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Archives: Stars

Jay Horne

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Jay has been an exemplory member of the Sunstar team since November 2012. Jay works as a full time EMT and is part of our mental health transport (MHT) team. Jay is very well rounded as he also volunteers with the Port Richey Fire Department and has a literary background as an author and publisher of multiple books, with his most recent published novel “Tower Hearts”. Jay received his EMT training at Washington ?xadHolmes Technical Center and is from Pegram, Tennessee. Jay quickly made a lasting impression and memorable impact just 5 months in his first EMS job at Sunstar. As a newly cleared EMT on the night of April 10, 2013, Jay and his partner responded to a critical call involving a 2 year old girl who’s legs were amputated by a riding lawn mower at her home in Palm Harbor, Florida. Litte did the crew know that their second-to-none care and teamwork provided that evening would save Ireland Nugent’s life and make long standing local and national headlines. The call was exceptionally emotional and highly stressful, but very well handled by Jay in being given much support, debriefings, and follow-up including a reunion by Jay and his partner with Ireland and her parents. Tragically, three months after Ireland’s call Jay would lose his partner in an off-duty motorcycle accident. Less than one year after this call and loss of his partner, Jay takes pride in seeing Ireland thrive in overcoming her challenges as a double amputee. Nothing appears to stop Ireland as she is currently three years old, mastering prosthetics and learning ballet. Ireland’s call that April evening would be a tragic situation with an unsuspecting positive outlook and for Jay, in a similar fashion with his career at Sunstar, a parallel in overcoming new and challenging situations and flourishing.”

Elizabeth Heckathorn

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Liz is one of those colleagues we all know and love who live and breathe EMS and community service. After beginning a career as a licensed dental assistant took a required CPR class and caught the EMS bug. In the early 1980’s Liz took a Basic EMT class in the basement of Wollowa Memorial Hospital and her passion for lifesaving was off and running. Throughout her career, Liz has found a way to put her enthusiasm and commitment to excellent use. She has served as a paramedic and EMS manager in extremely rural northeastern Oregon, and as a Captain firefighter/paramedic in Central Oregon. These roles gave her excellent experience which she has put to use as an EMS educator and community college EMT program director. Liz spent 15 years working in the Oregon State EMS office in roles including Prehospital standards, rules promulgation, and trauma system oversight. Even while taking on these many roles, Liz has continued doing what she truly loves, using her paramedic license to provide care in the field with Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services. Liz has recently taken on the role of Chief and will be putting that experience and community spirit to great use as she guides her EMS agency forward. She is absolutely a “Star of Life”.”

Don Heckathorn

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Don began his career in the 1970’s as a volunteer with the Madras, Oregon ambulance service where he obtained his EMT certificate. In 1980 Don began working for Metro West Ambulance and earned his paramedic license in 1984. He continued his EMS career eventually moving back to Madras where he spent countless hours serving his community, eventually becoming Chief of Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services. Even while working actively in EMS as a paramedic, manager, and volunteer EMS educator, Don took on the added role of volunteer reserve police officer for both the Madras Police Department and Jefferson County Sherriff ‘s Office. In 2013, at the peak of his professional life, Don was doing one of his favorite activities, riding his motorcycle, when he was struck by a vehicle and killed. Thousands of lives have been touched by Don throughout his career. Don exemplified the qualities of a true “Star of Life”

Trevor Harris

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Trevor Harris came to work at LifeCare Ambulance Service as a newly trained EMT in January of 2009. He performed very well on an ALS unit right up until a fateful morning. On September 1, 2010,Trevor was involved in a significant car crash on his way to work. He was severely injured and his return to the workforce was not a given. Trevor was finally able to return after eight months of healing and rehabilitation. Through perseverance and dedication, Trevor was able to adapt quickly into our dispatch center. His performance since the transition has been remarkable. Below are some excerpts from the three nominations received for Trevor Harris: “I would like to nominate Trevor Harris for the Star of Life. Trevor has overcome great obstacles in his personal life to get to the point he is at with this company. Trevor does an excellent job at dispatching and is a voice of calm and reason when it comes to the hectic dispatching and dealing with us road crews”. “I would like to nominate Trevor Harris for this honor. He is a very effective dispatcher who always keeps tension at a low key. He is a hero in our radio dispatch center in my opinion”. “Trevor always has a positive attitude, even when the system is slammed and he is getting phone calls with crews complaining. He watches out for the well-being of the crews and listens to their suggestions. He has been a great asset to the dispatch team”. Trevor and his wife Abby have four children ranging in ages from 5 to 10. LifeCare’s previous Stars of Life recipients chose our 2014 Star of Life honoree from the nominations received, and we are pleased that they have chosen Trevor as our 2014 Stars of Life.”

Jeffrey Halstead

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Jeffrey Halstead started his EMS career in 1994 and joined the North Shore LIJ Health System Center for EMS in 2003. He is an active member of the Rockville Center Fire Department and has held numerous leadership positions in his time there. Jeff ‘s career has been highly decorated. He was nominated to receive the North Shore LIJ Health system Presidents Award and was the North Shore LIJ Health System Star of Life winner in 2008. He has numerous Pre-Hospital Save awards and has received the Award of Valor from the Village of Rockville Center for the rescue and resuscitation of a fire victim who made a full neurological recovery. Jeff ‘s commitment to excellence as a Paramedic is evidenced by the many awards and distinctions he has received over the years. Jeff was selected to represent CEMS as a Star of Life after being nominated by his supervisor and then being voted on by his peers. During the selection process his colleagues had the opportunity to support their selection with a few comments on why they feel Jeff should represent CEMS as a Star of Life.The comments went well beyond Jeff ‘s abilities as a Paramedic. Many of the comments instead pointed out the many actions Jeff takes in support of those less fortunate than him. One such comment described an assignment where Jeff was treating a homeless person on a cold day. Prior to heading to hospital Jeff literally gave this patient the hat off his head. Other comments described charitable actions Jeff has taken, on and off duty, in support of his co-workers, his community and those less fortunate. Jeffrey Halstead was selected for this distinction for his qualities as a paramedic and as a person. His work in his community, his work for the Center for EMS, and the care and comfort he provides to his patients is why he is a natural choice as a Star of Life.”

James Hadley

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Life EMS Ambulance is pleased to recognize James Hadley as our 2014 Star of Life. James began his career at Life EMS Ambulance in 1997 as a mobility (wheelchair transport) associate. James obtained his basic EMT license in 2002. James has served effectively in many different roles, including as a mobility associate, as a basic EMT working on an ALS ambulance, and for many years as the support services coordinator at our Grand Rapids Central Support Facility. James demonstrates reliability, a strong work ethic, and resourcefulness no matter what role he was filling. However, James has earned his recognition as our Star of Life for the outstanding ancillary work he has done that goes beyond his typical duties. James has represented Life EMS on the planning committees for community events such as the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts and for many athletic events such as the Grand Rapids Marathon and Iron Man Triathlon. James has done a great job helping plan and organize the medical component of these events, and he often is present during the events to oversee and coordinate the EMS medical coverage. In this role James has developed many great relationships with key community leaders and groups and has been an excellent ambassador for EMS in general and Life EMS Ambulance in particular. James has also served as an installer for our Life Extra Care personal response system (PRS). He has done a great job in this role, providing skilled customer care in not only installing the system in customer’s homes but carefully explaining the service, answering questions, and making sure the needs of our elderly customers are met. In these roles James displays caring for his customers and provides feedback and assistance to his teammates to make improvements in our services. In everything James does, he makes a significant contribution to our company, our customers, and the communities we serve. James is truly a Star of Life!”

John Gosford

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

John has 25 years of experience in EMS, having served in a variety of field and non-field roles including paramedic, dispatching, education and regulatory services. He currently holds a Master’s degree in Public Safety Leadership and is working on his Ph.D. in Emergency Management. While working as an Assistant Professor in the EMS program at the College of Southern Maryland, John has continued to work as a paramedic at American Medical Response in Washington, D.C. John’s dedication to providing a positive impact on patient care is evident as he readily assists and mentors other field providers.”

Jesse Godin

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Many nominees are recognized for a specific remarkable rescue or event that tests their courage and or professional skills in the field of EMS. The achievement of such recognition in many instances would not be possible without the support of those who work on their team throughout the year performing in many roles of EMS. Jesse is an example of one of those team members, who report for work every day in the organization supporting field personnel who are deserving of such recognition during a specific heroic event. His leadership as a supervisor in communications plays a significant role ensuring that field personnel have the information and resources necessary for a safe response and effective on scene delivery of quality patient care. Of particular note are the contributions and initiatives that are unseen by the public and so important for the success of the company overall with supervision of telecommunicators, EMD, EMDQ, reporting and daily support of the billing office that drives the economic engine of the company. Jesse is a father and husband with core family values. His primary personal interest is with his family. Jesse is a professional fireworks technician and in fact played a role in the 2013 July 4th fireworks display in Boston. He could be considered a jack of all trades with a technical expertise. Jesse is always goal focused and enthusiastic with an intense interest in solving problems. His intense interest often inspires others to perform better both at work and at home. He has made Cataldo Ambulance Service his home since March of 2008. Jesse is the senior supervisor of the Boston Communications Division. A train the trainer for the 911 Sentinel Patriot system, CTO, EMD, EMDQ, Rescue Net data reporting and ePCR billing compliance team. Supervisor Jesse Godin is an exemplary member of the Cataldo team. His recognition is not based on a single specific event. Recognition for his nomination is much more difficult to achieve. It requires contributions and initiatives that support the team overall every day on every shift from the field to dispatch and the overall economic health of the organization. Significant responsibility in the daily operation of the Boston Communications Division, Jesse supervises and assists team members as needed during shifts with technical work in receiving and dispatching emergency calls. He assists with management duties and requests in a wide variety of ways from special projects to on-going day to day reporting and problem solving. It’s important for him to know that the telecommunicators in dispatch are professional, knowledgeable and focused on customer service. This assurance comes from his participation as a CTO and assisting the Training Administrator with the initial 911 equipment training and certification of staff or as a CTO. Quality patient care through EMD is a priority for as well and is a member of the EMDQ quality assurance team. Well known to the compliance and billing office resolving ePCR complications and assisting with completion of calls assuring that revenue flow is available for the tools and equipment that are required in the delivery of quality patient care that the Cataldo organization is known for. In closing I would like to say that Jesse is a great example of someone who has earned the Star of Life through hard work and dedication to his EMS organization from the front end delivery of patient care to the back end behind the scenes.”

Brian Gonsalves

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Brian is a paramedic for Atlantic Ambulance Service, a division of Cataldo Ambulance Service, based in Peabody, Massachusetts. Brian has organized a city-wide response time improvement effort for school campuses. He is a bright, energetic young professional who takes his commitment to work, workplace, family and community very seriously. Brian ceaselessly communicates with co-workers on ways to improve the performance of the EMS team every time they respond. After experiencing first-hand the delays in access to patients at some school campuses, Brian set about to improve the EMS System’s performance for this special population. In some cases, the difference in “arrival at scene” and “arrival at patient side” times on these sprawling campuses could be as much as five to six minutes. As he began, what he found was a wide variety of procedures among the schools in the city where he works and resides with his wife and two children. He quickly assembled schematics of the schools from public safety databases which included door numbering and descriptions of functional areas of the schools and their associated facilities. He added satellite mapping images to assist responders in navigating their approach to the campuses based on their ultimate destination. This guide will be placed in each of the ambulances serving the City. Brian contacted school department officials, ultimately arranging with the Superintendent to make an “EMS System response 101″ presentation to a citywide meeting of Principals. To that group, he described the potential for improved response and proposed options for training by facility and drill scenarios. That group now has a greater understanding of how their direct action, both in preparation and in individual incidents, can impact the lives of the students in their charge. In addition to the many hours of volunteer time he has already invested, Brian has assured the Superintendent that as he rolls out the city-wide plan to improve the schools’ responses to medical emergencies, Brian will be there to provide the EMS perspective for the staff. Brian is already talking about taking this model as a proposal to each community served by Atlantic Ambulance Service. Based on his energy, creativity and passion for improving care to the children of our communities, we’re sure he will be successful in those efforts as well.”

Rick Garcia

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Rick Garcia has been employed at EMSStat since 2010 when he started as an EVO. After Rick received his paramedic license he took an early retirement from the Watonga Fire Department and accepted a full-time paramedic position at EMSStat in 2012. He remains a volunteer Watonga firefighter. The knowledge and discipline he acquired during his career in the US Navy have been put to excellent use at EMSStat. During his career at EMSStat he has been an advocate for improving education for his co-workers. He has also worked on improving education for all EMS providers. He is a Field Training Officer at EMSStat, a role he helped develop. Rick is also involved in Emergency Vehicle Operations classes and is a Train the Trainer in this capacity. He is also a valued member of EMSStat’s Disaster Response and Haz-Mat teams. An excellent clinician, Rick provides quality, efficient and compassionate care to his patients. Rick is well liked and highly respected by his co-workers, who look to him as a resource. EMSStat greatly appreciates the hard work, professionalism and commitment that Rick has shown as a paramedic.”

Daniela Garcia

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Daniela Garcia is the North Shore LIJ Health System Center for EMS Staten Island Division selection for the AAA Star of Life Award. Daniela started her EMS career in 2007 at Richmond County Ambulance where she earned EMT of the Year in 2012. In 2011, she began her career with the Center for EMS in Staten Island where she quickly showed her commitment and dedication. In 2012, Daniela completed Paramedic school and was on the winning team of the Paramedic Program Simulation Battle. She was also on the multidisciplinary Staten Island University Hospital Simulation Team that came in second place, by the slimmest of margins, in the first North Shore LIJ Regional Sim-War of 2013 Daniela’s partners and colleagues emphatically recommended her for this distinction because of her commitment to her patients and her colleagues. Her future plans are to continue her education to complete her degree in Biology.”

Forrest Fikes

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Forrest Fikes was selected to represent as one of three Stars of Life for LifeNet. His peers selected him for his professionalism and the example of what LifeNet strives to represent. One of the comments written about him stated, “Forrest is a good example for all, he is always kind, professional and represents LifeNet well.” Forrest began is LifeNet career in 2008. He and his wife Missy reside in Hot Springs, AR with their 2-year old son, Jet.”

Alex Durio

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Alex Durio joined Acadian Ambulance in 2008, as an EMT-Basic in their New Orleans, LA, operations. Soon thereafter, he realized that EMS combined his passion for medicine with his love of public service, and he began paramedic school. After completing his certification in 2010, he returned to his hometown of Lafayette, LA, to work for Acadian’s “Hub City” operations. He has certainly thrived in this role, and was recently named as Acadian’s 2014 Louisiana Paramedic of the Year. In December 2011, Alex placed his EMS career on hold to join the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Gone for nearly a year, Alex returned to Acadian and picked up right where he left off. Because of his service to our country, Alex was awarded the Paramedic of the Year Commendation Medal in 2013 by the Attakapas Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Alex is an avid outdoorsman, and spent many years in the Boy Scouts of America. He is currently enrolled in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, pursuing a degree in mathematics.”

Ute Dorflinger

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Ute Dorflinger’s caliber of work as Medic’s ePCR Coordinator speaks for itself. Ute has a determined, head-on approach that has made an enormous impact particularly with Medic’s Electronic Patient Care Report software, ensuring that paramedics and EMTs have the best technology available to assess patients and accurately document critical information. Dorflinger’s dedication and accountability are apparent to all. She shares Medic’s goals of always looking for improvement and uses her skills as a collaborator to build solid working relationships with the Office of NCOEMS, Premis, Medusa Technologies, departments across the Agency, hospital personnel, and most importantly, her fellow Medic colleagues. Ute’s stellar track record of successful process improvements and project management exemplify the characteristics of a 2014 Stars of Life recipient.”

Leigh Dooley

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Leigh Dooley began her 24 year career in EMS in Cobb County, Georgia as a EMT Basic and became a Paramedic in 1992. Leigh currently serves as a Sr. Paramedic/Field Training Officer where she routinely first responds on calls and mentors new and seasoned employees in the field. She is a certified instructor in Basic Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Life Support and assists teaching classes at the MetroAtlanta EMS Academy. On her days off she teaches CPR/AED training to our local Georgia High School and Georgia Middle School Athletic Associations, local school system employees, neighborhood associations and scout troops. She coaches Girls Fast Pitch Softball and serves as a mentor to young girls in need of a positive role model. She teaches her girls the importance of servant leadership and has them participate in raising funds at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. At Christmas, Leigh organized, raised funds and coordinate volunteers to provide gifts to kids at the local Boys and Girls Club. She also provided Christmas gifts and treats to 46 caregivers and staff members at our local hospice. MetroAtlanta Ambulance employees nominated Leigh to receive the Stars of Life Award and represent our company. Her compassion for others and selfless acts of philanthropy and community outreach is a great testament to her love for others. She is a great representative of the EMS industry, our company and she serves as a role model for us all. Leigh has a daughter Morgan and lives in Kennesaw, Georgia.”

Adam Donahue

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Adam has been nominated for this award by multiple employees over the past two years. He’s a person who has always taken initiative to be a leader even before he held a leadership role within Lakes Region EMS. His dedication to his organization has continually proved this for over 16 years. Adam started out his career as an EMT and over the years has worked his way up to Paramedic, Field Lead, Supervisor, and most recently Ambulance Operations Manager. His willingness to learn and grow as a professional and his passion for the job has continued to show in his leadership. Adam also spends his time serving our local police force. He is the first and longest standing medic on the SWAT team and continues to play an essential role in sustaining the SWAT Medic program at Lakes Region. Despite this dedication and commitment, he continues to prove there is more room for growth as he is currently working to complete his BA in Organizational Leadership. He has long work days and late school nights, yet he still gives 100% to his job and the community. Adam maintains his dedication and outstanding commitment daily by always going the extra mile. He is responsible for the training and orientation of all new staff, vehicle maintenance and operational supplies, and equipment purchasing. He is willing to listen and problem solves, as well as finds creative solutions to day to day issues. Adam has the clinical expertise to excel as a Paramedic and the leadership knowledge to manage a team of people with integrity and professionalism. He does all this while maintaining a smile on his face making for an enjoyable working atmosphere. Adam has an infectious laugh that fills the office and a big heart that reaches many. Lakes Region wouldn’t be what it is today without having Adam as a member of its team. The Lakes Region EMS leadership and staff thanks him for all of the hard work and dedication that he has given to the organization, through his time and thoughtfulness, his leadership, and his ownership to the organization and the people working alongside him. Every member of the staff, from the executive leadership, to the clinical staff feels honored to have such a great leader and individual working by their side.”

Erin Dolan

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Erin Dolan is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and Senior Dispatcher in Emergent Health Partners’ Communications Center. Hired in 2002, he spent his first two years working as an EMT for HuronValley Ambulance. In 2004, he transferred into the Center. Erin started in the Communications Center scheduling and dispatching nonemergency wheelchair vans and senior buses. Looking for more challenges, Erin sought the education and experience to move into the 9-1-1 area of the Center. During the training program, Erin learned all of the numerous positions in the Center.”He is a very respected and trusted senior dispatcher, an excellent role model with a strong work ethic,” states Kevin Irwin, Manager, Emergent Communications. “He provides excellent assistance to both his colleagues and the customers who call for service.” During Emergent Communications’ special event season, University of Michigan Football and Michigan International Speedway present dispatch challenges different from everyday activity in the Center. Erin adapted to the unique demands required to dispatch successfully from the Center for these events. During the past U-M football season, Erin was instrumental in providing great direction and dispatching during the games. It seems that whenever a large natural event occurs, Erin is always the primary dispatcher. In the past few years, we have had two tornado touchdowns and one train derailment, all with Erin providing the primary dispatching assignments. During these times, Erin provided great leadership, direction and support to all those involved. This type of excellence under pressure is greatly appreciated and recognized by Emergent leadership. Erin’s unique sense of humor can lighten the day and remind everyone that it can always be worse. He says, “Remember, we can provide an enormous amount of good with each call we handle. We do make a difference.” Erin and his family live in a rural area where they enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.”

Laurine Dennis

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Laurine Dennis became a paramedic in 2004, and has been with St. Francois County Ambulance District for the past 9 years. Her most recent accomplishment in her career has been becoming a Supervisor for the district. She is also a valued member of the districts paramedical tactical team. During the course of her career as a paramedic, she has demonstrated the depth of compassion she can have for each individual while continuing to provide outstanding patient care. Laurine had one particular event in which she was able to not only provide care for a patient that night but for months to come. She was dispatched to a 20 year old unresponsive patient who had overdosed, as she responded to the call she reflected on what care to provide as well as how frequent these types of calls were becoming. The call went by the book and once the patient was loaded in route to the emergency room, she decided to have a heart-to-heart with the gentleman. She informed him of how they found him and had there been no one around, death may have been the outcome. Also that his little brother had been there to witness the entire scene, she continued to tell him that his family loved him very much. That he needed to love himself in order to become clean. Two months later, he showed up at the ambulance shed to not only personally thank Laurine for saving his life but for giving him the motivation and clarity he needed to get his life back. He is planning on becoming a paramedic in the near future. This young man also changed her life as well, his situation has reminded her that you never know what the cause is for a patient’s actions and furthermore may never know how your actions will impact a person’s life forever. Laurine is supported by her husband, John and their 2 children.”

Mike Dodson

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Mike Dodson has been a paramedic since 2008 and a supervisor for St. Francois County Ambulance District the last 4 years. He has demonstrated the ability to provide excellent patient care while remaining highly compassionate to those in need, as well as extending this compassion to the family members involved. He was instrumental in the implementation of the necessary training needed for the paramedic tactical team that has been formed for the community. One particular event in his life exemplifies the type of person and paramedic he has become. He and his wife were having dinner at a restaurant when he witnessed a gentleman go into cardiac arrest. He quickly began CPR and directed a bystander to call 911. When EMS arrived they took over providing patient care, in which they were able to achieve ROSC while in the restaurant. When he returned to his dinner his wife, emotional from the scene, asked how he could continue to eat after what had happened. He responded, “That is what we do, we help people.” The pride he saw on his wife’s face that day is something he will never forget. Mike is supported in his career by his wife, Shelly and their 5 children.”

Salvatore DeLucia

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Sal DeLucia began his career in EMS in Vermont then moved back home to Connecticut where he continued his career as an Emergency Medical Technician first for Flanagan Ambulance and then for New Haven Ambulance Service in New Haven, Conn. As a dedicated, hardworking EMT, Sal advanced to the Paramedic level in 1988. His strong commitment to patient care enables him to mentor many of his colleagues and he is widely recognized as one of the most knowledgeable, committed Paramedics in the region. He always demonstrates the AMR core values while anticipating a patient’s needs, safety and comfort. As a Paramedic and Field Training Officer, Sal has inspired many of his peers while dedicating himself to his profession. He regularly attends local municipal emergency management meetings. He presented a plan to the community of Orange, CT to adopt a “Heart Safe Community.” Sal worked with local businesses, volunteer agencies and business leaders to purchase CPR assist devices for the town. He then conducted CPR training for the town’s employees and EMS providers. At a recent standby community event, a patron went into cardiac arrest in front of Sal and the EMS team. Sal successfully guided the team in patient care, providing early CPR and ALS protocols resulting in a CPR save and the patient ultimately discharged from the hospital.”