandpa to two beautiful grandbabies, a 6-year-old grandson and a 2.5-year-old granddaughter.

Mid-Valley Ambulance is proud to nominate Paramedic Eric Dunaway as a 2022 Star of Life.

Kristi Wiggins

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Kristi Wiggins began her career with UT Health East Texas System in 2010 as an ER Nurse in the Level 1 Trauma Center. In 2013, she transitioned to Paramedic/Nurse with the Critical Care Transport Service at EMS/Air1. Kristi is an incredibly hardworking and selfless caregiver who puts her whole heart into her job. She always goes out of her way to do what is best for her patient and the team. Kristi also serves on the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, and puts countless extra hours in helping with community CPR classes, Stop the Bleed, and Car Seat Safety Checks.

Kristi has always been the soft-spoken voice of our team; the one that team members call for support or with concerns. She always listens and does her best to make everyone reach his or her potential. Often, Kristi’s colleagues repeat the phrase, “I wish we could clone you,” because she puts all of herself into everything she does, no matter what.

Kristi has recently taken the position as UT Health East Texas’s QA/QI Coordinator. She has embraced the roll, ensuring that all care is well documented and in line with protocol. With this information, Kristi can make sure that the education curriculum meets the needs of her team. She enjoys teaching and helping the new generation of Paramedics and Nurses learn and to love what they do.

Over the course of Kristi’s career, there have been numerous calls from her patients or her patients’ families, describing how well Kristi took care of them. She brings calm to the storm of any situation, and her ER staff colleagues say they feel a weight lift off of them as soon as Kristi walks in the door.

When Kristi is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons outdoors, hunting and fishing. She is always present at her sons’ sporting events, including High School Clay Target League, and volunteers her time at their school.

Maddi Clesi

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Madelyn Clesi has been an EMT with Acadian Ambulance for more than two years. She is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and currently works in Baton Rouge. She serves as a Field Training Officer and is also in school to earn her Paramedic certification.

Madelyn was nominated as a Star of Life and Acadian’s EMT of the Year because of her willingness to help students, new hires, and coworkers. She genuinely wants to help make people the best they can be. “Her humanity is what drives her,” said her Operations Manager, Justin Cox.

Madelyn is also a member of the Louisiana National Guard, to which she credits her focus and solid work ethic.

Another Operations Manager, Hallie Stewart, noted, “Madelyn is well spoken, relatable, and funny. She exhibits emotional intelligence and strategy when addressing uneasy subjects.”

Victoria Dantin

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Victoria Danton is a native of Watson, Louisiana, and has been with Acadian Ambulance for six years, beginning as an EMT. She now serves as a Paramedic in Donaldsonville in Ascension Parish, and additionally as a Field Training Officer, Associate National EMS Academy Instructor, and Explorer Post Advisor. She has a love for small communities, and has worked in Donaldsonville for more than five years.

Victoria is known among her colleagues and company management for her professionalism, compassion, clinical knowledge, and mentorship. She is a consistently high performer in employee and clinical metrics, and she leads others by example. She is passionate about what she does and has a desire to help the company improve at the little things to keep it at its best.

Victoria’s husband, Joey, is also an Acadian Paramedic. Victoria is currently a student at Nicholls State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health science, with the goal of becoming a physician assistant.

Devin Degler

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Devin Degler has climbed the emergency medical services ladder one rung at a time.

Del Norte Ambulance’s Star of Life started his EMS journey back in his childhood with the Boy Scouts of America, which led him to becoming part of the Explorer Program.

In his hometown of Crescent City, CA, Devin had a number of career choices, including Explorer posts with the local fire departments, law enforcement, the Sea Cadets, and Del Norte Ambulance. The question was, which one?

Something inside drew him to the EMS field, and soon, the quiet son of a former U.S. Navy sailor was learning about CPR and pressure bandages, instead of tying knots and raising mainsails.

Upon graduation from Del Norte High School, Devin was encouraged to take the locally offered EMT-Basic class. In the meantime, he became a driver for Del Norte Ambulance. Once he finished the course and passed his National Registry test, he was hired full-time as an EMT-B on the ambulance.

After several years of enjoying EMS, Devin decided it was time to move his career forward and enrolled in the Paramedic program offered by College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA. With support from the company, and with help from his Del Norte Ambulance crewmates, Devin completed his studies and recently graduated with his National Registry as a Paramedic.

Christopher O’Brien

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Chris is a retired U.S. Marine. He started in EMS in the early 1990s and quickly advanced from EMT to Paramedic. Throughout his career, he has worked in a variety of agencies including rural, suburban, air, and ground ambulance. He has been at CHS MIHC since 2014.

Chris is the epitome of an exemplary clinician. Chris, or “O.B.” as he is known, is constantly striving to advance the practice of prehospital medicine. Serving as a regional preceptor, he coaches new Paramedics as they emerge from class. He is also one of our lead simulation coordinators, and has enhanced our clinical education program for CHS MIHC providers as well as other providers in the region.

Rebecca Zamagni-Mander

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Rebecca Zamagni-Mander began her career in June of 2005 and has excelled professionally as a Telecommunicator, a Controller, a Communications Training Officer (CTO), an Assistant Communications Supervisor, and now as a Communications Operations Supervisor.

Rebecca has handled the scheduling of candidates for critical testing, scheduling of and facilitation of panel interviews, scoring of new candidates, decision making for conditional offers of employment, and the conducting of reference checks of candidates for hire. She also successfully completed the PSAP Managers Course offered by the NC 911 Board, as well as her ED-QI (Emergency Dispatch-Quality Improvement) in order to learn more about how to develop CMED employees.

Another of Rebecca’s strengths includes her ability to ensure employee success. She has an open and transparent dialogue, which the CMED employees all appreciate. They also admire her ability to listen to them, whether about professional or personal matters. She seeks to understand and gives trusted advice. Rebecca always manages to foster positive discussions and to bring out the best in all employees.

Rebecca is wholeheartedly dedicated to this community and the citizens we serve. She is truly a patient advocate and is very proud of the work Medic does every day.

Shelly Ziegler

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Mayo Clinic Ambulance is honored to be represented by Shelly Ziegler, Paramedic, as a Star of Life.

Shelly began her career with Mayo Clinic in 2008, initially as a Paramedic at Mayo Clinic Ambulance in Fairmont, MN, and now works in Mankato, MN. Shelly’s patient care skills and commitment are evident to all who work with her. She is also known for her compassion and ability to communicate with patients of all ages as well as their family members.

“Shelly is the consummate teammate who selflessly helps out not just with the Mankato team but with our other operations as well,” says Paul Drucker, Senior Director of Mayo Clinic Ambulance. In a nomination submission, one of Shelly’s colleagues notes a time when Shelly went above and beyond the call of duty to provide for the physical needs of the family of a patient on what was certainly their worst day. Shelly helped the family without seeking any acknowledgement and with her own funds, though not for the first or only time. Shelly’s colleague also remarked that Shelly is an admirable example of how to serve every day.

When asked to give her advice to new Paramedics and EMTs entering the field of EMS, Shelly explained, “Always be willing to help others and be there for coworkers. We have a special career, and we see and deal with a lot of things most people would never dream of doing. Sometimes we are the only ones that understand how each other feels. Be sensitive to that and always take care of your work family!”

Shelly is originally from Vernon Center, MN and received her Paramedic education at South Central College in Mankato, MN.

Lisa Vogel

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Mayo Clinic Ambulance is honored to be represented by Lisa Vogel, Education Instructor in Education and Training, as a 2022 Star of Life.

Lisa began her career at Mayo Clinic in 1988.

“Helping others has been my life’s work,” Lisa says. “The combination of continuous education, the use of the latest and greatest technology to improve care, and the commitment to ensure the needs of the patient come first, is what has always driven me. The compassion and dedication required to do the job right, and to be there when others are at their worst.”

Lisa consistently demonstrates the highest standards of the Mayo Clinic values—Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Healing, Teamwork, Innovation, Excellence, and Stewardship. In a Star of Life nomination form, a colleague wrote that Lisa “can be trusted with the most delicate information, whether it has to do with patient confidentiality, employment issues, or personal issues. She is someone you can openly discuss things with, and employees will often seek her out when they have had a stressful situation in their career or personal lives. She is always ready to listen, even when off-duty, and is a twenty-four-hour employee.”

In addition to her role at Mayo Clinic Ambulance, Lisa serves as Chief of Midway First Responders in Proctor, MN. She also works with the EMS Honor Flight program for veterans, and has coordinated an annual Thanksgiving Day meal at an arena in Duluth, MN for those in need, which has served many thousands of meals since 1991.

Whether Lisa is providing EMS education to colleagues, volunteering in nearby communities, leading a medical first responder unit, or directing the efforts of a meal for thousands, her one sole focus has always been helping people. To Lisa, “Making a difference in people’s lives is the most rewarding outcome there is.”