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Archives: Stars

Hunter Poston

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

When Hunter Poston graduated from Perkins-Tryon High School in 2013, he wanted to dedicate himself to something related to emergency medicine; it was not until college that he realized EMS would be his career.

Poston began working towards an associates degree in Health Services Technology at Northern Oklahoma College which resulted in him enrolling in an EMT class. Poston’s education and interaction with the community fostered his passion for EMS.

As a native of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Poston dreamed of securing a position at LifeNet EMS after he earned his EMT certification. The company, unfortunately, was not hiring at that time. Determined to fill his time with EMS work, he took a job offer with Life EMS in Enid, Oklahoma. After just three months of working there, Poston seized the opportunity to work full-time for LifeNet EMS in his hometown.

Although Poston was content with being an EMT Basic, he strove for greatness. With Poston being unable to start Paramedic school until 2018, he sought to work towards his Advanced EMT in the latter months of 2017. Following this, he started Paramedic school in 2018, and is set to graduate in July 2019.

Poston’s colleagues have proclaimed, “Hunter is extremely dedicated to caring for his community and puts his heart and soul into his work.” Additionally, they praise Poston’s dedication, saying, “He is in the process of completing Paramedic school while still working full-time to further provide the best care he can to those in need and is in the top of his class.”

Another colleague echoed those sentiments through nominating Poston: “Poston is always professional and clearly loves his profession… Hunter holds himself to very high standards and simply does not know how to do a bad job at anything. He has a great ‘bedside manner’ and takes his job very seriously.  Even the smallest complaint from a patient does not escape him. He studies nonstop working his way up to a higher medical license and he is always willing to help another employee. Recently, he dug through the garbage to help another EMT find her wallet. Poston always has a smile and has an amazing energy about him.”

Susan Zeigler

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What sets Sue Zeigler apart from other EMS professionals is that she is more than just an exceptional EMT – she is an individual that is 100% committed to the health and welfare of the community she serves. A full-time business owner and part-time EMT, Sue still takes responsibility to monitor radio traffic while off-duty. She has even driven her own vehicle to get to the location of a call to assist fellow crewmembers with a cardiac patient. Sue has also taken it upon herself while off-duty to find a partner so an ambulance can be called into service when Pierre’s two-ambulance system is overloaded. A volunteer for AMR at many community events, Sue is always looking for opportunities to educate the public and advocate the importance of CPR training. Sue cancels client appointments at her salon to help fill uncovered shifts. In addition, Sue donates her cosmetic skills to hospice and cancer patients, and is in charge of AMR’s Sentimental Journey program. Sue Ziegler’s commitment to her patients, her co-workers and the community is the reason why she is being honored as a Star of Life.”

Anthony Yarnal

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Anthony has worked for Air Ambulance Specialists (AASI) for the past eight years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Paramedic. His role as a Flight RRT/EMTP has expanded into training and medical coordination. Anthony’s knowledge and training style is invaluable to both AASI and AMR Air Hawaii. He is always there to answer difficult questions. Anthony became a Paramedic in 1984 and a RRT in 1986. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and an Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy. His RRT/EMTP experience includes working at many top-level hospitals including Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, CA; Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, LA; and Dartmouth Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He joined AASI with 18 years of flight experience in both the rotor and fixed-wing environments. Anthony has also been a member of several specialty transport teams. Anthony is an outdoor sportsman including an accomplished skier, runner, and climber and he enjoys several other sports.”

Michael Wright

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Our Star of Life nominee has been in EMS for many years. During that time he has been a teacher and mentor to many. He brings an amazing energy and a high level of professionalism to every call. Michael is always willing to help any level EMT learn new skills or become more proficient in a current skill. He is patient, kind and makes learning fun! Michael is also always willing to answer any questions after a call. He truly embodies what we believe a great provider should be. Michael completed his first EMT course in the fall of 1994 and was hired part time after completing this course, and 6 months later was hired full-time. In 1996, Michael completed the EMT-Intermediate course and worked as an advanced provider until 1998 when he continued to advance his education and was accepted into the Advanced Life Support Institute where he obtained his National Paramedic certification in 2000. Michael became one of the first paramedics to provide paramedicine to the surrounding communities in District 5. Michael went on to complete the Vermont Critical Care Program and was instrumental in establishing the service to provide interfacilty transports of critically ill patients. Michael has worked for the organization he started his career with 20 years ago. He has taught countless EMT, ACLS, PALS and recertification classes, just to name a few. He has served as CALEX Training Coordinator and District Training Coordinator. It is safe to say that everyone in our district has benefitted from his knowledge. Michael also serves as a Vermont Assistant Medical Examiner and is an American Board Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator. Michael is married to his wife Sarah and has two children Colby and Lily. Michael enjoys motorcycling, snowmobiling and spending time with his family.”

Rosalie Willis

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Almost 11 years ago, Rosalie Willis, began her EMS career. Approached by her neighbor, Fire Chief Terry Atkins, she was asked if she would be interested in volunteering on the ambulance. Speechless at first, she began asking numerous questions. Quickly she found out what she needed to accomplish before being able to volunteer to do such an amazing thing. In June of 2003, she successfully completed her local First Responder course. Enjoying her education, she decided to continue learning and completed her EMT Basic in June of 2004. She volunteered on a rural ambulance for 5 years. In March of 2008, Rosalie was hired to work as a Full-Time employee at Bay Cities Ambulance in Coos Bay, Oregon. As a single mother of 4 young children, in the fall of 2008, she began her 4 year training to obtain her license as a Paramedic. In October of 2012, all of her hard work and dedication was rewarded, when she accomplished her goal and became a Nationally Certified Paramedic. After 2 months of field training with Paramedic’s at Bay Cities Ambulance, she was released to work within the company as a Paramedic. Since that time she has continued to strive for excellence in her work and her continuing personal education on the job. Rosalie is now happily married and devotes her spare time to her husband and children. She loves spending time at the ocean with her family. She is grateful to all of her friends, family and co-workers for their love and support throughout her career and training to become a paramedic.”

Leann Wiggington

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In September 2013 in Florence, Alabama, a son called 911 because his elderly father was nonresponsive. Shoals Ambulance Paramedic Leann Wiggington was first on the scene and through her quick assessment and immediate action, as well as the teamwork of Florence-Lauderdale E-911 Center, Florence Fire Department and the doctors at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital emergency department, a man’s life was saved. The son and his father were driving to the hospital when the father lost consciousness. The son immediately called 911. When Wiggington and her partner, Jennifer Hale, heard the call through dispatch, the son directed them to a car dealership parking lot. When they arrived, the father and son were not there, but, using quick thinking, they continued in the direction of the hospital. In his panic, the son had traveled a few miles to a different parking lot. The ambulance team was able to correctly determine the location of the emergency and minimize further delay of lifesaving care. Wiggington assisted in getting the father out of the truck onto a flat surface and immediately started CPR. Wiggington attached a LIFEPAK 12-Lead cardiac monitoring device to the patient, which determined he had entered ventricular fibrillation. To restart the heart, she issued a shock from the LIFEPAK device, but there was no change. Wiggington continued CPR, and the Florence Fire Department helped place the patient in the ambulance. She reassessed and after the second electrical therapy, Wiggington registered a pulse. Within 10 minutes from arriving at the scene, the patient was in the emergency department, where Wiggington presented a code summary showing a report of the cardiac trauma and that the patient was now experiencing regular sinus rhythm and lowered blood pressure. Thanks to excellent teamwork, the patient fully recovered and was able to return home.”

Jo-Ann White-Hall

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Jo-Ann White-Hall joined Hunter’s Ambulance Service in 2008 as an EMT. She has been actively involved with community events and has continued to encourage interest in the field of EMS (Emergency Medical Services). She has received several commendations for her dedication to achieve positive patient outcomes. Our Management Team along with other responding agencies have remarked on her ability to coordinate a unified response for the welfare of those around her and within her care. She has often taken time to provide feedback for improved performance at multiple events. Jo-Ann was recently recognized by supervision for her performance at a standby that required the triage of approximately 20 plus persons. She assessed the situation establishing treatment for those who were medically ill while activating the system which resulted in the declaration of an MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) and transport of multiple patients. Multiple accolades from supervisors and the public prove she is an asset to our EMS team. She communicates with event leadership to establish expectations. Her ability to work with and follow procedures has been reported from multiple venues such as the Durham and Berlin Fair EMS response providers. Jo-Ann is being honored as a Star of Life for her professionalism and dedication. In December 2013, Jo-Ann was honored and awarded the 2013 Hunter’s Ambulance Distinguished Service Awards for EMS-Emergency Medical Technician. Hunter’s Ambulance is privileged to have such a dedicated person as part of our team.”

William Warsing

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William is a true Star of Life, described as a very caring individual who is dedicated to EMS and AMR. He is a CCEMT-P, Lead SCT Medic for Abbott. William is often recognized for his efforts to ensure the highest standards of care. He is a committed medial professional with a strong academic background and clinical training. In addition, he mentors his colleagues assuring consistent skills and quality patient care. His patient care reports are meticulously detailed, ensuring that our SCT patients receive the highest quality care possible.William constantly takes the SCT ambulance into the community for in-service demonstrations and hosts Scout troops on site to familiarize them on how we operate and introduce them to career opportunities. He has served as a local Cub Scout den leader for the past five years, Girl Scout advisor for the past nine years, and provides emergency foster care for disadvantaged children. One of William’s crowning achievements was to help a chronically ill veteran, near the end of his life, check a big item off his “bucket list.” William took him to a St. Louis Rams football game. While on the sidelines, the veteran was greeted by officials, players and fans, all of whom thanked him for his service to our country. William is a reliable source of information to his peers and sometimes referred to as “Phone a Friend” from his coworkers who seek his advice and answers regarding patient care challenges.”

Pat Tracy

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Patrick joined the EMS community in 1993 with an Advanced First Aid certification. Due to a traumatic event, he took a step away from EMS. In 2009 he became an EMT and has forged ahead in his EMS career and is currently the squad leader for the Maddock Ambulance. Presently he is an EVOC instructor, CPR instructor and is taking the leadership academy courses offered through the North Dakota EMS Association. Pat has been a northeast director for the North Dakota EMS Association for the past year and is a committee chair as well as a member of the advocacy committee. He has provided testimony in Bismarck on behalf of EMS and is very active in the legislative process. Pat received the 2013 EMS Provider of the Year and according to the service that nominated him; “He is a natural leader for EMS in North Dakota and they are proud to nominate him for the provider of the year.”

Robert Trimmer

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Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Services (Chesterfield, Virginia) is proud to recognize Robert Trimmer as our EMS Star of Life. Robert began his contribution to emergency medical services (EMS) in 1976 with the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad in Henrico, Virginia. He has been a valuable part of the Chesterfield Fire and Emergency Medical Services (CFEMS) family since 1984. He was a participant in the first training program during the development of the Virginia State Police Med-flight program in 1986. During his service with Chesterfield, Robert has impacted our organization as the Infectious Disease Control Officer and a charter member of the Hazardous Incident Team. His attention to detail and commitment to our organization’s vision of safety is evident through his work developing ambulance specifications and monitoring manufacturing compliance and his development of our bariatric patient response initiatives. Robert manages the contracts and purchasing for our department’s entire medical supplies inventory. His fiscal responsibility is further demonstrated by his cooperative participation with our county’s purchasing department, his identification and writing of grants, and his selfless actions as a manufacturer trained medical equipment repair specialist. Conservatively, Robert saves our county and its citizens tens of thousands of dollars each year in fees and repair costs surrounding our medical equipment assets. For his efforts, Robert has received department, and county, recognition including Employee of the Year. Regionally and nationally, Robert distinguishes himself as the chairman of the Metropolitan Richmond EMS Sub-committee, a member of the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services Financial Assistance Review Committee,National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) drill coordinator, Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Chempack locality manager,Virginia Association of Hazardous Materials Response Specialists conference committee member, and safety manager with Kings Dominion (Hanover, Virginia). Robert’s expertise is respected and sought out by many agencies throughout our state and country. Robert’s nearly four decades of commitment to excellence and quality in EMS has helped our organization navigate the path to becoming a high performance EMS system.”

Wayne Testerman

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Wayne has been working in EMS since 1982 and has had a distinguished career. In addition to his duties as a paramedic, Wayne has been involved in almost every facet of EMS. He established what was to become McClainGrady County EMS, worked as director for Lindsay EMS, trained hundreds of people, both lay persons and EMS personnel as a BLS Instructor, In-House Instructor, ACLS Instructor, PALS instructor and PEPP Instructor. Wayne has also been a member of our local DMAT team, a federally sponsored citizens medical disaster team that responds to domestic disasters. As BLS instructor, Wayne teaches the local school faculty, local police department employees and numerous civic group members the skills of CPR and AED use. He also teaches first aid and how to react in an emergency situation to people whom have no prior training or experience to emergencies. Wayne has spent hundreds of hours writing refresher programs for the EMR to Paramedic level responders to ensure everyone involved in our local EMS system is updated in training and skill levels and meet the DOT and Health Department requirements for relicensing. During what little down time he has on shift, Wayne is the quality Assurance Administrator for our service, reviewing every run form that is entered into our computer system. Each call is reviewed and those meeting certain criteria are sent to our medical director for his review and comments. Wayne is very interested in making sure our service provides the best patient care and that each medic follows the patient care protocols approved by the medical director. Wayne has responded to numerous disasters in Oklahoma and within the continental United States. He has provided emergency medical services during tornados, floods and hurricanes. His area of response and expertise knows no boundaries.”

Corey Stickle

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Corey is a superior EMT and has given the EMS profession greater than 14 years of service. He has served many years with Community Care Ambulance as our most requested EMT for transports and an amazing Community Outreach advocate. Corey functions as a mentor and is recognized for being a strong leader and well respected by his peers. He is focused and committed to doing whatever is best for the patient in the most compassionate and competent manner. Community Care receives positive feedback from patients, co-workers, and various facilities. Corey is a captivating educator, a self-motivator and displays a positive attitude making him an example of a star. For several years, Corey has functioned as the Infection Control Officer and DRIVE instructor for all new hire orientations and annual trainings. Corey has DJ’d and planned several annual company events, and has a passion for Public Relations events such as Safety Town. Corey is most proud of his family and often shares stories of his niece Molly and the fun they have. Corey enjoys musical productions and has played leading and supporting roles in many. For the few quiet moments in his day, you will find Corey and significant other Justin seeking out new food creations and watching their favorite movies. Community Care is very fortunate to have Corey and all of his talents.”

Melody Spruill

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When tornadoes tore through central Oklahoma in May 2013, Melody Spruill shepherded field crews and communications personnel through the crisis. Radio and cell phone networks were overloaded, making communications incredibly difficult. During this time of intense chaos, Melody figured out a way to coordinate with external agencies and internal resources to secure and position additional response assets. Melody has a passion and intensity that sometimes catches people off-guard. Once she has taken ownership of a project, she assumes an accountability for it that is admirable and influences her peers. Melody is an EMT-Basic and has earned Emergency Medical Dispatch certification. She joined the EMSA team in November 1985.”

Lucas Spillman

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Luke Spillman began his EMS career in 2009. Soon after, he became EMT-I certified. Not satisfied with only being the driver on critical patient runs, Spillman enrolled in paramedic school as well as completing his EMT-I to AEMT transition course. In 2013, he started working at Coffey County EMS in Burlington, Kansas. “Luke’s attention to detail is what sets him apart,” said Coffey County EMS Director James Higgins. “He knows that the little things matter–like holding a patient’s hand while they are scared and making sure a patient is comfortable with something as simple as a pillow. Add this to his exceptional skills, and he is an all-around excellent paramedic.” Since he began working at Coffey County EMS, he has volunteered to teach quarterly CPR classes for Coffey County Hospital and EMS staff as well as to the general public. Furthermore, he recently completed his Kansas TO-I certification so he will be able to teach continuing education for EMS providers. “Luke handles himself very professionally. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of EMS and is willing to jump in and help with whatever needs to be done,” said Higgins. It is evident that Spillman is and has always been focused on becoming the best EMS provider he can be and helping his colleagues to do so as well. As he gains more experience, Spillman hopes to work part-time with a FLIGHT SERVICE within the next couple of years. “Behind my accomplishments and goals, is a true desire to help people,” Spillman said. “That’s what makes my efforts worthwhile to me.” Spillman married his wife, Erica, in June 2013. She is very supportive of his commitment to EMS. They reside in Emporia, Kan.”

Jacob Rice

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Jake is a charismatic person who displays compassion, education and support to his coworkers and his patients with sincerity and trust. He is able to assist in multiple areas of our organization and consistently is a go to person for just about everything. Jake is often used as a field preceptor and has been known to spend time in our control center as an EMS Dispatcher. Jake has gained the admiration from his peers as being a fanatic about station and truck cleanliness. He is a true lead by example individual and is always prepared for whatever adventure is brought his way. One of Jakes nominations came from his shift partner who describes the countless times she has watched Jake take extra time with patients and the amazing feeling it gives her watching and knowing how he makes it personal to make the patients day better and touch their lives. This sentiment was repeated through Jake’s nominations and clearly displays why Jake is a STAR. Jake has been dedicated to the EMS and Fire profession since 2004 when he began as an firefighter at his local Fire Department and then in 2004 as an EMT with Community Care Ambulance. He became a Paramedic in 2008 and recently completed his Critical Care Training in 2013. Jake is about to be a proud new father in just a few months with his wife Heather. Jake spends his time away from EMS tending to his farm animals and spending time outdoors with family.”

Leslie Reindollar

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Leslie Reindollar is a paramedic with AMR in Pueblo, Colo. One of the calls she ran last year epitomizes her compassion for the care of others: A young child was seriously burned. The family was not immediately available to accompany the child and provide comfort. While Leslie treated the patient clinically, she also showed great compassion for the injured and scared child. As she continued medical care, she was also able to lie alongside the patient and provide the much-needed human touch for the child. Leslie radiates warmth, humility and kindness as she serves others and always expresses appreciation to others for their efforts. Leslie is the Clinical and Education Services Specialist for two operations, and she also serves her community as a paramedic and licensed practical nurse. She is a certified instructor for ACLS, PALS, ITLS and CPR. Leslie is also a member of AMR’s Disaster Response Team and has deployed several times, the most recent to help in Boulder County after the floods in September 2013.”

Gordon Reed

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Gordon Reed joined Hunter’s Ambulance Service in 2006 as an EMT-B; and worked in that capacity for 5 years. He then rejoined our team a year and a half ago as a Paramedic. Since Gordon’s return, we have received multiple commendations from patients, family members and local fire and EMS departments on his exemplary performance in the field. His patient care, professionalism and the comfort he provides are often noted. Gordon is dependable, caring and is well deserving of recognition. Commendations from patients all read the same “professional, courteous, respectful”. Patients appreciate his care and concern during stressful times. His commendations include the Chief of Durham EMS calling to state that Gordon “performed phenomenally, and although the outcome was not successful, he was impressed with the superior work performed by Gordon.” Also, the Chaplin from MidState Medical Center expressed his sincere thanks to Gordon for his participation in the incident and diffusion from a tragic multiple patient motor vehicle accident involving the deaths of two young children. The Chaplin was impressed by Gordon’s maturity and he recognized Gordon’s dedication and commitment to caring for others including his colleagues. Gordon is being honored as a Star of Life for his professionalism and dedication. In December 2013, Gordon was honored and awarded the 2013 Hunter’s Ambulance Distinguished Service Award for EMS- Paramedic. Hunter’s Ambulance is privileged to have such a dedicated person as part of our team.”

Anthony Ratto

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One day, while off duty, Anthony was driving on the freeway when he noticed traffic backed up. He looked around and noticed that a pickup truck was up on the 60 degree embankment. When Anthony reached the pickup he found a man on the floor boards.The man had no pulse and was apneic. Anthony and bystanders were able to pull the man out and away from the pickup and begin CPR. When the fire department and responding AMR ambulance showed up, Anthony continued to assist with CPR and resuscitation of the man. Thanks to Anthony’s actions, the man is alive and recovering. Anthony’s determination to become a paramedic is evident in the personal trials he dealt with during paramedic school and internship. Anthony’s mother was diagnosed with a rare cancer and his father was diagnosed with Stage III COPD. He was able to juggle paramedic school, work and taking care of both his parents. Unfortunately, while Anthony was going through his internship to be a paramedic at AMR-Las Vegas, his father passed away. Anthony persevered through all his tragedies and accomplished his dream of being a paramedic.”

Mike Rainey

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Mike started working in the wheelchair department of Metro West Ambulance in 2012 and climbed the ladder to Field Training Officer shortly after. While working, he is also attending The National College for Technical Instruction studying paramedicine. Mike moved to Oregon from Southern California 3 years ago and enjoys spending time with his family, his wife, two dogs, and soon to be daughter! Mike has told us he “Enjoys EMS because it takes the principles and satisfaction of giving great customer service that he learned spending years in retail and takes it to the next level.” He loves coming into people’s homes where they are having the worst days or months of their life and the challenge of meeting their needs and hopefully having a positive impact on that person. A favorite story of his that he likes telling new hires that he is training for the department is something a patient once told him while transporting to dialysis. She asked him if he liked his job, and he told her, “of course but doing Non-Emergency transports is not the end goal, I am going to paramedic school.” She replied, “While that’s nice, I want to remind you that even doing Non-Emergency transports you are saving lives. Because without medical transport, people like me would die. I need to get to dialysis and to my doctor appointments, and without you I would die.” Mike takes great pride in his work here at Metro West Ambulance and continues to go above and beyond the call of duty. We would like to applaud him for his continued efforts and loyalty to his patients, facilities and to our company as this year’s Star of Life.”

Nathan Rasmussen

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Nathan Rasmussen came to Pacific West Ambulance as a Paramedic intern in 2011. He was quickly liked by all the staff and was given the nickname “Monkey”.This nickname came from the auto commercials where a monkey would jump out the trunk of a vehicle, and come to the aid of the vehicles driver. As an intern, Nathan was very eager to arrive on scene and jump out of the ambulance ready for action. Nathan gained the respect of those that worked with him, and he was hired on full time after he completed his schooling. Nathan has a strong passion for EMS and continuing education that he shares with those that are around him. His enthusiasm for his job is contagious and this is why he was awarded Pacific West Ambulance “Paramedic of the Year” in 2013 by his peers. Even though Nathan is at the start of his career in EMS, he is able to function at the level of a seasoned Paramedic. Nathan has become an asset to Pacific West Ambulance due to his willingness to step in and lend a hand when needed with special projects, staffing, and taking a vital role in the growth in the company. During his off time Nathan enjoys an active lifestyle of mountain biking, racquetball, and has a strong passion for his Subaru STI.”