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.”
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 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.”
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.”
Brianne Bourne, Paramedic and Field Training Officer, is the REACT EMS Star of Life for 2014. Paramedic Bourne started her career with REACT EMS in August 2009. She began as a Basic EMT while she attended Oklahoma City Community College for her Paramedic and passed her National Registry. She expertly completed her Field Training and Evaluation Program and has performed proficiently as a Paramedic since. Brianne has cared for her patients and managed her calls with admirable skill. Her fellow medics comment frequently as to her compassion for patients. Her Supervisors commend her work to reliably respond and handle nearly every scene as though she has been doing it for years. In emergencies, they count on Brianne to give patients every chance at positive outcomes. When asked, Brianne says her most memorable call involved a multi-patient MVA, with 5 patients. One was flown, and four were transported to the Trauma Center by two REACT units. Brianne cared for two of those seriously injured patients on scene and during the 45 mile transport. A few months later, the OU Trauma Services held a special event to honor Brianne and her fellow medics. Brianne enjoyed seeing her former patients as they were recovered and able to attend as an example of how excellent trauma care can make a difference. Brianne is so dependable that she is now teaching and training paramedic students. She works part time as an instructor at Gordon Cooper Technology, performs as a preceptor for clinical experience and works as a Field Training Office for REACT. She says she enjoys watching students learn what she knows, enjoys seeing the moments when it starts to “make sense.” New and future paramedics benefit from her efforts. Brianne worked previously in retail and restaurant management and started an education to apply for nursing school. She realized she did not like nursing, continued to work, and started her Basic EMT class 9 years later. She knew quickly that she had found her new career. Brianne says she enjoys the challenges. She says she enjoys the job never being the same, from day to day. Brianne and her husband, David, stay busy on her days off raising their children. They have two children of their own, but they also offer their home for foster children. Brianne says they have at least 3, but have had as many as 9 at any one time. And if that isn’t enough, Brianne also enjoys working as a volunteer for Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps. She teaches and works to provide first aid for large events in the Metro area. Brianne is a vital part of the REACT team and we are proud to recognize her as our 2014 Star of Life.”
The night of July 31, 2013, EMT Jonathan Blackwell visibly demonstrated the bond between members of an ambulance crew. That night, Jonathan and his partner, Jennifer Hesselbein, were evaluating a patient lying in the middle of the street. Suddenly, Jonathan saw a vehicle veer across the double yellow line and head straight towards them. He yanked Jennifer from certain death. The out-of-control vehicle killed their patient and nearly killed Jennifer, knocking her under the ambulance. Jonathan pulled her from beneath ambulance, called for backup and helped her until more AMR crews arrived. Jonathan was unharmed but Jennifer suffered numerous severe injuries from head to toe on her left side. She underwent 18 surgeries. She spent months in a surgical ICU and weeks at a rehab hospital. She went home in a wheelchair on December 5. Almost every day, Jonathan was at the hospital, doing anything he could for “Jenn” and her family. He helped organize and conduct fundraisers to defray Jennifer’s medical expenses. Jonathan speaks about his experience at EMT classes and first responder courses as part of safety education. Known to everyone as “Popcorn,” Jonathan became an EMT in 2011. He was promoted to field training officer last year. He is openly admired by his co-workers for strong clinical skills and deep compassion.”
The only place offering organized youth activities in the community in which Ernest “Skip” Bebernitz grew up was the local firehouse where he joined the Cub and Boy Scouts and also their drum corps. To give back to the fire department for the experiences they provided him while he was growing up, Skip became an EMT and began his lifelong commitment to service. Skip has been in EMS for 44 years including 28 years with Mohawk Ambulance Service and he also continues to volunteer with the Speigletown Fire Department. In all his years in EMS, Skip has done and seen a lot. When Skip was the Chief of Speigletown Fire Department in 1985 – 86 an Incident Command Structure was instituted based on the City of Phoenix model and he also developed an ALS Intercept Program between the BLS ambulance service and the two commercial ALS providers. He was deployed, with a Mohawk Ambulance contingent, to the Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina and, since becoming a Paramedic with Mohawk in 1988, Skip has either been the team leader or a team member in a remarkable 7 cardiac arrest reversals. Skip is not only a Supervisor and Paramedic at Mohawk Ambulance but he also had a very distinguished career in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves, where he spent 22 Â_ years in Drill Status and 16 Â_ years in Retired Reserve Status before retiring as a Major with an impressive 38 years, 9 months and 14 days of service to our Country. It is easy to see that service is very important to Skip. Toward that end he continues to serve as an active member of Military Officers of America (he’s on the Board of the local chapter), National Guard Association of the US, the National Association of Uniformed Services and the Association of the US Army. Skip also serves as the EMS QI Committee Chair for Rensselaer County, New York. His years of experience in both emergency services and the military allow Skip to serve as a mentor and role model for the employees at Mohawk Ambulance and it is for his continuous contributions to EMS both at the agency and regional level that Skip is being honored as a “Star of Life”. Skip and his wife, Mary Lou, are celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year and returning to Washington, DC, their honeymoon destination, which adds to his appreciation of the Star of Life Award.”
Now in his 6th year with Armstrong Ambulance, Glen Biddiscombe has added tremendous value to the company and we are extremely grateful for his vital contributions. Glen began his career with Armstrong Ambulance in 2008 as a Dispatcher, where he coordinated 911, ALS, BLS and Chair Car calls in a busy setting. In 2009, after excelling in his communications, role, Glen completed his EMT certification and became a field provider, demonstrating his commitment to exceptional and compassionate patient care. Since that time, Glen has shown his versatility, flexibility and knowledge base by simultaneously working in multiple roles as an EMD dispatcher, EMT, and lead preceptor. Glen is known for being compassionate, calm and composed, a critical thinker who makes great judgment calls, and for his exceptional technical skills as a public safety dispatcher, EMT, CPR Instructor and Lead Preceptor. As a Lead Preceptor, Glen passes on his high standards of care and customer service to new and current employees. Glen was awarded the role of Lead Preceptor for his ability to think proactively in both every day and crisis situations, as well as having earned the respect of his peers. Glen’s positive image sets a high standard for others in the company. Glen’s reputation for being, smart, kind, patient, a great teacher, well liked, approachable and “just an all-around good guy”, has his co-workers continually seeking him out for assistance and advice which he is always willing to give. Glen always has positive words to say about his colleagues and shares encouragement with fellow employees. Glen was on duty as an EMT and in the center of the April 19th manhunt in Watertown for the Boston Marathon Bombers. Glen’s unwavering dedication to his EMS role was shown during that day and evening when the unimaginable was yet to unfold. We are proud of Glen as is his wife and daughter for being a Stars of Life recipient and are extremely fortunate to have him as part of the Armstrong Ambulance family.”
Deonarine joined Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (GMRTT) in 2005 as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Every day he demonstrates his commitment and expertise as an Emergency Medical Technician as he sets the standard for the organization. Deonarine is currently an EMT Preceptor and is responsible for the training and development of newly certified EMTs. This program nurtures skills, offers professional guidance and ensures clinical expectations among staff are met and helps provides customer service skills. This new role revealed Deonarine’s gift as a gifted teacher and role model. Deonarine was active in the 2013 World AMR Compression Only CPR Challenge, and since the event he has been conducting CPR training to communities, schools and non-profit organizations on a voluntary basis. He is currently finalizing his CPR Instructor Certification with the National Safety Council and is in the process of pursuing the American Heart Association First Aid & CPR Instructor Certification. In addition to being a full time, nationally-registered EMT, Deonarine has also been a lifeguard with the Trinidad and Tobago Lifeguard Service for the past 10 years. When he is not working for GMRTT, Deonarine spends his weekends and holidays protecting the beaches of Trinidad. He is also a Lifeguard Training Instructor for both swimming pool and open waters. Deonarine has received the Trinidad & Tobago Life Saving Society’s Award of Merit and Bronze Medallion. Deonarine is also a certified aerobics and fitness instructor and provides fitness training and instruction voluntarily in his community. Deonarine is also a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Reserve. Deonarine is a husband and father of four. He is described as a humble, outgoing individual and contributes in any way he can to his co-workers, his community, and even patients and their relatives. Deonarine says he loves swimming, fishing, cycling, running, basketball and working out in the gym.”
Dallas became an EMT in August 2009 after losing a close family member in a motor vehicle crash. She felt helpless after her loss, so she decided to become an EMT and thought it would be a great way to help others. Dallas was hired by AMR Massachusetts in July 2010 where she gained experience running both IFT and 911 calls. Dallas transferred to the D.C. operation in 2012 after moving to the area and obtaining her National Registry EMT certification.While working at AMR, Dallas became interested in various aspects of EMS, so she applied to a local community hospital in southern Maryland. Dallas is in a dual position at the hospital, holding job titles of Hyperbaric Safety Director and Hyperbaric Chamber Technologist. Dallas hopes to further her career in EMS, so she is attending paramedic school at the College of Southern Maryland and is in her second semester. Dallas is a highly motivated individual and has hopes of obtaining an Associate’s Degree in EMS within two years. Since 2012, Dallas has been an active member of AMR’s Emergency Response Team and looks forward to being deployed as needed.”
Mayo Clinic Medical Transport is proud to select Tim Alden, RN, as a 2014 Star of Life.Tim has served as a flight nurse aboard Mayo One for more than seven years and has been a nurse for more than fifteen. Tim’s efforts to serve patients continue beyond his nursing career. Tim has been a volunteer EMT for Grand Meadow (Minn.) Ambulance Service, the community where he lives, for more than twenty years. This long-term commitment to EMS, both as a volunteer and a career, exemplifies his passion for patient care. Throughout Tim’s career as a nurse he has earned the trust of his patients, his peers and leadership. “Tim models the role of nurse as the patient advocate. We have received several testimonials from patients and family members that believe their life or family member’s life was saved because of Tim’s care,” wrote a colleague who nominated Tim for the Star of Life honor. The same colleague also wrote this of Tim, “Tim Alden’s performance as a flight nurse and the word excellence may very well be synonymous. Tim was one of the first flight nurses to obtain certification as a CFRN (certified flight registered nurse) and helped to inspire others to do so.” Perhaps the best example of Tim’s embodiment of excellence in EMS is his reputation. Tim comes to work ready to work. Anything requested of Tim will be done promptly and effectively. Tim has the respect of his peers, managers and colleagues. Patients who Tim has the privilege of caring for receive high-level compassionate and professional care.”
Anna Ailstock has been a Paramedic since 2006. She began at Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) in 2008, and is currently a Paramedic Field Training Officer and chair of the RAA Clinical Services Committee. Prior to moving to Richmond she enjoyed a teaching position with Arlington County Public Schools as an assistant EMT-Basic instructor and was an active volunteer with Arlington County Fire Department for 4 years. Anna has also worked as a Paramedic Tech at Mary Washington Hospital ED and with the Department of Defense as a contracted Paramedic at Fort Belvoir. Anna is the 2014 recipient of the RAA Medical Directors Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to a paramedic that has demonstrated superior clinical abilities and who has dedicated personal time effort to ensure RAA remains clinically on the cutting edge of mobile healthcare in the City of Richmond, as well as an EMS leader in the region, country and internationally as they continue to provide World Class EMS. Anna was selected specifically because of the leadership she provides the clinical services committee. She has dedicated countless hours of time and service to lead this committee as they worked meticulously to develop a new competency based perception manual for our new employees. Additionally, she worked diligently to ensure exceptional training was provided to each student assigned to her for their field internship and through her guidance her students had a 100% first time pass rate through our paramedic clearance process, chaired personally by our Operational Medical Director Dr Joseph P. Ornato. Anna is a delight to work with and is an outstanding representative of Richmond Ambulance Authority. She exemplifies the very essence of the AAA Star of Life.”
It was with great pleasure that Nature Coast EMS of Citrus County, Florida, nominated William Leigh Adams as our “Star.” William began his career with Nature Coast EMS five years ago. In the beginning he served Nature Coast EMS as a volunteer where he immediately impressed all those who worked with him. William continued to mature in his knowledge and skill becoming more diversified in his abilities to assist in various departments of our organization. While still working as a volunteer, William demonstrated the utmost dedication, caring and professionalism as a seasoned team member working in the field for years. After three years, William attended EMT school and obtained his EMT certification. At the first available opening,William was hired as a full time employee where has continued to excel as a dedicated and engaged team member. William always places Nature Coast EMS and the citizens we serve, in the forefront. He is a dedicated team member and offers support to other team members when needed. William continues to help with our volunteer program assisting with special events and supporting the EMT training division. The Nature Coast EMS mission is “Serving with Excellence & Compassion.” Our vision is that “Nature Coast EMS will be the national leader in patient centered care and health services.” William Leigh Adams exudes all this and more.”
Gold Cross, the paramedic service of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is proud to honor Chris Roser as a 2018 Star of Life.
Chris began his career with Mayo Clinic in 1981. Hed says there is a simple reason he has dedicated nearly four decades to mobile healthcare, “I like helping people at a time when they need it the most.”
Chris has served patients in a variety of roles during his tenure. He has applied his training and skills as a flight paramedic on Mayo Clinic’s helicopter and airplane as well as his current role as a ground operations paramedic. While Chris says he recalls many highlights as he reflects on his career, one special period of time was when he had the opportunity to work alongside his son on calls as paramedics together.
When he’s not working, Chris enjoys water-skiing and has been on a competitive ski team since 1995. He also enjoys playing hockey, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his three sons and their families.
A colleague wrote this in support of nominating Chris for the Stars of Life award, “Chris has all of the qualities and values that Mayo Clinic appreciates. He is respectful, caring, and has a positive effect on everyone he comes in contact with—patients, emergency services colleagues, and coworkers. He is just the kind of person that a new employee can learn so much from.”
Chris’ advice for the next generation of paramedics coming into the workforce is to, “do your best, be kind, and treat patients like you would want your family member treated.”
“I would recommend Marisol Puerto for this recognition. Marisol and I were partners on Medic 98 (now M920) prior to my promotion, where I had the pleasure of witnessing, first hand, an individual that is dedicated to the EMS profession. She has earned the respect, the admiration, and the trust of her colleagues within the HCEC family. Marisol is dedicated to continuing her education both professionally and academically. I have had the pleasure of interacting with numerous students through my background at Texas A&M University and with HCEC; I can truthfully say that over the course of those interactions, very few have impressed upon me as much as Marisol has. She is a solid, bright, and intelligent person that has pushed herself to achieve her goals.”
“She serves so many roles for HCEC—Field Training Officer, In-Charge Paramedic, Bike Medic, Card Class Instructor, Interview Panel participant—which only a few others can lay claim to. Marisol represents HCEC Core Values extremely well and I feel she deserves to be recognized on a national level.”
Shaun Kirkdorffer exemplifies each pillar of HCEC’s Corps Values every time he comes to work. He is a trusted professional, a trusted colleague, and a trusted member of the community. Shaun is the embodiment of stewardship, working not only as a leader at HCEC but also leading community outreach through his church.
His colleagues state that Shaun is a great example of an AAA Star of Life. He is a role model employee and upstanding citizen. He represents us well both on and off duty. He currently serves us as an FTO and In Charge. He is and has been involved with outreach ministries for inner-city youth through his church. He is well known by a good majority of the citizens in our community not only for his job duties, but also for his involvement with the community.
In January of 2000, Marco Villasenor moved from El Paso, TX to join Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS). Marco moved up the ranks and became a Field Training Officer and then Captain. For the last 7 years he has been a Designated Medical Officer (DMO) under the Clinical Performance Improvement group.
As a DMO, one of Marco’s key rolls is to evaluate the performance and provide CPR performance feedback for every cardiac arrest patient treated by ATCEMS. As a result of his work, Marco was awarded the Medical Directors Award in 2014, and he received a travel scholarship to the American Heart Association’s Resuscitation Science Symposium in Chicago of the same year. Through “Pit Crew” training and CPR Performance feedback, ATCEMS experienced significant improvement in compression fractions and resuscitation rates. Marco’s contributions in this initiative were instrumental in these improved performance measures. Today the DMO’s are part of the response matrix and are dispatched on high priority calls when they are closer.
Kyle Schutt is a Paramedic who has been employed with Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) since 2015. Kyle believes being a public servant is a rewarding job that requires hard work and dedication but comes with the knowledge that you have made a difference in someone’s life. Additionally, it is his belief that all members of EMS share a passion for going the extra mile for our patients, and that is what makes our profession special.
During Kyle’s three years at ATCEMS, he has received two Medical Phoenix Citation awards for confirmed cardiopulmonary arrest saves who were discharged from the hospital, and he has recently been promoted to the Medic II position. Kyle received his Paramedic certification from the University of Texas Health Science Center and his Bachelor’s in Exercise Sports Science from Texas Tech University.
Dena has been in public safety service for 23 years. She began her public safety career as a Police Dispatcher for The University of Kansas Police Department (Go Jayhawks!). During a ride-out while working at Southlake DPS for her EMT-B training, she answered the 911 call, dispatched the responding unit, and ended up transporting the patient with that unit and its crew to the hospital. Many only ever get to experience one side or the other of a 911 call; rarely both.
Dena has been a member of the Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) team since 2009 and is grateful to be employed by an agency that believes in the values of putting our patients and community first. EMS calls are received, triaged, and dispatched by ATCEMS Communications Medics, including delivery of pre-arrival treatment instructions. The Communications Medics’ role in the success of patient outcomes is considered equally as important as the treatment that the responding Field Medics provide. This is part of our “Zero-Second Response” model, in that at the moment a call for EMS assistance comes into our call center, our community is speaking to an ATCEMS Medic at the “zero-second.”
In addition to reading and taking walks along the beach, Dena loves to quilt for her grandkids, Kaden, Brooklynn, Emma, Tristan, and now baby Peyton… please no more for now, I need to get caught up!
Brendan Cluskey emigrated to the United States of America from Dublin, Ireland. Since arriving, he has dedicated himself to giving back to the nation that has so warmly welcomed him. “I feel that I owe a great debt of gratitude to America, so helping others in their times of need just feels like the right thing to do,” he says.
Since joining Austin-Travis County EMS in October of 2010, Brendan has excelled in all areas of Paramedicine and has now enthusiastically taken on the challenging role of Field Training Officer. During his time in Austin, Brendan has received many accolades and awards, most notably The Meritorious Service Award for bravery in 2014.
Brendan greatly enjoys family time with his wife, Joanne, and daughter, Isabel.
