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Archives: Stars

Kenneth “Erik” Riggle

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Erik’s life of service began at a young age, when he became a Boy Scout. During his time as a Boy Scout, Erik enjoyed the first aid lessons he received, and he developed a passion for helping others. Currently, Erik holds the honor of being an Eagle Scout. At the age of 16 he became a Cadet at his local fire department, and became an EMT at age 18. In 2007, Erik continued his education and became a Paramedic. Today, he possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to manage critical patients between hospitals, specialty referral centers, and extended care facilities. Erik joined Community Care Ambulance in 2017 as a Paramedic. He has been nominated as a Star of Life for his exemplary customer service and documentation skills. Erik has profound respect for EMS and he demonstrates it on a daily basis through his interactions with patients, customers, and coworkers.

Erik also writes extremely good patient reports, which are so well done that we now use one of his reports in documentation class to teach new employees how to write correct reports. Well written documentation is so vital for all aspects of patient care, from complete medical records, proper billing, and support of the organization. Erik is a great source of information. He is always available to answer questions and he encourages others to become more involved in EMS and CCA.

Even when he is not on the clock, Erik’s priority is always helping others. One day, after his shift, he was on his way to eat when he came across a man who had been in a motor vehicle accident. Without hesitation, Erik quickly helped pull the driver from his burning car. Erik is always thinking of others, and he demonstrated that during this off-duty response.

During his time off, Erik enjoys spending time with his wife and six children – ages 19, 17, 15, 13, 10, and 6.  They enjoy backpacking, fishing, and hunting. Erik also enjoys reading and watching cartoons.

He is a highly skilled Paramedic who provides quality clinical care to all of his patients, which is why he is a 2018 Star of Life.

Trudi Marcial

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Trudi and her family came to the United States when she was just five years old because Martial Law had been declared in the Philippines. She later studied art at the Cleveland Institute of Art and then spent over 20 years working in Graphics Production.

In March of 2014, Trudi decided that she wanted to transition into a more fulfilling career – Emergency Medical Services. She became a Wheelchair Technician at Community Care Ambulance, so that she could assist people in their discharge trips and pre-hospital travel. Trudi always makes sure that she leaves her patients with the lasting impression that she truly care for them. She anticipates and strives to understand the unique needs of patients and customers. Our wheelchair technicians demonstrate personal commitment to the organization’s core values, and Trudi goes above and beyond.

Trudi’s coworkers describe her as someone who puts patients before herself, ensures that patients are kept comfortable and safe at all times, always has a positive attitude, and someone who brings a smile to everyone she meets.

In her spare time, Trudi enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and watching movies. She is also known to sing for weddings, and was once the lead singer in a Journey cover band.

Trudi is nominated as a Star of Life in recognition of her dedication and commitment to providing the highest-quality service to each person she meets and helps every day.

Brandon Pate

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

From the moment of his first EMS call as a paid on-call EMT in 2004, Brandon knew this career was his calling.

Brandon came to MedStar in 2012 as a Paramedic. He moved up to Field Training Officer and eventually was selected for promotion to MedStar Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) team as a Mobile Healthcare/Critical Care Paramedic in 2015.

In this role, Brandon is responsible for managing high EMS system utilizers and patients at-risk for preventable 9-1-1 calls, hospital Emergency Department visits, and in-patient admissions.

Brandon enjoys the tangible impact he has on the patients he treats. On the MIH team, that impact is not simply a 30- to 40-minute patient encounter, but helping his MIH-enrolled patients over the long term. “As a field Paramedic, I can make patients better, but as an MIH provider, I can help make them well,” he explains.

Brandon was a contributing author of the Community Paramedicine textbook and is a member of the NAEMT Community Paramedicine Curriculum Committee and the Critical Care Paramedic Advisory Committee for the International Board of Specialty Certifications.

He has also presented at national EMS conferences such as EMS Today and EMS World, and he is a member of the Adult Protective Services of Tarrant County Community Board.

Brandon recently graduated from the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Geriatric Practice Leadership Institute, where he developed a new screening, assessment, and intervention process for fall-risk patients.

 

Nick Heasley

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Nick embodies the ideals of advocacy, respect, compassion, and integrity. He is an exceptional clinician, educator, mentor, and colleague, and an exemplary leader.

We’re constantly impressed by how he consistently and courageously meets challenges, overcomes obstacles, and pursues excellence in all areas of his life.

Nick shows compassion and kindness for every patient. His calm, open-minded approach never falters, and because of this, he’s always able to establish a rapport with not only the patient but those around him. Nick’s presence and demeanor alone create an atmosphere of confidence and unity that allows the job to be done in a professional manner and with the best outcome.

One of the most striking things about Nick’s attitude as a provider is the amount of patience with which he tackles every obstacle, whether it’s a noncompliant patient or a new hire’s lack of driving skills. He puts Medic’s mission into action every day by preparing providers to save a life, hold a hand, and be ready to respond in our community where and when our patients need us.

At home, he is a full-time husband and father to three young girls, and he supports his wife as she manages an animal hospital. Nick recently learned blacksmithing and established an eco-responsible food system, planting crops and breeding rabbits to provide sustaining food for his family and his community.

Joshua Daly

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Josh Daly rose quickly through the ranks at Sunstar, and he has taken advantage of every opportunity the organization has offered to enhance his medical and professional practice.

His impressive professional development has been matched by his ability to influence and lead others. Josh’s achievements include being a FTO, a CME instructor, a Safety Officer, and Sunstar Paramedic’s 2017 FTO of the Year.

Josh’s leadership presence is visible every day. He comes to every class, field shift, and meeting as if it’s an interview for his next leadership role. He is an extraordinary role model to senior professionals as well as an inspiration to EMTs and Paramedics beginning their careers.

Josh shines a light through his quality of care, leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the advancement of the EMS profession.

For these reasons and more, we would like to support and celebrate Josh’s achievements as a Star of Life.

 

Thomas “Tim” Brake

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Tim has spent countless hours making other employees’ jobs easier and ensuring that all areas of the Agency are taken care of. He consistently goes above and beyond.

Communications supervisor may not be a very visible, upfront job, but it truly is the backbone of our operation. Tim works hard in the background to make sure all aspects of Communications are functioning at full capacity. Tim maintains multiple systems to include CAD and CAD to SIREN, and helps develop ways to make documentation and data collection easier.

Tim has just completed his year as RCC (Radio Communications Council) chairperson for the local Charlotte P25 Radio System while also attending CAD Administrator training. He has been a liaison to our County Fire departments and County First Responder agencies, and he’s active in the County Fire Association meetings as well as with providing radio and pager assistance to the departments.

Tim often assists at the MOC (Mobile Operations Center) during special events such as Panther’s Games, Speed Street, or New Year’s Eve, using his COM-L (COM Lead) or COM-T (COM-Tech) as support roles for Communications/ICS functions. He also leads the distribution of Medic’s new portable radios and additional mobile radios.

Tim is a stellar MEDIC employee—consistently kind, compassionate, and eager to  help wherever he’s needed. During many night shifts, crews have reported issues, knowing that whatever the hour, Tim would provide assistance. Tim will go the extra mile to help everyone he meets and is genuine in all that he does. You can see his dedication to his family, friends, and this Agency in his every action.

 

Travis Waswick, MD

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Dr. Travis Waswick was instrumental in the development of a first-class EMS system in North Dakota’s Traill and Steele counties. His passion for EMS is truly inspiring.

Dr. Waswick began his EMS career with West Traill Ambulance Service as an EMT in 2009 while studying at the University of North Dakota. He continued working for our ambulance service while attending medical school, and has since become our Medical Director. Even after achieving his credentials as a physician, he maintains his NREMT certification.

Dr. Waswick’s commitment to EMS excellence is extraordinary. He makes time to participate in all ambulance meetings and board meetings. He helped develop a new hire onboarding program, and is actively involved in the training of crew members. He makes himself available 24/7 for any questions or concerns our employees may have. Dr. Waswick also created an enhanced QI/QA process to improve patient outcomes in rural North Dakota.

West Traill Ambulance Service is proud and honored to have Dr. Waswick as Medical Director, and he is very deserving of this special award.

Robert Bukovac

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Rob is the best of what this country has to offer. He exemplifies the characteristics of a true public servant.

Rob risked his life to defend freedom as a United States Marine, then again as a firefighter and police officer. Now, Rob is saving lives as a Paramedic here at Trinidad Ambulance District. He also serves as our county’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.

Rob is an incredibly intelligent individual with a phenomenal sense of humor. He is affectionately known as our “encyclopedia.”

We are proud and honored to have Rob as a teammate at the Trinidad Ambulance District.

 

Seth “Taylor” Walden

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Taylor is a Mamou High School graduate. He was raised with strong family values. Both of his parents are extremely hard working and successful in everything they do. This background led him to success in his job at Franks Casing Crew in Lafayette, Louisiana. He began as a shop hand and worked his way up to a completion supervisor. The time away from his family led him down a new career path. This is where his story with Acadian Ambulance begins.

Taylor has been employed by Acadian since August 2016 as an EMT Basic working out of Evangeline Parish in Ville Platte. Taylor arrives to work on time, and completes his daily duties without hesitation. He works well with his partner to ensure his station and unit are in mint condition and ready for what the day might bring. Taylor is an excellent Basic and has a “can do” attitude with any task assigned to him. He has a hunger for knowledge, and is currently in a Paramedic class.

Taylor is a Louisiana man, through and through—hard working with good Southern values, family-oriented, and dedicated to providing for his family. He is married to Krysten and is father to 2 beautiful children; stepson Jayden and baby daughter Brylee. Taylor enjoys coaching Jayden’s baseball team. He is an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoys woodworking, gardening, and working around his family farm.

His partner and the Acadian family have nothing but amazing things to say about Taylor as a person and an employee. He is highly respected by his co-workers and team members in the medical community. His peers write that he is driven and passionate, and strives to be better tomorrow than he was today.

Family, faith, and hard work form the foundations of Taylor’s upbringing. Those traits are very evident in his work here at Acadian Ambulance.

Taylor says, “I was lucky enough to be put with a long time employee that knows the Acadian Way. I can only hope to make such an impact on my patients throughout my career as he has with his.”

We are proud to share with you Taylor Walden, Star of Life and Acadian Medic of Year from Central Louisiana.

 

Alex Aste

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

“Infectious positivity” is the best way to describe Texas Medic of the Year Alex Aste, and that trait carries over into every aspect of his job at Acadian in Houston.

Alex joined Acadian with plenty of experience. He has a bachelor of science degree in paramedicine, worked as a combat medic during two separate tours in the Italian Army, and saw action in Afghanistan on a Medevac unit.

Alex came to the United States in 2011 to continue his education and received a bachelor’s degree in human biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of California San Diego.

Unfortunately, when Alex moved to Houston with his wife, who was pursuing a law degree, his Paramedic certification was not recognized, and he was forced to start over with his EMS education.

Now Alex is at the top of his class in the Paramedic program at Alvin Community College in Houston, and he’s looking forward to graduating in August and working again as a Paramedic.

Alex always puts the customer first and provides exemplary service regardless of the situation—he already has an impressive number of commendations. He has had perfect attendance and has never been late for work since starting with Acadian in August 2016.

He also plays an integral role in the Houston Life Gift Operations. In fact, if he isn’t at school or working an extra shift, you will find him serving as a Life Gift Operator.

Gordon Tsang

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Hong Kong-born Gordon Tsang immigrated to America with his family when he was 16 and jumped right into his first community-oriented job: summer lifeguard and swim instructor.

But after finishing high school and attending community college, it was a family tragedy that pointed him in the direction of his EMS career. In 2009, Gordon’s dad was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, and he passed away that October. Tragically, Gordon was the one who attempted to resuscitate him with CPR.  “I felt so helpless at the time,” Gordon says, “however, now I’m extremely grateful that I found direction in my career after this terrible family tragedy.”

In 2012, Gordon decided to take an EMT class, which drew him farther into the field of paramedicine. Gordon was hired at Medic Ambulance that same year, and he says, “I was blessed to have wonderful partners and family who encouraged and supported me through my journey as an EMT and my decision to start Paramedic school.” In August 2016, torn between nerves and excitement, he became a Paramedic in Solano County.

Gordon is always excited to pass on his knowledge to new EMTs and Paramedics. He is being recognized as Medic Ambulance Solano Division 2018 Paramedic of the Year for his excellent performance as an FTO/Paramedic in Solano County. 

Gordon and his partner Dominic were an integral part of Medic’s response during the devastating Napa and Sonoma fires. They worked countless hours and were part of three different strike teams sent to the impacted areas. Gordon and Dominic helped evacuate 65 patients from the Santa Rosa skilled nursing facility. 

Jerret Dunlap

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Jerret was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, lived in New Orleans as a child, and moved to Central Louisiana when he was 14. He has called Alexandria home since then. 

Jerret is a Navy veteran, serving from after he graduated high school in 2006 until 2009. He trained to be a Hospital Corpsman and became a field medic. His duty station was with the 1st Battalion 8th Marines for two years. He later deployed for seven months to the forward operating base in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Jerret speaks of having a great “feel of community” while in Iraq, helping civilians and young children who were injured and needed medical attention. He received a Commendation medal after his tour in Iraq.

After his service in the Navy, Jerret went on to work at Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria. He spent three years supporting surgical services as a scrub tech and cleaning surgical instruments, then decided to enroll in the next EMT Class at NEMSA.

Jerret was hired by Acadian. He went through a rough period of time, both personally and professionally, and there was a separation of employment with Acadian. During that separation he became a Paramedic. Life lessons learned during this time helped mold Jerret into the man he is today.

Jerret was then rehired by Acadian. Within six months, he was promoted to Alternate Operations Supervisor/Paramedic Field Supervisor. He took on the challenge of the Critical Care Transport class in October 2015 and now works as a Critical Care Medic on U261.

Jerret received nominations from his peers across our seven-parish area for the Paramedic of the Year for Central Louisiana. That is testimony to his professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to what he does as a Paramedic and a PFS.

Jerret is a single “hands-on” father to three daughters and a son. He faces daily challenges being a mediator and helping the children balance emotions while traveling between two households. Jerret spends time and is involved in his children’s school activities, but he doesn’t stop there. Church is also a huge part of their lives. The family attends his grandmother’s church, where his father is a deacon and his uncle is the choir leader. Jerret and his children participate in church activities.

Jerret is a humble, professional, lead-by-example Paramedic. He sets a benchmark for others to achieve. He is able to communicate and assist others in creating a more enjoyable and positive workplace. 

Jerret said about his nomination:

“There was a point in school where individual awards and trophies were my benchmark. As an adult and Paramedic, I now understand that it takes a community to be successful. I owe my nomination to the very ones who voted for me, as I am a piece of every medic and every basic I have encountered.”

 

David Mike

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Dave is being honored for his devotion to EMS and his community, day in and day out. His peers and colleagues nominated him, saying out that his dedication has made an incredible difference in all the lives he has touched and that his humanitarian values reach far beyond what is professionally expected.

He has worked with Paratech Ambulance for almost 25 years and has been involved with EMS since 1972.  Dave’s worn many different hats during this time: He’s served as an EMT, CPR instructor, Ambulance Operations manager, dispatcher, and finally as the supervisor in our Communications Center. 

Dave’s desire to help others does not stop with EMS, though. He and his wife Ginny have opened their home and their hearts to 19 foster children over the past 14 years, some of those children with significant special needs.

In Dave’s ongoing quest to find a way to help other foster children, he has organized a group to promote and support those involved in foster care. He loves being a foster father and was delighted to become an adoptive parent.

Dave enjoys hiking with his family and sports. He is deeply involved with his church and leads a group for people who want to become involved in foster care.

We want to honor Dave for making an incredible difference in all our lives.

 

Alec D’Storm

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Acadian Texas Paramedic of the Year Alec D’Storm is always professional and comes to work ready to shine. As a role model who strives for excellence, he holds other employees to a higher standard, and that makes them strive for excellence, too. 

Alec showed his aptitude and commitment to his career early on. He graduated in the top of his class and has received a Meritorious Service Award.

Based in Bexar County, Alec has been with Acadian since 2014, and he has become one of the most well-known medics in our area.

He has a background in management and puts that knowledge and experience to work in his role at Acadian. Or should we say many roles: He is a preceptor for EMTs and Paramedics, a Safe Baby Program trainer and co-coordinator, and a PALS, ACLS, and CPR instructor. 

Alec has volunteered for many different projects, including being the face of EMS at career days at area schools and Shattered Dreams programs. He has been loaned to Acadian’s Safety Management Systems as a medic for an onsite clinic, helped to make training videos, and assists with Baptist mobile health events.

And even with this lengthy list, he’s always looking for ways to contribute more. Alec started helping with our local Explorer program recently, and he assisted with our latest acquisition, too.

 

Dale Reighter

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Dale is a Paramedic Field Training Officer for the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Several of his peers nominated Dale for his growth from EMT to Paramedic to Field Training Officer. They cite his professionalism, his dedication to providing the best care for each patient he treats, and his ability to train new employees and ensure they are successful.

A veteran Paramedic who recently started working at TRAA complemented Dale on his knowledge and training abilities, praising him for his patience and encouragement as he helped the Paramedic learn the ropes at TRAA and make a smooth transition.

Dale is also commended for always displaying a positive attitude at work and making the job enjoyable for everyone.

 

Elisabeth “Lis” Handgraaf

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Elisabeth “Lis” Handgraaf earned her degree in athletic training then worked as a trainer for local schools. But while Lis enjoyed the work, she always felt she could be doing more. 

Lis decided to join the fire department, then she breezed through EMT school and got her Paramedic license at Lakeshore Technical College. 

Before long, she was promoted to lieutenant on the fire department, and she began working in EMS full-time. Lis was promoted again on the fire department, this time to captain, and shortly after that to EMS director.  

In 2016 Lis joined Bell Ambulance and earned her Critical Care through UMBC. She now routinely does Critical Care ground transfers and also works in the 911 system in Southeast Wisconsin.

She was promoted to Field Training Officer quickly, and has taken on numerous projects, including protocol rewrites, oversight of multiple patient simulation trainings, and development of a new driver training course.

In 2017 Lis was voted the Bell Ambulance Employee of the Year by her peers. 

Lis never shies away from the opportunity to teach and often falls back on her years of athletic training to explain cases of trauma, skeletal-muscular injuries, and head and spinal injuries. 

Lis and her husband Richard live in Fox Point, Wisconsin, and are the proud parents of Dottie, their rascally blue-tick coonhound.

 

Tim Chopelas

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Tim Chopelas is a mainstay of Cataldo Ambulance Service in Somerville, Massachusetts, sharing his experience with new EMTs and guiding trainees as they learn new roles.

He started work at Cataldo as an EMT Basic then decided to attend the Northeastern University Paramedic program. He has been working as a Paramedic for more than 20 years now.

His people skills were front and center when he held supervisory positions at Lyons Ambulance Service (Cataldo acquired Lyons in September 2017), and he was instrumental in the early stages of developing the Performance Improvement Program at LAS.

Tim was an ALS Field Training Instructor at LAS and takes an active interest in mentoring new medics, giving his experience and insight, while encouraging them to develop their own skills.

Tim is a role model Paramedic. He’s a skilled clinician and a compassionate caregiver, and he is a committed, hardworking staff member, often working overtime shifts.

He is married, has two children, and lives in Danvers.

 

Dominic Romero

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Dominic Romero has worked with Medic Ambulance for almost three years, and he is being honored as Medic Ambulance Solano Division 2018 EMT of the Year.

He was also awarded Medic Ambulance’s 2018 Travis Grace “Excellence in EMS” Award and will receive a full-tuition scholarship for Paramedic school to Napa Valley College.

Most recently, Dominic and his partner Gordon were an integral part of Medic’s response during the devastating Napa and Sonoma fires. They worked countless hours and were part of three different strike teams to the impacted areas. Dominic and Gordon helped in the evacuation of 65 patients from a Santa Rosa skilled nursing facility.

Dominic has been a model employee at Medic Ambulance. He has provided excellent service to patients, and he has played an integral role in the company’s Quality Assurance Committee and Field Training Officer program.

Dominic recently became a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) leader within Medic’s new Caring for Ourselves and Others Affected by Critical Happenings and Everyday Stressors (COACHES) program, which helps employees remain mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy.

COACHES is a peer-support team staffed by employees who have received specialized training in psychological first aid, traumatology, and critical incident stress debriefing.

Sean Maney

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Sean joined Cataldo Ambulance Service as an EMT in 2011 after stints in marketing, public relations, and teaching.

He put that education background to good use when he became a Field Training Officer. Sean excels as an EMT in the field but also as an educator within our communities. He decided to create a reference guide for the new hires and now hands it out as he works with each new employee.

He took on the role of Lead Field Training Officer with ease, imparting his knowledge and experience to our staff from day one. Sean exhibits a constant drive to help others find success in their health-care career. He stays up to date on the latest research on EMS-related topics and prides himself on delivering that information so it’s relevant for those who are new to the field and experienced staff alike.

Sean consistently volunteers to teach classes, participate in drills, and attend committee meetings. He is regularly active on the Quality Assurance and Improvement Committee, offering suggestions for improvement in all phases of our business.

Besides working full-time as an EMT, Sean owns his own business, Maney Communications. He also loves to spend time with his dogs, taking them for walks or just playing around in the yard.

James “Scott” Kiniry

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Richmond Ambulance Authority is delighted to nominate Paramedic James “Scott” Kiniry for the AAA’s Stars of Life award. Scott, a Chesterfield County, Virginia, native, has resided locally his entire life.

Scott grew up in Midlothian, Virginia, and graduated from Benedictine High School. He was not sure of his future until he witnessed a tractor trailer roll over and aided the person inside. He then understood what he wanted to do with his life.

Beginning as an EMT and joining Richmond Ambulance Authority in December 2013, he pursued his Paramedic certification, graduating in July 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a second-generation public safety provider. His father is a retired captain with Richmond Police Department, and his brother has over 10 years with that department. His wife and his mother are both Registered Nurses.

Scott was promoted to corporal in 2017, and he also has the distinction of accomplishing the highest number of cardiac arrests resulting in return of spontaneous circulation! He is regularly recognized by his peers and supervisors alike, and he has received many commendations—all of which describe him as being a calm, compassionate, and dependable provider to our patient population.

Scott’s great accomplishments and wide recognition resulted in him being selected by RAA’s Medical Director, Dr. Joseph P. Ornato, to receive the 2017 Operational Medical Director’s Award-Paramedic of the Year.