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Archives: Stars

Randy Nichols

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Randy Nichols has been a part of AMR in LaGrange, Georgia for four years. He started as an EMT, then quickly progressed to Paramedic. During this time, he has also assumed additional responsibilities including Field Training Officer, Shift Supervisor, Disaster Response Team member, Director of Education, and part-time fleet mechanic, all while making sure that the 74 people in his EMS family feel welcome.

One day, Randy asked if we could launch some educational classes for staff. Once he got the green light, he was off and running; taking on all aspects of the project from ordering books to researching the Georgia licensure requirements. Randy created an EMT Basic Class and an AEMT Class, while simultaneously developing three Level 3 instructors. Word has gotten out about the success of the AMR LaGrange education programs. We are now hosting four classes and have a waiting list, all because Randy recognized we needed to do better as an industry in teaching the next generation.

Randy’s compassion for his team and his “never say no” attitude empower him to help staff of all experience levels, from new recruits on day one of employment to seasoned staff with 20 years of service history. As Randy would say, his goal is “Making AMR great in two thousand one eight!”

 

Rosemary O’Keefe-Kirschner

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Rosemary O’Keefe-Kirschner truly embodies the best of AMR-New Haven. She is its heart and soul, and there is not an employee who has not been positively affected by Rosemary. She constantly looks for ways lend a helping hand to her coworkers and her community.

Rosemary is the kind of person who is always looking out for those around her, no matter what she herself may be going through personally. She is truly a selfless individual who will stop at nothing to help someone in their time of need.

The entire New Haven staff looks up to Rosemary. She is the Paramedic colleagues go to for advice, mentorship, or to discuss a difficult call.

Rosemary has been honing her skills and serving this community for 39 years. In an interesting parallel, these skills which were recently demonstrated when she had a code-save of a 39-year-old woman. Thanks to Rosemary’s knowledge and experience, this young mother of three returned home to her children.

 

Michael Schwenke

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Mike Schwenke is a respected member of the EMS community in Effingham, Illinois, and has been for 14 years. He enjoys teaching almost as much as he loves being a Paramedic. Throughout his career, he has taught countless numbers of first responders, EMTs, and Paramedics. Mike excels in his teaching, and wants to make sure his coworkers can meet the same standards of excellence he holds for himself. While Mike has only been with Abbott EMS for one year, his dedication to the profession has proven invaluable to our operation.

Mike wants everyone to be knowledgeable, and is always first to answer questions from his team and others. He took the time to meet with local hospitals and train them on Abbott’s preferred airway devices, as they had not previously used the i-Gels brand. Mike also met with the local fire departments to improve communication and collaboration on emergency calls.

 

Andrea Strongman

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

If you are lucky enough to be partnered with Andrea Strongman, the chances of your having a slow shift are low: She has a reputation for being dispatched whenever a big event or rough call occurs. This reputation was solidified on October 8, 2017, when a devastating fire hit the Sonoma Valley region.

Andrea and her partner were working the night shift when the fire began. High winds quickly spread the fire across the region, knocking down power lines and inundating the area with smoke and ash. The pair were dispatched to evacuate a paraplegic patient from his home, which was in the direct path of the fire. They arrived to find the house engulfed in flames with no firefighting resources available. Despite making every effort to gain entry, the flames were so hot and destructive it became clear the fire would prevent any further rescue efforts.

Distraught, Andrea and her partner had to compose themselves so they could continue to run calls being dispatched that night. Together, they performed countless residential, hospital, and skilled nursing facility evacuations, in addition to emergency medical transports to the ERs that were still open.

Andrea accomplished all of this in the midst of consoling and reassuring several of her colleagues who had lost their homes. Andrea’s partners may not always benefit from her reputation, but without question her community and her patients do.

 

Jimmy Miller

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Jimmy and his partner were returning a patient to his nursing home when another vehicle smashed into their ambulance twice, flipping the truck onto its side. Jimmy suffered potentially life-threatening head, neck, and chest injuries.

Despite his serious trauma, Jimmy continued to focus on his patient. Jimmy told rescuers to remove his patient from the ambulance first. At the hospital, from his own stretcher, Jimmy saw his patient wheeled by. Jimmy called out to the patient’s nurse and gave her a detailed report, just as he does with anyone in his care.

While recovering, Jimmy missed four months of field work. During that time, Jimmy taught classes as one of his operation’s Field Training Officers.

Jimmy’s supervisors said, “He is excellent in all that he does. Jimmy personifies everything a Paramedic should be: skilled, deeply compassionate, a patient advocate, and a mentor to his colleagues.”

Jimmy is also known for helping his co-workers with their personal needs. As one co-worker said, “I think helping others is simply in his genes.” 

Duane Lessie

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Duane has been a member of Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago (GMRTT) for just over 11 years. Duane is deployed in field operations as an Emergency Medical Technician; however, prior to this he has served in the Communications Department as a System Status Dispatcher. Duane is also currently enrolled in the company’s Paramedic certification program which aligns with his career path of advancing his skills as an EMS professional. Duane often serves as a mentor for new EMTs.

Duane’s passion for helping others extends beyond the corridors of GMRTT. He is currently the Health Coordinator for the Bournes Road SDA Church. In addition to this, Duane conducts compression only CPR training at schools in his community, where he volunteers providing fitness training, thereby encouraging healthier lifestyles. Duane is known for lending his passion for fitness and health to his community. Therefore, it came as no surprise when Duane agreed to the request by the Petit Valley Football Club to provide his services as a physio trainer, assisting the team to the league championship.

Duane wears his heart on his sleeve, and it is because of these attributes he has been nominated resoundingly by his peers to be the 2018 GMR Star of Life.

 

Brandon Jones

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Some people are known to wear their hearts on their sleeve. Brandon Jones is known to wear his life’s mission on his forearm – literally. Two verses from the 82nd Psalm are tattooed on Brandon’s arm and speak to his commitment to be a servant and protector of those in need. It’s both ironic and poignant, given that Brandon has found himself in great need more than once.

Brandon joined the EMSA team as an EMT in 2009. He started Paramedic school in 2010, but battled alcohol abuse, financial crises, and ultimately, homelessness. With support from his EMSA family, Brandon got back on his feet, stopped drinking, and graduated. Brandon experienced a relapse after responding to an apartment fire that killed two children. Then, while working to maintain good health, Brandon suffered a devastating injury that took him off the ambulance. Brandon was offered a position as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher in 2014 and has since flourished, personally, and professionally. Brandon is renowned for making quick, strategic decisions, and for championing the interests of patients and field crews alike.

 

Sheri Jones

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Sheri Jones is a hero of the October 1, 2017 Route 91 shooting. Sheri was part of the initial wave of providers responding to “man down” calls. Sheri made her way toward the incident, ending up at one of the nearby hotels, where she found victim after victim, all deceased.

The radio was assigning more and more calls as reports of multiple casualties and shooters flooded the system. Although her heart was broken by the carnage she saw, Sheri remained determined to help. She set up a triage area at the hotel and began sifting through hundreds of patients. She is credited with making a difference and saving many.

In her more than 25 years of service, Sheri has progressed from EMT to CCT Paramedic & Field Training Officers. She instructs EMTs at the local community college, volunteers for long distance CCT calls, and pitches in to help with anything else that needs to be done. Always a caring voice for even the sickest of patients, she can be counted on to be an advocate for her patients as well as her partners.

 

Luke Tschirhart

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Luke Tschirhart truly embodies AMR’s core values through his dedication to the mission. He has been a part of the Rural Metro Fire Department family for more than 10 years now, where he is known as a mentor, leader, and friend. He spends countless hours working alongside our medical director, pre-hospital coordinator, and leadership team to direct committees, perform research, and participate in policy development and revision. He also provides instruction for most of our continuing education hours.

Luke is a Field Training Officer for new Paramedics, guiding them in all aspects of the job while they are on probation. He is also a member of the department’s Technical Rescue Team, where he helped to design and build the program from the ground up. This included SOG/SOP development, equipment selection, and countless training hours. No matter the time of day or number of calls, Luke responds promptly with a smile on his face to provide the best possible customer service and patient care.

Laura Wolcott

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Laura has been a member of the AMR team since 2003. She became a Certified First Responder, then an EMT, and served her community as a volunteer at GVEMS/Caledonia Ambulance for six years. During this time, she realized she had found her calling. In 2005, Laura decided it was time to go back to school. In 2006, she attained her Paramedic certification.

In her work as a medic on the overnight shift at AMR, Laura has responded to many disturbingly violent scenes. She and her partner were the unfortunate witnesses of a near-homicide, having arrived on a scene prior to law enforcement to respond to a non-specified emergency incident. Laura cared for the first critical patient on this scene after witnessing that patient’s brutal attack by a pitbull. She maintained her professional demeanor and composure, and requested law enforcement to the scene. This is just one of several high-stress incidents that Laura has responded to in the recent past.

Additionally, Laura has responded to multiple mass shootings over the past several years. While she manages her own emotions, Laura always works hard to help others cope. Laura is a medic who is always available to support others. She continually works to enhance safety in EMS by sharing her experiences with new providers. Laura is a resilient professional, and as a full-time caregiver in a challenging urban environment, she is certainly a most deserving Star.

Timothy Hoffman

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Tim Hoffman has been a dedicated AMR employee for over 12 years. Tim grew up in Holland, Michigan and followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a Paramedic. Tim’s father, John, is also a Paramedic who works for AMR in Holland, Michigan.

Tim started with AMR as a wheelchair van driver on August 16, 2005. He worked through school and became an EMT, then a Paramedic, and finally a Critical Care Medic. Tim has had nearly perfect attendance throughout his employment. Tim frequently volunteers for charity runs and local community events. He is easy going, well liked, warm hearted, and always has a big smile.

Early in the morning of August 7, 2016 everything changed. Tim and his partner Kevin Jongekryg were on duty and at approximately 4:30 a.m., as they were driving through a rural coverage area, they were hit head on by a drunk driver. Tim was in critical condition with a devastating head injury.

On Monday, January 29, 2018 Tim returned to light duty work at AMR. He has verbalized that he loves to “help people” and still wants to be able to help in any way he can. Tim will always have that “care giver” spirit that sets apart our AMR employees.

It is wonderful to see how excited Tim is to be back in his uniform and working in the building. Tim is still the same easy going, warm hearted, smiley person, that he was before.

Tim is so proud to work for AMR and we are so happy to see how far he has come.

 

Bruce Hagen

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Over Bruce Hagen’s distinguished 35-year career in EMS he has earned countless certifications, including mountain and wilderness rescue. This depth of experience, coupled with his leadership and clinical skills, are exactly the traits needed in an individual tasked with coordinating an EMS response during one of the nation’s worst firestorms.

At about 9:30 p.m. on October 8, 2017, calls came in over 911 Fire/EMS dispatch channels reporting one or more spot fires in the hills above the City of Napa. After contacting the CAL Fire Incident Commander (IC), Bruce, the Field Supervisor on duty at the time and already half way through his shift, assumed the role of radio liaison to manage EMS radio communications between the PSAP (dispatch center) and the Fire IC.

A report then came in that up to 45 people were trapped in homes along Atlas Peak Road and could not evacuate. With no fire resources available, Bruce requested the help of the CHP H32 helicopter to assist the AMR Operations Manager and multiple AMR ALS ambulance units with the rescue evacuations. The AMR crews, along with Sheriff’s Deputies, then went door to door to evacuate residents.

As the fire progressed, Bruce and the Fire IC became surrounded by fire, and were forced to evacuate themselves. As Bruce was pulling out of a parking lot, he observed a woman running to flee the area. The woman was struck by a wind-blown road sign that knocked her to the ground. Bruce placed the woman in the back of his supervisor vehicle then drove her to safety.

Bruce continued to work, without a break, until about 3:00 p.m. when he was relieved by another supervisor. After a short rest period, Bruce returned to work and completed additional shifts during the response phase of the disaster, which lasted for two weeks. Bruce worked with fire agencies at a field command post and staging areas, and directed incoming EMS resources, including mutual aid strike teams, to various assignments.

Jamie Georgi

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

As Hurricane Harvey worsened, AMR Houston committed to relocate dozens of patients from one hospital to another. Jamie volunteered to serve as AMR’s liaison at the receiving hospital. Over several hours, AMR evacuated 88 patients to safety and Jamie was hailed for beautifully overseeing this operation.

As the storm raged, a hospital asked AMR to return a discharged patient to his home. Two crews tried but were unable to reach the hospital. Jamie decided to give it “one last shot” and enlisted a crew partner. In darkness, heavy rain, and high winds, they made their way through less-flooded back roads to make the transport happen.

Jamie worked day and night, staying positive and frequently checking on the well-being of the crews. Many in the area had lost everything. When Jamie’s leadership told him to go home and rest, he went home but he didn’t rest. Instead, Jamie assembled a cooking team which provided four days of fresh meals to the numerous AMR personnel working in Houston, deployed from several states.

Jamie’s selflessness during Hurricane Harvey shows why he is known for total commitment to his calling.

With typical modesty, Jamie says everything he does is part of a team effort.

 

Eric Forsythe

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

On the afternoon of January 29, 2018, Eric, a 15-year veteran, was running some errands while off-duty. After turning off a local Interstate, Eric noticed a teenage boy on the overpass standing on top of the Jersey barrier staring at the freeway below.

That’s when Eric’s instincts kicked in. Eric pulled his car over and cautiously approached the young man. Eric used all his training and experience to persuade the young boy not to jump. After some careful negotiation, Eric was able to gain the boy’s trust and convinced the boy to step away from the edge. When the police arrived, Eric learned the boy had been reported missing for the last 24-36 hours.

The Chief of the Lakewood Police Department presented Eric with their Life Saving Award for his heroic actions on this day. Eric is truly a caregiver willing to go above and beyond for the community he serves, and is a perfect example of what it means to be a Star of Life.

 

Joshua Epperson

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Josh is being honored as a Star of Life for his continued commitment to public service, as well as his bravery and dedication as an EMT.

Josh has the skills, mindset, and tenacity to handle emergency scenarios that require the ability to make quick decisions. His actions proved this when he assisted a fellow AMR ambulance crew after he noticed them stopped on the Interstate. The crew was on a 911 call with a distressed patient who became violent and combative in route to the hospital. Josh acted quickly to aid the crew and assisted in controlling the situation until police arrived. Josh’s actions helped to prevent any further injury to the crew and patient.

Josh has been with AMR working within the DC 911 system since it began two years prior, joining to get more fast-paced emergency experience. Josh is one who enjoys his work and continues every day to pursue his career in public safety.

 

Brett Dragun

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Brett Dragun was among the first wave of initial responders to the Route 91 shooting in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017.

Brett loaded an ambulance full of patients and sent them to the hospital. After the initial transport, he took a supervisory role and began collaborating with fire command. Brett assisted with getting transport units to anyone that needed them, and ensured a proper response from AMR.

As the night transitioned into morning, Brett did not stop working on the incident. He began checking on crew members and making sure they were holding up alright. Brett also spent time with anyone that wanted to talk about what they had experienced in the days that followed.

In his more than eight years of service with AMR, Brett is known as an encourager, mentor, and consummate professional. He has also served on four disaster deployments where he remains the same caring individual. Brett encourages EMTs to further their education, volunteer their time for the disaster response team, or even read to elementary school students. Brett’s peers know that he is someone they can always rely on.

 

Stacy Dockery

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Stacy Dockery was attending the Route 91 festival in Las Vegas when gunfire began to rain down upon her. Her instincts kicked in immediately: she shielded her best friend, then went to work assisting victims on the ground.

Stacy assisted other off-duty medical personnel with bleeding control, triage, and loading patients into whatever vehicles they could find. As the incident continued to unfold, she knew that this was an extreme situation, and that she would be needed throughout the night. Stacy placed her friend in safety, then sped towards the station. She donned her uniform, complete with cowboy boots, jumped on a unit, and went to work running 911 calls. She responded to calls into the night until the situation had calmed some.

She was later featured in a New York Times video when a reporter captured her caring for a patient in the concert venue.

In Stacy’s nearly ten years with MedicWest, she has proven herself to be a dedicated CCT medic who can be relied upon to answer the call of duty.

 

See Stacy from behind at the 0:36–0:38 mark of this New York Times video.

Callen Daquioag

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Callen Daquiaog is a hero and teacher among heroes. However, being the humble man that he is, he would never admit it.

On October 1, 2017, he was one of the many that responded to the Route 91 shooting. He made life-saving decisions in the face of danger. At the time, no one knew when the shooting would stop, where the shooters were, or the reason they were targeting the music festival. Conflicting reports about the origin of the shots meant no scene was safe. When Callen responded to the East side of the venue, he came to Duke Ellington Way and faced the carnage head-on. He assisted two off duty EMTs, themselves shot, to load victims into his unit. He made the decision, with a full ambulance, to head to the trauma center. His military upbringing told him this was an extremely dangerous situation, but he stayed calm and treated the critical patients in his ambulance. He dropped them off quickly, hoping he would see the two EMTs again.

Callen returned to his ambulance, and once again headed toward the concert venue. He was sent to the command post where they staged for some time before reporting to a nearby smaller hospital where busloads of patients were being taken. He helped the ER triage and re-prioritize transfers out, taking six victims to an outlying hospital. 

Callen’s judgement was credited by physicians and nurses, who confirmed that his decisions saved many lives. In his almost four years at MedicWest, he is known as “the calm” amidst the chaos. He can always be counted on to help, whether by responding to an event like Route 91 or teaching a new EMT. Callen was honored for valor by the agency that employs the two wounded EMTs. He designed a patch for the event, and donated the proceeds to the victims fund.

Callen Daquiaog is a true hero.

Dr. Michael Barnum

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Dr. Michael Barnum is well known in the Las Vegas EMS community. In addition to his role as the assistant Emergency Room Director for Valley Hospital, he is the Medical Director for AMR Las Vegas.

Whether teaching new Paramedics at our training center, lecturing medical students, mentoring EMS students in the ER, or coordinating with Paramedics bringing patients into his hospital, Dr. Barnum is the “go-to guy” for all things EMS. Dr. Barnum maintains multiple certifications ranging from Swift Water Rescue and Vertical Rescue to Firefighter and Paramedic. He is also an Eagle Scout and a pilot.

On the night of the Route 91 shooting, Dr. Barnum rushed into work in his EMS capacity to help care for patients and reduce the burden on Las Vegas’s overstressed system. He loaded multiple patients on a bus with a fellow AMR Critical Care Paramedic, then rushed to the hospital. His actions not only made a difference on scene, but also positively impacted the receiving hospitals and trauma centers.

As with other Stars, Dr. Barnum does not consider himself a hero: instead, he was doing what needed to be done.

 

Karis Arce

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Unlike many students working their way through college, Karis did not push the easy button when it came time to choose a job. Not only did she decide to become an EMT while attending school, she also chose to work in AMR’s San Francisco operation, one of the busiest EMS systems in the state.

On July 11, 2017, at around 8:30 p.m., Karis was completing paperwork inside the ambulance while parked outside a local Emergency Room. Suddenly, Karis observed a woman approaching quickly carrying a one-year-old child. The boy had choked on a piece of cantaloupe, and was not moving or talking. His lips had begun to turn blue.

Karis’s training immediately kicked in. She jumped into action, moving first to back blows, then chest thrusts, and finally to finger sweeps, which ultimately dislodged the fruit. The child immediately took a deep breath, started crying, and regained his color. Karis said it was the most beautiful cry she had ever heard.