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Archives: Stars

Mechele Cruz

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Mechele Cruz is a shining star of Muskogee County EMS. She has an attitude of “don’t-quit” rarely seen in any industry, much less, EMS. Mechele is known for her kind and caring attitude, not only with staff, but with medics and students as well. Occasionally in life, one is lucky enough to encounter a person who goes above and beyond as a normal course of their day and never thinks anything other than “it’s just business as usual.” We at Muskogee County EMS get to work with one such person every day and that person is Mechele. Mechele has been an AHA CPR and first-aid instructor for several years. She has been AHA Regional Faculty for Oklahoma for the last 4 years and is currently the Oklahoma region Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee Secretary. Her students routinely rave about her abilities and about how comfortable she makes them as they learn this life-saving skill. Many of her students relay how they were able to successfully use what she taught them to aid someone in need, and even to save a life. We may never know how many lives Mechele has impacted by this skill alone. Working several years on the ambulance, it is routine for her partners to see her going out of her way to help a patient. She has (and still does) bought groceries for elderly patients who couldn’t get to the store, cooked dinner to take to someone whose loved one was ill, bought school supplies and clothing for a needy child, or driven someone to a doctor’s appointment, all out of her own pocket and all of her own volition. At times, it seems unbelievable that one person could be that giving, but she is. Mechele gives of her time, her money, and her self, strictly out of a love for people and those in need. Besides being an incredibly skilled EMT-I, Mechele has worked for several years as a certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher. She is very knowledgeable and compassionate to the callers who dial 911 and calms them in the face of crises. It is not uncommon for Mechele to call back later just to check on them and see if she can be of further help. Since Mechele started at MCEMS, she has always been very involved in our community events and public relations. She has been at more health fairs, EMS tours, blood pressure checks, and job fairs than could be counted, and has been instrumental in developing our “Sentimental Journey” program. Mechele is also a certified child passenger safety technician and has an additional specialized certification in child passenger safety technician for children with special health care needs. Because of her outgoing personality, her involvement with multiple aspects of patient care, and her willingness to seek out new opportunities to serve, Mechele was promoted in 2013 to the position of Community Relations Officer, and is now in charge of our public education and public relations programs. Even now, she never stops looking for ways to provide care to the citizens that rely on us. Because of this, the administration and her peers have recognized her as the MCEMS Support Staff of the Year for 2014. When described as having a “don’t quit” attitude, it’s because Mechele does all of these things (and more that we may not even be aware of because she doesn’t call attention to them), on top of bravely fighting through a rare kidney disease that required multiple trips to the Mayo Clinic and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. It was only in January of this year that she was declared to be in remission. Mechele and her husband, Sonny, have a blended family with three children: Tyler, Dalton, and Kala. She and Sonny are very excited to be expecting their first grandchild in September. Please accept this as our enthusiastic and unreserved nomination of Mechele Cruz for an OKAMA Star of Life for 2014. She is very deserving and will represent not only Muskogee County EMS, but also OKAMA, with honor and distinction.”

Darren Cowley

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Darren Cowley started his emergency services career in 2009, firefighting with the Simms Fire Department in Simms, Texas. He served as Captain and Training Officer for the department. In 2011, Darren began his EMS career with LifeNet in the Texarkana division as an EMT and receiving his Paramedic certification in 2013 through Texarkana College. His peers at LifeNet describe Darren as very compassionate, honest, professional, treating patients like family. Darren strives to exhibit LifeNet’s mission, values, and vision. Darren describes himself as a Christian, giving all glory to God! Darren currently resides in Avery, Texas with his wife Angela and their seven children, Emma, Cole, William, Sylvia, Brayli, and twins Jed and Wally.”

Randy Cowger

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Life EMS is honored to submit Randy Cowger as our 2014 Star of Life. Randy began his career in EMS in the year of 2000 as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher in the Life Communications Center. Randy was honored by the City of Enid for his role of providing pre-arrival instructions to a family member of a four year old child who was found face down in a swimming pool. Randy provided CPR instructions to that family member while dispatching an ambulance to the residence. Randy was credited for his quick actions and efficient use of his EMD skills in the resuscitation of the child who survived the near tragedy with no mental or physical deficits and is currently living a happy and normal life. Randy, a basic EMT, is always willing to help in any area of operations at Life EMS when needed, as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher or an EVO on an ambulance, in addition to his duties as Supervisor of Uplift wheelchair services. Randy has a very outgoing personality and is endeared by patients, nursing staff and fellow employees at Life EMS. He willingly steps up and does anything asked of him with a big smile. Thanks Randy!”

Earl Cottom

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Earl is being nominated for providing outstanding care and exceptional service to his patients at LifeCare Medical Transports. With a strong passion to help those in need, Earl became certified as an EMT-B in 2008. As a valued EMT at LifeCare, Earl holds two positions; one as a Team Leader and another as a Field Training Officer. Since becoming a Field Training Officer with LifeCare, Earl has continued to go above and beyond in assuring all crew members have the proper training with LifeCare’s equipment, procedures and processes with a strong focus on providing exceptional customer service with each and every call. Earl is always willing to help with community events. He was very involved with the teaching of hands-only CPR, which attracted over 3,000 participants. Earl has a true passion for teaching and training, and has an engaging presence with his students. Earl is often referred to as someone with compassion, consideration, and affection with all those he comes in contact with, which is why he continually receives compliments from patients and facilities. One of Earl’s co-workers said, “Earl is someone who, no matter what is going on, always has a smile on his face and is upbeat.” We at LifeCare Medical Transports are honored to call Earl Cottom a STAR since joining our team in 2010.”

John Conroy

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

John Conroy is the North Shore LIJ Health System Center for EMS Manhattan Division selection for The AAA Star of Life Award. He is worthy for this distinction not because of a single act, but a body of work that includes countless pre-hospital saves, rescues from the WTC bombing and tireless work at the WTC after the attacks of September 11th, 2001, in addition to numerous professional awards and distinctions. John began his career in EMS in 1982 as a volunteer for AstoriaVolunteer Ambulance after being dragged there by friend, but he instantly fell in love with the job. He became an EMT shortly thereafter. John began work with NYC EMS covering the neighborhoods of the South Bronx and Washington in 1985. His decorated career in NYC EMS includes receiving the Medal of Honor. In 1989 John began his career with Lenox Hill Hospital, then not yet a member of the North Shore LIJ Health System, where he carried on his commitment to excellence. John transported victims from the 1993 WTC Bombing and returned to assist in setting up a causality collection point on the 44th floor. For his actions that day he was awarded the Medal of Excellence. John was also there that fateful day in 2001, arriving just as the second building collapsed. In the wake of the attacks, John formed and still chairs the Carlos Lillo Memorial Paramedic Scholarship Fund in honor of his fallen colleague and friend. In 2005 John received the NYC Mayoral Award of Excellence for a cardiac arrest save of a prominent new figure. The professional accolades and distinctions John has received over the years also include the Life Saver Medal,Vice Presidential Unit Citation, Award of Merit, Medical Directors Award, Medal of Accomplishment, and numerous Pre-Hospital Save Awards. There is no question to John’s professional career being an outstanding one. In addition to all his professional accolades, John is a professional bowler who won the 2013 East Region PBA50 Bowler of the year. It is for all these reasons that John was the natural choice for The Star of Life award. His unwavering professionalism throughout the years is second to none.”

Robert Conrath

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

In 2008 Robert Conrath joined the Metro West Ambulance family of companies. In 2011 he was promoted to Field Training Officer, during that time he played an integral part in developing policies and procedures for the Non-Emergency transport division. Becoming an FTO has allowed him to share his extensive skills and knowledge with new employees within the company. Robert has since graduated from Oregon Health and Science University’s Paramedic program and is continuing to make a difference within our ambulance division. Roberts’s strong willed dedication and leadership to the company has paved the way to success for our Non-Emergency division and he is an excellent example of a Star of Life recipient.”

James Collins

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James Collins started out in EMS as a volunteer in 1978 and 8 years later joined Regional Ambulance. Jim made EMS his career profession and has always been proactive with his training. He was one of the first employees to attend Paramedic school after the service became a Licensed Paramedic service in 1990. He gained his UMBC Critical Care Paramedic designation by taking the 8th course held in the nation put on by UMBC in 1996 at Regional Ambulance. He was chosen as the Vermont Paramedic of the year in 2001. Jim is a long time respected Paramedic Shift Supervisor who leads by example. He is known for being very fair and would never assign anything to a fellow employee he wouldn’t do himself. He is knowledgeable, dependable, dedicated, personally credible and a Great Paramedic. Jim has faithfully served the citizens of our coverage area for the past 28 years. He has been chosen as a Star of Life for his many years of service to his patients, fellow staff members and to the EMS profession. This year Jim will be semi-retiring and moving into a part time status to enjoy more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Jim Collins sets the example of our service’s motto “Serving People 1st with Pride, Proficiency, and Professionalism”.”

Eldrina Coleman

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Eldrina Coleman started her career with Acadian Ambulance as a van operator in 2011, and in 2012, she received her EMT-Basic certification from the National EMS Academy. Named as Acadian’s 2014 Texas EMTBasic of the Year, she recently took the next step in her career by enrolling in the NEMSA’s paramedic program. Eldrina works in the Austin,Texas, area, and is a member of the North Central Texas safety committee and an All Safe instructor. She is also a highly-respected preceptor for new van operators and EMTs. To give back to the Austin community, Eldrina owns and operates Humanity, a non-profit hair salon for the elderly. Housed in a nursing facility, Humanity offers complimentary hair and nail care for male and female senior citizens.”

Mike Cogsdill

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Humboldt General Hospital EMS Rescue is proud to nominate Michael Cogsdill, NREMT-Paramedic for Star of Life 2014. Mike started his career at HGH EMS Rescue in 2011 as a paramedic and preceptor; in January 2013 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Community Paramedicine Division. During the past year Mike has been on the front lines rolling out Community Paramedicine in Humboldt County. Mike is instrumental in educating physicians and other health professionals in our community about the role of Community Paramedicine. It is Mike’s reputation of dedication; competency, loyalty, honesty, and success that have given him the ability help with Community Paramedicine’s success in Humboldt County. Paramedic Lieutenant Mike Cogsdill exemplifies the professional pre-hospital provider; from his dedication to the community, his leadership by example, mentoring new employees, and as a community liaison. Mike’s EMS career goes back a number of years with many successes across the State of Nevada, but most appreciated are the ones at HGH EMS Rescue.”

Michael Coflin

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Mr. Coflin currently serves as a Lt. Commander at Central EMS. He was born in Decatur, Georgia, raised in Fishers, Indiana and attended Purdue University; but, he left shortly after to enlist in the United States Army. After serving honorably for four and a half years as a 13F Forward Observer for HHT 7-10 CAV 1BCT 4ID on a COLT Team with a tour in Iraq in 2006, he became a volunteer firefighter for Bloomington Township Fire Department. This eventually led him into the field of EMS. Mike joined Central EMS in 2011 as an EMT-P and is now a CCP. During the recent ice storms in Atlanta, Mike demonstrated extreme leadership and decision making capabilities. His ability to calmly supervise crews and treat patients under extreme conditions proves he is well-suited for EMS industry and highly qualified for his leadership position. His military and EMS experience, attention to detail, sense of self pride, and commitment to Central EMS make him a role model for all.”

Ruben Cisneros

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Ruben made the decision to enter the medical profession at the age of 28 after the untimely death of his father. “I wanted to make sure I did all I could to help prevent that from happening to another son.” For the past 31 years, Ruben has dedicated his career to helping others and doing all he can to keep true to his mission for entering this profession. He has been a paramedic with MedStar for 16 years and he explains the best part of his job is “knowing I’ve done the very best that I could to help someone.” This is Ruben’s first trip ever to Washington, DC and he is most excited about sharing the experience with his wife and 8 year old daughter.”

Cody Chaney

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Cody Chaney’s peers described his attributes well when they nominated him as LifeNet’s Star of Life. Among their accolades were these words: “Cody has great integrity and compassion for his job and for our customers,” “He has held close our mission, values, and vision,” and “His attitude and presence are always uplifting to employees and patients!” Obviously Cody’s personal impact is as strong as his solid clinical contributions to healthcare in LifeNet’s Oklahoma service area. A relative newcomer to prehospital medicine, Cody joined LifeNet a little more than two years ago as a part-time EMT while he worked toward his Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Technology at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. This winter, as his course work neared completion, Cody was able to further impact LifeNet staff and customers by accepting a full-time role. And Cody’s influence extends beyond the workplace. For nine years Cody has volunteered countless hours and entire summers at Shepherd’s Fold Ranch in Avant, Oklahoma providing a place in the country for kids to spend their summer exploring God’s creation. Through his ministry at Shepherd’s Fold, Cody has supported the camp’s vision by planning and executing camps for children, managing properties and facilities, and investing his talents into developing staff and participants. Cody participated on the OSU Firefighter Combat Challenge Team as both competitor and Training Officer. During his tenure the team qualified for World Competition three consecutive years. We are pleased that you can join us in celebrating Cody Chaney as our 2014 Star of Life.”

Tonya Chance

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Tonya Chance has provided CCA with over 13 years of dedicated EMS service and is one of CCA’s many success stories. Tonya started her EMS Career working as an EMT progressing through the certifications and is now one of our senior Paramedics and field training personnel. As a vital part of CCA’s patient philosophy Tonya has trained our new hires to smile and always be a patient advocate. It is through Tonya’s everyday interactions that she was nominated by her peers to be a Star of Life as her peers see her continuous positive outlook and approach to her career. Tonya is an avid Harley Davidson rider and has a custom motorcycle that has specialty paint reflecting the pride she has in being a Paramedic. This was a particularly difficult and meaningful journey for Tonya to become a Paramedic. During her first attempt at Paramedic school while being a single mom of three children she was volunteering to render care for her ill father who lost his battle with his illness during mid class. She never regretted spending the time with her father and putting class on hold. In fact, she used this as a goal to finish and become a Paramedic. She was then offered an accelerated program that was conducted over 90 days of fulltime course work and became a Paramedic. Tonya’s ability to interact with field staff and always provide a voice of reason with compassion and empathy has earned her the recognition and admiration of her peers. Tonya has the amazing support of her three children and will be sending her youngest off to college in no time and then you will find her riding off into the sunset on her Harley with her fiancé Donnie when not on duty.”

Gary Chambers

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Gary is being recognized for providing outstanding care and exceptional service to patients at LifeCare Medical Transports. He constantly strives for improvement and seeks opportunities to enhance his clinical skills. Gary began his career in EMS in 1993 when he became an EMT, wanting to make a difference in people lives. Gary realized that being an EMT was very rewarding and had a desire to provide more help, so he went back to school and received his Paramedic in 1999. Gary has been involved in mountain rescues as part of his career as well as several FEMA deployments. Gary was very involved with the rescue efforts in Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina and New York for Hurricane Sandy. He continually goes above and beyond by learning general phrases in various languages as a way to improve communication with his patients. This small step in providing outstanding customer service makes the patient feel more comfortable at a time of great worry. We at LifeCare Medical Transports are honored to call Gary Chambers, one of our own STARS since joining our team in 2004.”

Lisa Camp

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

It is with great honor and pride that I recommend Ms. Lisa Camp for the 2014 Stars of Life Award. Ms. Camp should be recognized due to her support of the citizens of the State of Texas and the Country through her leadership in quality pre-hospital care and community wide emergency response. When it comes to emergency medical services, Ms. Lisa Camp basically is the sage in the area. She gives much of her time to the EMS community and the Medics across the country. She has been at the forefront in the areas of patient care, public access, medical control, disaster preparedness, public education and training. Lisa Camp’s Emergency Medical Services are using cutting edge technologies to help their patients recover as fully as possible from emergencies. One of these technologies that Lisa was instrumental in setting up was the use of an I.C.E. (Induced Cooling by EMS) protocol. Lisa also noted a lag time in Cardiac patients getting into the Cardiac Catheterization Labs. Lisa attacked this challenge head on and her response was for the medics to start double-lumen IV catheters in the field, administration of Heparin, and to send 12-Lead ECGs via telemetry. Ms. Lisa Camp has served as the mentor, supporter and advocate for EMS throughout the Country. She has created a successful continuing education program that kept members informed, providing motivation and confidence regarding their abilities to provide excellent patient care. Lisa encourages FVFD to be active with the community and assists in bimonthly free immunization clinics, Community CPR training, and other safety and injury prevention activities. I was once asked “what is a hero?” I answered this “a hero is someone you strive to imitate”. Lisa Camp is my hero for all the wonderful things he does for her community and Country.”

Callie Callais

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Callie Callais majored in geophysics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, but during her college tenure, decided a desk job was not for her. She found her calling in Gretna, LA, where she enrolled in the National EMS Academy and graduated in the fall of 2011 as an EMTBasic. She is currently Acadian’s 2014 Louisiana EMT-Basic of the Year. Callie works in Acadian Ambulance’s Orleans operations, and often assists with large-scale New Orleans events such as the Jazz & Heritage Festival and Voodoo Music Experience.When she isn’t working, she enjoys Mardi Gras, camping, hiking, and concerts. She is still quite fascinated by rocks, and enjoys traveling and bringing back different minerals for her collection.”

Stan Caballero

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Stanley Caballero has been employed with Acadian Ambulance for only 14 months, but during that time he has made such an impact that he was named Acadian’s 2014 Texas Paramedic of the Year. He works full-time in McKinney, Texas, and is also a mentor to new employees and critical care paramedics. Stan’s strong work ethic and compassion for others exceeds far past his day-today job duties as a paramedic. Stan is involved with a non-profit hunger relief organization called Numana, which empowers people to package meals and send them all across the world to serve the starving. Recently, he was a part of a worldrecord breaking event in Nashville, Tenn., where more than 530,000 meals were packaged for the hungry around the world in less than one hour.”

James Bryant

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Jimmy started in EMS in 2005 and has worked as a firefighter, EMT, and Paramedic. He joined EMS in hopes to make a difference in people’s lives after his best friend died in a motor vehicle crash and EMS was too far away to help save him at the time. Jimmy joined Sunstar in 2009 and has held the position of EMT, Paramedic, Special Events Team, All Children’s Transport Team, Preceptor, F.T.O. and Assistant Supervisor. Jimmy has a passion for helping and teaching other co-workers at Sunstar and instructing others. When asked for specific incidents he recalls where he has made the biggest difference in someone’s life, he replies “I have had many critical calls and some that aren’t. Some that required the best of skill and others were just holding someone’s hand during transport, both equal in significance. I can remember a MVC that a man hit a pole and was able to tell me he was ok then went into cardiac arrest; a mother handing me an infant not breathing; gunshot wounds/ heart attacks/strokes/asthma all needing treatment and a smile.” Jimmy is also a leader in the community volunteering for numerous foundations, and ready to make a positive impact in the future of EMS as an instructor. Jimmy has volunteered for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. On his days off, he spends his time giving back to the community through his work at the Shriner’s Hospital, Disabled Pediatric Dentistry, Masonic Cardiac Medical Research Foundation, and the MDA. Jimmy also is an instructor for Fortis Institute teaching EMT and Paramedic Courses.”

Tasha Browne

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Tasha Browne is being nominated for her exceptional contribution to daily human resource and finance aspects of LifeCare Medical Transports. Tasha is a crucial part of the Senior Leadership team at LifeCare serving as the Vice President of both Human Resources and Finance. This is no small task for an EMS agency that employs hundreds of individuals throughout the state of Virginia. Tasha began her career with LifeCare in 2006. Since that time, she has consistently given her all to ensure that LifeCare operates efficiently and ethically day in and day out. A good steward of corporate resources, she has stayed abreast of industry changes by attending virtual training programs. She is also currently attending a Leadership Development Program through the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce which allows her to improve her leadership skills while building regional business connections. Tasha has always been a team player. She has been trained to serve as a call-taker, dispatcher as well as a corporate manager in order to help when crisis strikes. Tasha has also been instrumental in implementing LifeCare “green” efforts with an electronic orientation and on boarding process, electronic personnel files, electronic pay stubs, electronic signature pads, and virtual training. These items were key in LifeCare’s latest award: 2014 Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Green Frontier Award.This award was presented for LifeCare’s continued promotion and support of green initiatives throughout the company. We at LifeCare Medical Transports are honored to call Tasha Browne, MBA, a star since joining our team in 2006.”

Christopher Brown

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To say that Chris Brown wears many hats would be an understatement. Not only is he a full-time Paramedic in one of the largest EMS systems in the region, but he is also an ordained minister, a Chief Warrant Officer in the American Volunteer Reserves, a member of the Memorial Honor Guard at Riverside National Cemetery, and President of AMR Riverside’s CARE team. A former member of the Seventh Medical Battalion in the US Army, co-workers describe Chris as a caring and understanding individual willing to go out of his way to help others in need. Whether seeking financial donations for employees that have experienced major medical events, or collecting toys for needy children and dressing up as Santa Claus, Chris never hesitates to come to the rescue. When Chris met a certain elderly patient who was living in deplorable conditions, failing to take her medications and calling 911 two to three times a day, Chris befriended the woman and began taking her to church and on outings with his family. Eventually Chris was able to convince her to move to a board and care home. She is now healthier and happier. Chris’ commitment and actions both on and off-duty are exceptional, and he is truly deserving of the Star of Life award.”