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Archives: Stars

Tiffany Samuels

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“When you want something all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” — Paulo Coelho

Tiffany Samuels was born in January 1987 in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Richmond, Virginia with her family at the age of ten. After graduating high school she was briefly employed in the banking industry before beginning her EMS career with the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA). In 2008, her EMS career started in an entry-level position within the Logistics Department as a Vehicle Service Technician. She has worked very conscientiously, taking each step up with an undeniable passion. Tiffany has proven herself confident and proficient at each certification and skill level before progressing through the organization to her position as a Paramedic – Field Training Officer. In this role she takes great effort and shows immense pride in teaching new employees how to provide “World Class EMS.”

She has contributed to the agency’s success in each position she has served along the way, including Vehicle Service Technician, EMT, EMT – Field Training Officer, Paramedic, Paramedic – Corporal, and currently Paramedic – Field Training Officer.

She continues to be a valuable asset to RAA with not only her dedication in carrying out her normal day to day duties, but also her many contributions while serving on various committees. She helps shape the clinical direction of the agency by serving as Chairperson the of Clinical Services Committee, and is an advocate for her fellow EMS providers while participating on the Wellness Committee. Tiffany has presented many creative ideas to the Scheduling Committee, resulting in a schedule offering a greater work/life balance.

As a result of her leadership, hard work, commitment to clinical excellence, and her many contributions to the Richmond Ambulance Authority, Tiffany was selected as the 2015 Medical Director’s Paramedic of the Year.

William Schappert

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Bill is a Paramedic and Field Training Officer for AMR in Hartford, Connecticut. He is receiving the Star of Life award for his life-saving actions during a cardiac call in 2015. He responded to the “unknown medical” call and found himself evaluating a young female patient who was in an unstable arrhythmia. His calming demeanor and connection with the patient immediately gained her trust. Bill then prepared the patient both physically and emotionally before successfully cardioverting her into a normal rhythm.

Bill is a compassionate and patient-focused professional who has earned a reputation among his peers as a strong clinician committed to improving the quality of emergency medical services in his community. Bill exhibits strong clinical skills and is highly dependable; however, it is his deep compassion that sets Bill apart. He is described by his peers as both a leader and someone who displays utmost confidence that puts both patients and trainees at ease.

Rick Scimemi

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After a long and successful career in retail management, Rick made a career change and found his way to Armstrong Ambulance as a Chair Car Driver. Throughout his six years at Armstrong, he has touched many lives and treated hundreds of patients with kindness and compassion. Rick looks at each and every one of his patients as unique and they leave their transport with him feeling truly special.

During his Armstrong career, Rick has been the epitome of dedication and loyalty. He is routinely commended by his patients for his patience, kindness, and excellent care. He takes pride in his work and positively influences everyone he interacts with throughout each and every day.

Rick is extremely respected by his peers, which is one of the reasons he was promoted to Chair Car Supervisor. Rick has always taken the time to listen to each and every one of his fellow chair car drivers, and works diligently on coming up with solutions in order to make processes more efficient and employees more engaged. Rick is constantly looking out for all of his colleagues and goes so far as to make sure that they have all that they need, both professionally and personally.

Rick has made an incredible impact on transforming Armstrong’s Chair Car Division and has been an exemplary leader. He puts customer service above all and will not leave for the day until the last chair car call is complete. He takes pride in his entire fleet of chair cars and makes sure that they are all clean, well-stocked, and in the appropriate condition to represent the legacy of Bill Armstrong.

Rick has the ability to form lasting and honest relationships with both his patients and employees in a constructive way that only a true leader could do.

When he is not working, Rick enjoys spending time with his wife, Cathy, of 28 years and his son, Michael.

Matthew Seely

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Matthew Seely is a Paramedic with Cataldo Ambulance Service. He is a consummate professional in all his interactions with his colleagues and other first responders. He is easy to work with and is always available as a resource to everyone on staff.

During one particularly difficult response, Matt had the lead for medical control for a man entrapped in a piece of machinery. The man’s arm was stuck in a piece of equipment and it was entangled to the point where extraction was extremely difficult
without there being a good chance of loss of life or limb. Due to Matt’s professionalism, leadership, and support of all the first responders, the man’s arm was successfully extricated. This is just one example of the many reasons why Cataldo Ambulance Service selected Matthew Seely as a 2016 American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Jerry Senturia

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Jerome “Jerry” Senturia has been instrumental in introducing many people to the EMS field in the last 18 years, and has assisted others as they progress to higher levels of certification. Between starting a first responder program in his town, and assisting another town with the organizational framework and a model to start their own EMS squad, it is safe to say that Jerry truly loves EMS and helping his community. He has served many roles within the EMS community, including EMS Captain, Training Officer, and Secretary for his department, as well as a CPR instructor. He is currently
an active member of the Green Mountain Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Jerry has also led the effort to get AEDs on all of the fire apparatuses in his town. In 2003 he was named Vermont’s EMT Basic of the Year.

In light of the values for which the AAA Star of Life award is based, Caledonia Essex Area Ambulance Service, Inc. is proud to nominate Jerry Senturia to receive this distinction.

Eric Smith

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Eric, who started his career in EMS while in the military, was involved in two very high profile incidents where his courageous and noble actions were highlighted. He now often provides guidance to fellow team members that have experienced difficult calls about how to best cope and move forward in a positive manner. Also, Eric’s communication with patients and families exemplifies the standards of an EMS provider by ensuring both are comfortable and confident that the best care is being rendered.

One area that stands out when talking about Eric is how he was so determined to adjust to civilian life and overcome the challenges of his time in the military. He hopes his experience will help others that are returning home and addressing similar challenges. Eric is currently pursuing his paramedic certification with the same determination and dedication that he has shown in all other aspects of his life.

Robert Smith

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Robert found his calling in EMS when he began volunteering at a small rural fire department. He was immediately intrigued by the fast-paced environment, and set upon the path to becoming a Paramedic.

Now, with eight years of experience in the field, he is able to share his experience and wisdom with others. Robert is always happy to train new employees, and leads by example to instill in new team members the core values of teamwork and dedication. “I truly enjoy helping new employees become familiar with the system,” says Robert.

Robert’s wife, Jennel, who is also a Paramedic, is a source of deep inspiration for him at home and at work.

Greg Sorensen

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We are honored to nominate Greg Sorensen as a 2016 Star of Life for his dedication to EMS, as well as for his instruction of the art and science of prehospital medicine to numerous EMTs and Paramedics entering the field. His 32-year commitment to caring for his community is deeply commendable.

With a 10 year start in EMS, Greg began his career at Metro West Ambulance in June of 1999 and became a Field Training Officer in 2004. Greg also fills in as an Operations Supervisor, co-chairs the QI Committee, and is a member of the communication center’s QI Committee. Greg is an outstanding example of personal integrity, dedication, and compassion in EMS – qualities everyone strives for in their own EMS careers – and truly represents the gold standard of prehospital emergency care.

Greg works with various EMTs, Paramedics, and potential new hires on developing their skills in the field and teaches them the past, present, and future of EMS. Greg knows the future of EMS is built on teaching these individuals to be the best medical providers possible.

In his spare time, Greg helps facilitate volunteer projects for the needy in the community he lives in, and he helps facilitate yearly volunteer projects for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

These are but a few reasons why Greg Sorensen deserves the honor of being an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.

Kari Spanarella

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Kari has worked for the Rural Metro Fire Department for thirteen years, and has been a mentor and instructor for many new and transitional fire academies and classes. She is a 1403 Live Burn instructor and holds many EMS instructor certificates, including CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMT, PHTLS and AMLS. She is currently going through the Regional Technical Rescue Academy.

Kari has taken her foundation and support from her family, along with her love and respect for her brothers and sisters in the field, all of whom continue to mentor and mold her. Her dedication to EMS is shown by her optimistic views on every call she runs. She is constantly training and educating herself, and is always compassionate and smiling with a positive outlook that ensures that everyone she encounters is validated.

Kari’s greatest joy is raising her eight children with her soul mate.

David Spangler

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David Spangler was hired as an EMT in 2012 and has worked at Mohawk Ambulance Service for over four years. David graduated from SUNY at Buffalo Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After graduation, David moved to Guilderland, New York and decided that he wanted to gain real life experience, so he began his career in the field of emergency medical services. David received his Certificate in Paramedicine from Hudson Valley Community College and in 2015 was promoted to Paramedic.

In December of 2015, David received one of Mohawk Ambulance Services Distinguished Service Awards. He enjoys working in a fast paced, demanding career that requires a high level of medical knowledge and hands-on training.

In his spare time, David enjoys hiking the high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains and is close to completing all 46 peaks over 4,000 feet.

Dawn Spriggs

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Dawn has worked for Community Care Ambulance (CCA) in Ashtabula, Ohio for 8 years. Dawn’s daily actions are a constant example of her dedication to her duties and profession. She always puts her patients first and is a voice of experience and reason to many of her coworkers.

Dawn serves CCA as a Critical Care Paramedic, and takes on every task with passion, dedication, and a smile. She assists CCA in making progressive changes by maintaining professionalism, compassion, and respect for her coworkers. Her actions exhibited by her superior performance prove her to be a valued asset to our organization. She has deployed with CCA on natural disasters, and is continually receiving compliments from patients, facilities staff, and management. Dawn is a graduate of Community Care Ambulance’s accelerated Paramedic Program. She began her career as an EMT in 2007, and progressed to Paramedic and then to Critical Care Paramedic.

Dawn is active with her family and glows with pride when discussing her grandchildren. She is a grandmother to four granddaughters, three of which are triplets. Dawn and her husband, John, are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary in April. Dawn and John often spend warm summer days on their motorcycle, finding adventures and exploring new sites.

Julia Spring

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Julia Spring, Chief Flight Nurse, is receiving the Star of Life award for her continued selfless leadership of the AMR Air Clinical Operations. Julia has spent the last 30 years in the flight medicine world and has been with AMR Air since its inception in 2002. Her work this year to ensure that the organization achieved reaccreditation as a CAMTS operator was a testament to her dedication to the quality and safety of patient care and operations. Additionally, due in large part to Julia’s efforts, AMR was able to add neonatal transports to the level of service provided. Julia leads the clinical operations of AMR Air and AMR Air Hawaii, which are the highest practicing critical care level of prehospital medicine for AMR.

Wayne Stokes, Jr.

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Wayne is originally from Cleburne, Texas and has been a life-long North Texas resident. Wayne started with MedStar in 2007 as a technician in our logistics department and quickly rose to department supervisor.

In 2011, Wayne transitioned to a role as an Information Technology Specialist. In this role, Wayne provides technology support to our 450 employees operating over 500 computers within the organization. His primary IT focus is managing our network,
patient care reporting, and computer aided dispatch system.

Wayne is very excited about his trip to Washington, D.C., to meet other Stars from across the industry, and because this will be his first ever trip to Washington.

He will be joined by his wife, Shauna, who is also a MedStar employee working in our business office. Wayne and Shauna met while working at MedStar.

Roger Swor

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Gold Cross, the paramedic service of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is proud to nominate Roger Swor, Paramedic, as a 2016 Star of Life.

Throughout his career, Roger has been one to lead by example by providing the best care to every single patient. Roger joined Gold Cross in 1977 and is known as someone who takes the initiative to ensure the needs of his patients come first.
Nearly three years ago, Roger organized a skills review session for himself and his fellow paramedics at the Duluth base to assure that caregivers were proficient in providing the best possible care to patients. The session he developed and has personally led several times for fellow Gold Cross paramedics supports the company’s annual skills testing, which is required of all patient care team members. This skills review session ensures patients are receiving the care they expect and deserve, as well as a way to foster trust with the patient and amongst fellow caregivers.

Industry experts released a study estimating the average career length for ground ambulance paramedics to now be approximately four years. How has a paramedic like Roger stayed in the career path for nearly four decades? According to Roger, “Every day I try to find something good, something positive in the day. We all have long, tough days in this role at times, but if you can find something you enjoy about your day I think it’s a way to avoid burnout. If you look for something positive you’ll find good in the day.”

Dustin Tate

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Dustin Tate started full time at Saint Francois County Ambulance District (SFCAD) on March 25, 2014. Dustin is an EMT and is currently enrolled in the paramedic program.

During Dustin’s last quarter of high school he started job shadowing our Education Coordinator. While at SFACD, Dustin would help out in the billing office and, when needed, with education. Just after Dustin became an EMT he was hired part time. It did not take long to recognize that Dustin was a great addition to our district. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a full time employee.

Dustin is the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) instructor at Farmington High School. All of his students look up to him and respect him. They see Dustin’s compassion for emergency medicine and his heart for educating our younger generation. His passion for EMS has touched many lives in his short career and his future in EMS looks bright.

Dustin is father to his beautiful daughter, Chloe, who is age 2. Chloe is Dustin’s entire world.

We are very proud to acknowledge Dustin Tate is part of our team and to nominate him as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.

Michael Tharp

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Pafford Medical Service of Arkansas is proud to nominate Michael G. Tharp as a 2016 American Ambulance Association Star of Life. Michael is an upstanding and well-loved pillar of our community and an exemplary member of the Pafford family.

Michael started his career of service by serving our nation in the Army Special Forces Unit from 1975 to 1978. He has always had the desire to serve and comfort people in any situation.

For years, Michael has been a private business owner in the Phillips County area and has been a great businessman with a thriving business, but his heart was drawn back to helping others. Michael started his EMS career in 2003 and became a full time Pafford employee in April 2005.

Michael serves as a mentor to many of his peers and new EMTs within our EMS system. He has invested quality time and energy in getting to know each of those peers on a personal level and has grown to understand their strengths, weaknesses, idiosyncrasies and styles. Because of this, he knows when to provide more support, when to allow time and space to accomplish tasks independently, and how to approach each of them in a way that is constructive and positive.

Michael’s investment in his peers is infectious and has resulted in the creation of a high-functioning and productive group of employees. In addition to taking action and creating an environment where personnel can share openly, he has helped create an atmosphere in which each employee feels they are appreciated for their efforts. This promotes a comfortable workplace that staff enjoy coming to. It is evident that Michael cares about each of his peers as a whole and expresses this by showing an interest not only in their professional achievements, but in their personal achievements as well.

Overall, Michael is a charismatic mentor whose style enhances our team morale, as well as the personal and professional development of his peers. His consistent support, understanding, and feedback fosters an environment that allows each team member to work both independently and interdependently. It is an honor to watch him grow into an active contributor to our overall vision, mission, and values.

Adam Then

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Life EMS is honored to nominate Adam Then as one of its 2016 Stars of Life. For the past two years, Adam has worked as a paramedic and was recently promoted to a supervisory position in Quality Assurance.

Adam knew he wanted to become a medic in high school and enrolled in a basic EMT course as soon as he graduated. Once he completed his basic course, Adam immediately enrolled in a paramedic program.

Adam is a member of the Life EMS REMMS Disaster Medical Response Team. He is a team player and consummate professional who always takes time out of his day to help a fellow medic. It is no wonder that his colleagues nominated him for a 2016 Star of Life.

An avid outdoorsman, Adam loves hunting, fishing and camping. Adam and his fiancé, Kiley Barnett, are getting married in October 2016 and all the employees of Life EMS wish them both much happiness. We are so grateful that Adam is a member of the Life EMS family.

Jeremy Tinter

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Jeremy is an outstanding example of what is right with Sunstar. As the head of the field training officer program and employee orientation, Jeremy has done an outstanding job ensuring clinical excellence by creating innovative ways to train employees. Jeremy and team have improved Capstone testing scores to near 100% passing rates and decreased the onboarding process by 30%. In 2015, Jeremy was promoted to Clinical Services Coordinator. Prior to his promotion, Jeremy was an assistant operations supervisor.

Sunstar is very pleased to nominate Jeremy Tinter for the 2016 AAA Stars of Life.

Dale Torgerson

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NDEMSA 2015 Star of Life

Dale Torgerson is the 2015 BLS Provider of the Year and recipient of the North Dakota Star of Life Award.

Dale has roots in EMS that run deep with three generations assisting their local service. Dale started his EMS career in 1984. He has held many leadership roles with the Kindred Ambulance Service and in the community. He has also been instrumental in growing the service and proactive in keeping the ambulance service financially
sound. As with any leader in a service, Dale has given up holidays, family gatherings, and personal commitments to assist ambulance calls.

Junie Verquer

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Dominic “Junie” Verquer has been a fixture in the Trinidad, Colorado community for many years. As a lifelong resident, it is hard to go anywhere in town without running into people who know Junie. In addition to being an EMT+ and the Public Outreach Coordinator for Trinidad Ambulance, Junie is also the County Coroner and is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Hoehne Fire Protection District. Junie’s life has been filled with examples of his dedication to community service and volunteerism.

Junie exemplifies the qualities of a true Star of Life. He is always ready to help, regardless of the time of day or the weather, and always without remuneration. The Trinidad Ambulance District wouldn’t be what it is without Junie Verquer. We are proud to call him our colleague and our friend, and to recognize him as the Trinidad Ambulance District’s Star of Life.