Christopher Lee has been a fixture in Hawaii’s EMS industry for more than a decade. Tippy, as he’s known, helped start AMR’s Hawaii air ambulance program four years ago and often assists on transports from Hawaii back to the mainland.
Tippy’s positive attitude is infectious and his ability to connect with others is remarkable. That includes the EMS students Tippy helps teach and his patients.
Several years ago, Tippy was part of a team that flew a man who suffered a spinal cord injury while on vacation back to the mainland. Tippy demonstrated incredible compassion toward the patient and forged a strong connection with him that has endured. Recently, Tippy was able to be present when this man realized his goal of getting back in the water at the site where he was injured.
EMT Lisa Johnshoy has spent more than 20 years in the EMS industry. A member of AMR’s disaster response team and Hawaii’s Kalawao Rescue Team, Lisa also volunteers for the Kauai Life Guard Association and serves on the board of the Kauai Paramedics Association.
In May 2016, Lisa was enjoying some time off when she witnessed a small airplane crash on takeoff. Lisa directed a friend to call 911, then grabbed a fire extinguisher, jumped the fence, and rushed to the crash site. Lisa and other bystanders pulled a victim from the plane, and she began CPR while directing others’ actions.
Despite Lisa’s quick action and heroic efforts, none of the five crash victims survived. While a tragic loss, we can all only hope that in our time of need that someone with Lisa’s bravery and talents will be there to respond.
When faced with a difficult situation, some people ask why. Cindy Hitchcock asks how she can help.
An EMT and Administrative Assistant for AMR’s Hunt County operation, Cindy also works standby events and street shifts on occasion. Cindy also teaches free community CPR classes and is the primary coordinator of a school-based CPR program. Cindy is a Child Passenger Safety Technician who spends considerable time teaching parents good practices and helping obtain car seats for underprivileged families. As president of a community-based drug prevention organization, Cindy has been instrumental in building community partnerships and increasing awareness of the dangers of drug use. If all that isn’t enough, Cindy organizes holiday food drives, breast cancer research fundraisers, and summer safety programs for kids in north Texas.
Last year, Cindy was awarded Hunt County EMS Employee of the Year.
Before joining the American Medical Response family two years ago, Kira worked in the public health sector. In fact, Kira continues to volunteer today with county-based HIV prevention and syringe exchange programs. Kira seeks to improve the quality and standard of health care provided in her community by bridging EMS, public health, education, and health policy. Kira is working toward realizing her goal of becoming a physician.
Frustration over an inability to meet patients’ unique needs drove EMT Kira Gressman to action. Kira devoted her own time to researching available community resources for people with socioeconomic needs. Kira then planned and gave a detailed presentation to her co-workers on the various social services to which patients could be referred. Kira also created and distributed referral cards to help team members link patients to appropriate resources.
Peter Hastings has had several different roles, including vehicle service technician, EMT, and Paramedic, during his 15-year career. Today, Pete serves as an Operations Supervisor in AMR’s Stanislaus County operation. Pete is an active participant in a pilot project designed to help Paramedics to assess psychiatric patients in the field and route them for further care.
On April 8, 2016, Pete played the role of neighborhood hero. Pete was at home working in his garage when heard a scream come from a nearby home. Pete investigated and found a one-year-old girl floating lifeless in a backyard pool; the scream had come from the child’s terrified grandmother. Pete jumped into the pool to rescue the girl. Pete checked for vital signs and then began CPR. When responders arrived, the girl was awake and breathing. Pete’s young neighbor made a full recovery and suffered no neurological deficits.
Advanced EMT Jamie Hassam has been described by his colleagues as many things – patient-focused, community-minded, and “one of the partners that Paramedics pray for.”
Last summer, Jamie and his partner responded to a call involving a child who had been struck by a pickup truck. The scene was described as “complete and total chaos” – but not for long. Jamie managed to focus the efforts of other agencies’ responders and calm the child’s parents and bystanders, all the while providing essential support to his Paramedic partner. Once the child was under the care of hospital staff, Jamie disappeared to find a stuffed animal for the boy and then provided comfort and information to the frantic parents.
A consummate team player, Jamie is a natural leader who takes pride in the EMS profession and leads by example.
Paramedic Theresa Hartman’s EMS career began seven years ago. In addition to demonstrating excellent clinical skills, Theresa is known for showing incredible kindness and deep compassion to everyone she encounters – patients, their family members, hospital staff, and first responders – regardless of their station in life. Theresa is working toward becoming a Field Training Officer and Critical Care Paramedic.
Theresa, fellow Star of Life nominee Tracy Allen, and their partners, responded last August to the call that no one wants to receive – members of their EMS family had been involved in a serious accident while on duty. Theresa and Tracy provided life-saving care to their colleagues and, later, volunteered to transfer their most critically injured teammate from the initial receiving hospital to a higher-level trauma center.
When a clinical question arises, Paramedic Ivan Gonzales is the first person other paramedics and first responders approach. Though he has only been in the EMS industry for four short years, Ivan holds deep knowledge and inspires those around him to continue their growth.
Ivan is an adept Field Training Officer and highly principled caregiver. Many of the students and new employees Ivan helped teach have gone on to become excellent clinicians in their own right.
An exceptional caregiver, Ivan received three proclamations from county leaders within the span of two years. One of those came last year, when he was recognized for resuscitating a teenager who suffered a cardiac arrest. The boy made a full recovery, thanks in large part to the interventions Ivan performed.
Lynn Flores is known for being highly prudent in her decision-making, passionate about her work, and deeply caring. An enthusiastic EMS professional, Lynn consistently seeks opportunities to drive improvement.
This February, EMT-Intermediate Lynn Flores and her partner noticed something strange on their way back to base: a man was on the shoulder of the highway, hitting a limp baby across the back. Lynn immediately pulled over and rushed to help the family. Lynn and her partner took turns giving the baby back blows until the obstruction was dislodged from his throat. Lynn and her partner transported the baby to the hospital, where he made a full recovery.
A local news station learned about the rescue and recognized Lynn and her partner in one of its “Pay It 4ward” segments. Each person featured receives $400 from the station, which the recipient gives to a charity of their choice. Lynn donated her $400 to Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital.
Charismatic, energizing, and inspiring are words that Christopher Dobson’s colleagues have used to describe him. During Chris’ two years at MedicWest, he has become a paramedic preceptor and an ACLS/PALS instructor. Chris hopes to obtain his critical care certification later this year.
Chris and his partner recently responded to a serious, high-speed crash in rural Clark County, far outside of Las Vegas. With only his partner, volunteer firefighters, and bystanders as support, Chris assessed the two patients and began care of a critically injured woman. Chris intubated the woman while she was still trapped in her vehicle and handed her off to a helicopter crew when they arrived. Chris then turned his full attention to the other patient and transported him more than 50 miles to the nearest trauma center. The man made a full recovery.
Michael Collums was doing the work that he loved and had done with excellence when he was killed in the line of duty on February 21, 2017. An EMT with more than 20 years of service, Mike was responding to an emergency patient when his ambulance collided with another vehicle. Mike was 54 years old.
Mike’s greatest passions were his sons, grandsons, and protecting the community as an EMT. Mike’s co-workers valued his reliability, attention to detail, and good humor. Mike was meticulous in all he did and he held others to that same high standard. Mike’s pride in his work showed in the crisp uniform he always wore.
As with many of us, Mike had a second occupation. Mike was also the safety coordinator and part of the office staff at a welding company.
Mike encouraged his wife, Gwen, to become an EMT. Gwen is now in her 12th year of service.
Mike left a legacy as a model EMT, devoted public guardian and beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and co-worker. A most humble man, Mike would have said, “I was just doing my job.”
Paramedic Hugo Badillo has been a member of the American Medical Response team for five years. Hugo earned his EMT certification in 2011 and completed his Paramedic studies last year. Hugo’s positive attitude and uplifting spirit inspire those around them.
Hugo is known for having a strong work ethic and can-do attitude, regardless of whether he is on or off the clock. Last December, Hugo was dropping a family member off at home when he heard a woman screaming. Hugo was off-duty but investigated anyway – and found an unresponsive toddler in the woman’s arms. Hugo assessed the situation, performed back blows and chest thrusts, and then began CPR on the pulse-less child. After approximately two minutes, the child began to breathe on his own and regained consciousness.
Critical Care Paramedic Tracy Allen has spent the last decade of her life caring for other people’s loved ones. In August 2016, Tracy faced the heart-wrenching challenge of caring for members of her own EMS family.
Tracy, fellow Star of Life Honoree Theresa Hartman, and their partners responded last summer to a head-on crash involving an AMR ambulance in which two paramedics were injured. Tracy took command of the scene and provided expert care to her most critically injured colleague. Later, Tracy and Theresa volunteered to transfer their colleague from the initial receiving hospital to a higher-level trauma center.
During her teammates’ long recovery process, Tracy was a beacon at local events benefiting the two. Tracy’s colleagues say that this specific case was just one notable incident in a career marked by sacrifice, advocacy, and a commitment to quality patient care.
Chana Alexander takes an active role in helping her colleagues and community thrive. As a Field Training Officer and Associate Supervisor, Chana teaches portions of her operation’s new hire orientation and education modules for other team members. She consistently works to empower others to provide the best possible patient care.
Chana is committed to increasing community safety and supporting local veterans. She is a volunteer for programs designed to decrease drunk and impaired driving. In 2013, Chana created a program designed to teach CPR to every local high school student. Since then, she and her program team have provided CPR instruction to more than 8,000 students. Chana also founded an annual charity softball tournament to benefit veterans. During its first three years, the tournament brought in more than $15,000.
Eric D. Eizenga, EMT-P, currently serves as the Merrillville Station Manager and Merrillville 911 Operations Manager for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service in Indiana. Eric is a dedicated professional with over four years of experience working for Superior Ambulance.
Eric began his EMS career by going to EMT school at Advocate Health Hospital in 2012, where he graduated with honors. After graduation, Eric began working for Superior Ambulance in January of 2013. He quickly moved into a position on a CCT ambulance.
He soon realized that he wanted to continue developing his skills and taking on new challenges within the EMS profession. In May of 2015, Eric graduated from the accelerated Paramedic program at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Eric then took his National Registry exam and began working as a Paramedic.
In April of 2017, Eric started his current position as Merrillville Station Manager and Merrillville 911 Operations Manager . This role provides him with the opportunity to continue his professional development. Eric looks forward to taking on new challenges in this position and hopes to attend CCT school at Loyola in the near future, while maintaining his position as Manager.
In his free time, Eric enjoys working on cars and motorcycles. An avid outdoorsman, Eric also enjoys shooting, hunting, and fishing, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Brian is being honored as a Star of Life for his commitment to his community and to his patients. Brian was nominated by several of his peers.
Brian started in EMS 15 years ago as a volunteer, and he has worked for Regional Ambulance Service for the past 11 years. Brian is a Critical Care Paramedic where he displays professionalism and provides exceptional lifesaving skills. Brian never buckles under pressure and is always calm and collected, no matter the nature of a call. Brian is extremely confident and knowledgeable when it comes to emergency medicine. Brian is the type of Paramedic you hope shows up at your doorstep if you or a family member is facing a medical emergency.
Brian has also served at his local volunteer fire department for the past 19 years, and has shown his leadership capabilities serving in officer positions, including Deputy Chief.
Regional Ambulance is proud to be represented by Brian Porch, who lives out our motto of “Serving People First with Pride, Proficiency and Professionalism.”
After serving in the US Army, the United Nations peace keeping forces, and the Elfrida Fire Department, Christopher Waters found his true calling in EMS. Helping people in their time of need, easing pain, quelling fears, and saving lives is what he was meant to do.
Chris worked at the Sunsites/Pearce Fire Department full time, attaining the rank of Captain, while simultaneously volunteering at his hometown fire department. Chris’s EMS career has spanned 20 years, nine of which have been with his second family at Arizona Ambulance.
During his service as an EMT for Arizona Ambulance, Chris has proven time and again that he is one of our finest clinicians—bringing to work each day a wealth of experience, skill, and knowledge. Just as importantly, Chris exhibits deep compassion in his patient care, a personal touch that stays with his patients and their families for years.
Chris is a natural leader and mentor; he is looked up to by our young EMTs and Paramedics as well as highly respected by his long-time peers. Chris befriends our new employees on their first day with Arizona Ambulance, makes them feel comfortable, and treats them as though they have been with us for months. He shares his clinical knowledge as well as his practical experience without ever acting “superior” or talking down to others. If there is an operational problem that arises, Chris will bring it to leadership’s attention along with two or three solutions he has already thought out.
Chris exudes a calm demeanor under high stress situations. He is calm, cool, and organized during critical patient care moments where every second counts, as well as is possessing of excellent and vital communication skills during calls.
We are proud to recognize Chris as a Star of Life for his contributions to Arizona Ambulance as well as the entire community.
Kyle A. Wolber, EMT-B, currently serves as the Operations Liaison for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service in Illinois. Since May 2016, Kyle has been committed to helping Superior in all aspects of operations. Kyle is a dedicated professional with six years of experience in Emergency Medical Services and non-emergency ambulance and an EMT-B.
In 2006, Kyle began his role in EMS as a Firefighter/EMT-B for the Franklin Grove Fire Protection District, running approximately 1,500 calls a year for his local community as a paid-on-call. While serving his community, Kyle assisted in running a Congressional office for United States Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL 11th District), which he credits as one of his life’s peak moments. In 2009, Kyle left the EMS community to enlist in the United States Army as a combat soldier. Kyle served a total of six years, and advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant before leaving active duty with the 82nd Airborne Division. Kyle is a decorated war hero, serving one tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan, earning himself a Bronze Star among many other awards. Kyle now serves in the Illinois Army National Guard as a Sergeant First Class, running a platoon of soldiers for his unit.
Kyle re-instated his license as an EMT-B and came to join the family at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service. Kyle began working on an ambulance and quickly advanced up to his current position. Kyle currently plays an active role in his community with the American Legion, VFW, and Citizen’s Police Academy. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys helping his family farm corn and beans in Northern Illinois, where they have horses, hogs, and cattle. Kyle loves to workout, Jet Ski at his family’s lake house in Michigan, and spend time with his friends and family. Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Kyle as a 2017 Star of Life.
David Mikec came to Bell Ambulance in 2014 as a seasoned Critical Care Paramedic. Dave immediately gained respect from his coworkers and it only took him a year to win his first Employee of the Year award in 2015. He won Employee of the Year again in 2019. Since that time, Dave has worked his way through the ranks and is now a Supervisor with the company and has aspirations of management in the future. Dave is well known for bringing his calm, level-headed demeanor into any stressful situation.
During the Pandemic, Dave was a resource for PPE, hygiene and cleaning questions and concerns. He was a shoulder to lean on during the stressful times all the caregivers experienced over the last couple of years. Dave also worked at Fort McCoy as part of Operations Allies Welcome providing treatment and transport to our Afghan refugees. Dave is a jack of all trades. He tends to take people under his wing to help develop them to their fullest potential, and he also takes the time to work with the EMT-Basics to educate them, and help push them toward a career as a Paramedic.
Dave lives in Wauwatosa with his wife, Amy, and their two daughters. He is an avid music lover and enjoys outdoor adventures with his family.
David was also previously recognized as a 2017 Star of Life.
Derek began his career in EMS in 2010 as an EMT Basic with the Watonga, Oklahoma Fire Department. Shortly thereafter, Derek was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in the 45th Infantry Division for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2011–2012 Derek was redeployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
Upon returning in 2012, Derek enrolled in Paramedic school at Redlands Community College, completing his degree in 2014. Derek started working at Life EMS in August of 2015, and has since been promoted to the position of Operations and QA Supervisor.
Derek was instrumental in implementing Life EMS’ new mapping system software and played a key role in rebuilding the Volunteer rural Service in Watonga to prevent it from closing.
Derek was chosen as a Star by his fellow medics. Derek’s passion and pride in his work at Life EMS and Watonga EMS is truly unprecedented.
Life EMS is proud to recognize Derek Vermillion as a 2017 Star of Life.
