Richard Allan Buckles, Jr. was born and raised in Visalia, California. At a young age, Richard was introduced to sports, and he has played football and baseball his entire life. Richard attended local schools and excelled at playing baseball while in high school. He met his wife, Erin, while in middle school and got married in June of 2002. To support his wife, Richard aspired to do something in public safety. As a first step, he went to an EMT class at a local college, and in 2003, he started working as an EMT. Richard also spent a short time as a volunteer firefighter with the Tulare County
Richard started with American Ambulance in 2005. Since then, Richard has continued to excel. He has been involved in various programs within the company, and has taken on restocking, ordering, and even leading the process for the annual California Highway Patrol inspection.
He has also reached out this year to help with one of American Ambulance’s initiatives for senior citizens, Heart of Seniors, a program to promote cardiac health in women. Earlier this year, Richard and several paramedics from American Ambulance even served as volunteer “escorts” for the ladies attending the event at the local senior center. This program is growing and becoming more popular every year in the senior community.
Richard and Erin have two boys who are very active in sports. Richard spends his off-time coaching his sons’ All- Valley Youth Football and Cal Ripken Baseball teams.
Amanda Campos has faithfully served her community with distinction for more than 12 years. In February of 2010, she was named Director of Operations at Matagorda County EMS and took command of one of the finest EMS agencies in Texas.
Her dedication to the community only grew in the wake of her promotion. Amanda has volunteered hundreds of hours of her personal time to cover ambulance shifts for her teammates when they needed time off, responded to countless calls in her command vehicle on nights and weekends, often with her family in tow, and served on numerous community service projects. She is a true public servant, a highly respected teammate, and the very definition of a leader.
These qualities came to life one busy evening in December of 2015. While on her way to the grocery store with her twin four-year-old daughters, she heard a call come in about an infant not breathing. Knowing that all ambulances had already been dispatched to calls, she responded without hesitation. While en route, Amanda radioed to dispatch and requested to have a crew member, who happened to be at the station without a partner, meet her at the patient’s address with an ambulance so that they would have transport capabilities.
Upon arrival, Amanda found the infant to be in full arrest with a Bay City Police officer attempting to provide respiration. Finding the infant to be apneic with poor perfusion, she began CPR and intubated while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Her resuscitation efforts were successful, and the infant was transported to the hospital without any delay. Chaplain Chad of the Bay City Police Department followed behind the ambulance with her daughters and stayed with them as she continued to provide care. The patient is alive today thanks to Amanda’s quick actions and tireless efforts.
Amanda’s selfless commitment to the health and safety of her community is just one of many examples of the spirit of caring at Allegiance Mobile Health. On behalf of the executive leadership team, all 1,200 employees, and the countless lives she has touched during her career, we are proud to nominate Amanda Campos for the 2016 Star of Life award.
It is with great honor and pride that Friendswood Volunteer Fire Department nominates Andrew Chalk for the 2016 Stars of Life Award. Andrew is being recognized in acknowledgement of his service to the citizens of Texas through his leadership in quality pre-hospital care and community-wide emergency response. Andrew has been at the forefront in the areas of patient care, public access, medical control, disaster preparedness, public education, and training.
Andrew Chalk has served as a mentor, supporter and advocate for EMS throughout the country. Andrew has been an integral part of many recent projects that directly or indirectly contribute to patient care excellence. For example, he recently spearheaded our migration to a new PCR system that has allowed Friendswood EMS to use tablets for PCR and allows access to our CAD system while on scene. He also has maintained and updated our computer and hardware system, assisted in the design and planning of a Kawasaki mule utility response vehicle for special events, assisted in the design and planning of a special operations/command trailer, aided in protocol updates, and helped to create a successful continuing education program that both kept members informed and allowed them to develop confidence regarding their abilities to provide excellent patient care. Andrew encourages FVFD to be active within the community and assists in bimonthly free immunization clinics, community CPR training, and other safety and injury prevention activities.
After 9/11 Andrew wanted to do more for his country, so he joined the Texas 3 DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistant Team) where he has risen through the ranks to the position of Assistant Team Commander.
As you can see, Andrew Chalk’s life revolves around his support and caring for Emergency Medical Services and it is with pleasure that we nominate him as a 2016 Star of Life.
Professional, reliable, and community-focused are the qualities that best exemplify EMSA Paramedic Chase Coates. Chase was nominated multiple times this year, and the same descriptors—leader, teacher and role model—came up repeatedly in the nominations. He is well-liked and deeply respected by his peers and supervisors.
Chase joined EMSA in July 2010 while he was completing his zoology degree at the University of Oklahoma. He had intended to become a physician, but fell in love with pre-hospital medicine and the EMS industry. In January 2013, Chase was promoted from EMT-Intermediate to Paramedic. He is a founding member of EMSA’s Community Ambassadors program and, as such, conducts dozens of presentations each year at schools, has organized clothing drives for the homeless, and represents EMSA at various public events. Chase also is a Field Training Officer and serves on both the honor guard and tactical EMS teams.
Benjamin “Ben” Cohen left a career as a heating and air conditioning mechanic to pursue his dream of serving in the medical field.
He began his medical career as a phlebotomist working in a busy emergency room. While observing the ambulances constantly moving in and out of the ER, he decided that was where he wanted to be. He obtained his EMT card in 2013 and began working at Northwell Health CEMS shortly thereafter.
While Ben is relatively new to EMS, he has developed a reputation as a role model to others, as someone who always has a smile on his face, and a leader who always demonstrates the highest level of compassion for his patients. Ben seeks ways to help out his department, accepts assignments without complaint, and consistently maintains a friendly demeanor. Ben was overwhelmingly chosen by his peers as a Star of Life.
When he is not working, Ben loves spending time with his two-year-old son, Dylan.
Stephen Colwell has worked for Bell Ambulance for the last ten years as an EMT- Basic. Stephen began his career with Bell providing care as an EMT for southeastern Wisconsin, primarily in the City of Milwaukee. For the last few years, Stephen has worked as an EMT Crew Chief with Bell Ambulance in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Critical Care Transport Team to provide care and transportation to various hospitals throughout Wisconsin.
Bell Ambulance prides itself in giving excellent patient care and instilling in our employees our four operating priorities of Competency, Courtesy, Safety and Efficiency. From day one, Stephen has excelled in making sure our clients receive the best possible patient care and overall experience. This is evident in the numerous service awards he has received.
Stephen possesses the ability to positively interact with anyone. Whether it is co-worker or patient, Stephen makes them feel welcome and lets them know that they are important to him. Everyone that crosses paths with Stephen appreciates meeting and getting to know him.
Stephen served in the United States Army from 2002–2010 where he progressed to the rank of Sergeant. From 2004–2005 Stephen was deployed to Afghanistan. During his deployment, Stephen was the sole medic at the scene of a Humvee accident where he was responsible for triaging and caring for multiple soldiers until additional help arrived. This earned Stephen the Army Commendation Medal, an honor bestowed for heroism and meritorious service.
It is for the reasons above, coupled with Stephen’s outstanding work ethic and his efforts to make his workplace the best possible, that he is deserving of the Stars of Life award in 2016. We are proud to say that Stephen is an employee of Bell Ambulance.
Brian J. Connor has been employed in the ambulance industry for the past 36 years. Since beginning work as an EMT in 1980, he has served in many leadership roles and senior management positions at one of the oldest ambulance companies in Massachusetts.
In 2006, he ventured on his own and became the Founder, President, & CEO of LifeLine Ambulance Service. LifeLine became the fastest growing ambulance service in New England. Today, with 13 satellite offices located throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 125 vehicles and 350 employees, LifeLine transports over 350 patients daily. In addition to LifeLine, Brian served as President of the Massachusetts Ambulance Association for 14 years and served on many state and local Boards and Commissions.
Under his direction, LifeLine’s commitment to its employees, including creating tuition-free career paths to those who wish to advance from chair car operator, EMT, or Paramedic to RN is trendsetting and unmatched in the industry.
Brian’s commitment to his employees and the ambulance industry is noteworthy and therefore recognized by this nomination from his staff.
One of four original team members chosen to staff the City of San Diego’s Resource Access Program (RAP), Leto has been instrumental in RAP’s efforts to conduct crisis intervention with repeat 911 users and assist other vulnerable populations experiencing medical or social issues. Leto holds the record for most home visits for patients under this nationally recognized program. She has also led Rural Metro’s SWAT Medic Team.
In addition, due to her training as both a Paramedic and Physician Assistant, she was selected to teach medical students how to identify “hot spots” in underserved communities that need coordinated care. A 30-year veteran, devoted clinician, and community member, Leto embodies all that a Star of Life should be.
Brian started with REACT in 1996 as an EMT. He continued his education, earning his Paramedic license in the fall of 1998. Brian has worked in many roles from Medic to Supervisor, but his true passions are patient care and teaching new Paramedics.
Brian currently works as a Senior Field Training Officer and Critical Care Paramedic.
A common fear of most EMS providers is the fear of being called to care for a family member. Brian’s story has a bit of a twist. Brian was working on Valentine’s Day 2009 when his unit was dispatched to an pediatric inter-facility transfer, the result of child abuse. Always a hard call to manage, the patient’s condition was critical as he had severe head trauma. Brian also recalls the emotions of caring for a child that was hurt as a result of adults’ actions. As always, Brian did an excellent job during the transport. However, you never really forget those calls.
Skip ahead a couple of months. Brian and his wife, Lindsey, had been trying to have a baby for a long time. A friend recommended that they consider adopting a child who had been placed in the care of the state. Solomon, a three-year-old, was a delightful young man and they knew in an instant that he was meant for them. The adoption process— applications, interviews, home visits and court proceedings—went on for what seemed like forever.
Finally, Solomon came to live with them.
The State of Oklahoma realized what a great home Brian and Lindsey offered Solomon. Everyone was happy. It wasn’t long before the couple answered a phone call; the State had another young boy, about 16 months old, who needed an adoptive home. Brian says they couldn’t say no, not without knowing more and meeting the boy. It was only a short time before Brian realized that the boy he could offer a home was the same young patient he had cared for months earlier. Zach had recovered from his injuries, and had some more therapy in his future, but he was obviously a perfect match for this young family.
Within the next year, the State called again. This time a lovely little girl, Gracey, needed a home. Brian and Lindsey thought that a daughter would complete their family and be a great addition to the boys’ lives. She was just as precious as the boys, and they agreed to go through the process again.
Then, (as if you couldn’t see it coming), came the news that after so many years of trying to have a biological baby, Lindsey was expecting. Their family was to grow by one more. Asher was born on March 14, 2011. Seventeen months after Solomon came into their lives, their family is complete.
Brian spends the majority of his off-duty time being a great dad—helping the boys work off all their energy, treating his little princess like a princess, and watching favorite videos for the 100th time. These are his favorite things to do.
But perhaps the most commonly admired attribute of Brian is his constantly positive attitude. Brian can make friends quickly, with anyone from the clerk at the store to the surliest patient to the busiest physician. He never complains about a call, no matter what time of day.
REACT appreciates Brian for everything he does for his patients, for being a great role model, and for inspiring all of us who are privileged to work with him.
Pamela is being recognized as a Star of Life for an act above and beyond the call of duty, as someone who risked personal injury to assist a community member in need.
On Thursday, September 17, 2015 at approximately 16:00, Pam was grocery shopping off duty when she heard a page over the store intercom announcing the need for anyone with medical training to run to the bakery area. Without hesitation, Pam responded.
Upon arrival, she found a group of people encircling a male in his late 60s. He was unconscious, unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Pam immediately took control of the situation. She directed the bystanders to call 911, then began performing CPR for approximately six minutes by herself, before backup arrived to assist. Due to her efforts, the patient is alive today.
Pam jumped right into providing patient care, although her job role is in EMS communications and dispatch. Additionally, she did so when she was recovering from recent abdominal surgery where she had fresh sutures and had been instructed not to perform any rigorous activities at risk of great bodily harm to herself.
This is not the only instance when Pam has gone above and beyond the call of duty. She strives each day to assist 911 callers to the very best of her ability. She aids her fellow co-workers whenever she can, and is always willing to do whatever it takes to better the situation. She is polite, reassuring, ready to learn, and is truly the person you want on the other end of the phone if you need to dial 911 for assistance.
The first thing many people notice about Christina is her enthusiasm and “can do” attitude. This wonderful approach makes her a pleasure to work with and a comfort to her patients in the nearly 14 years she has been with MedicWest.
On December 20, 2015, Christina was working at an event at a hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard when a woman in a car began running over pedestrians in front of the hotel. The hotel personnel notified Christina who rushed to the scene and began providing medical care to the injured. Because of conflicting reports of “shots fired,” all responding EMS personnel were staged waiting for an all clear from law enforcement. Christina single-handedly provided triage and treatment to all patients for 15 minutes until the all clear was given. More than 30 patients received care from Christina and were quickly transported because of her actions.
Her actions, positive attitude and infectious smile are an inspiration to all.
Ryan Davis has been a Life EMS associate since April 2007, and has held various operations roles from Paramedic to Field Supervisor. Ryan is an exceptional role model for his associates and has a passion for field training equaled only by his drive for continual improvement. His work has produced a variety of success stories at Life EMS and he consistently seeks to raise the bar in education. Ryan is a critical deliverer and developer of training in the field training tracker platform.
Beyond his role in associate training, Ryan is active in coordinating clinical third riders among KVCC, WMED, and KCC. Even with his additional responsibilities, Ryan still finds a way to carve out time to coach associates in their day-to-day work life, to serve as a Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner Investigator, and to complete his bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University. Ryan is one to count on in times of crisis—always calm, level- headed, and hard-working yet approachable.
Ryan holds his critical care certification and is been a key link in the chain of success at Life EMS.
Liosdan and Lesyan Borges are partners from AMR’s Miami Operations and have similar backgrounds. Both immigrated at a young age with relatives to the United States from Cuba. Their strong family values, along with a close knit childhood, have contributed to their success in EMS and in their abilities to help others in their times of need.
While on duty, these crew members discovered a horrific motor vehicle accident on the interstate. A stranded motorist, who had been trying to repair a stalled vehicle, was struck by a passing car and sustained life-threatening injuries. The crew immediately took charge and quickly responded. After radioing in a trauma alert, they rendered both BLS and ALS care, and provided treatment to the patient which has been credited as saving his life. Unknown to the crew at the time of the incident, the patient was an AMR co-worker who was on his way home from work.
Because of the partners’ quick thinking and their strong clinical abilities, they saved the life of a colleague.
Walter is being honored as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life for his commitment to his community and to his fellow first responders. Serving as volunteer Field Chief for the Regional Ambulance Castleton First Responders, he manages the team by coordinating scheduling, completing paperwork, and ordering and maintaining supplies, equipment, and uniforms, in addition to responding to calls. Walter has served on the RAS Castleton First Responders since its creation in 1992. Walter is also an AEMT at Regional Ambulance, serving since 1999.
Walter is an instructor for EMT and EMR courses, and he works to train the Castleton police officers to be first responders. Over the past twenty-four years he has consistently demonstrated a devotion to others, serving the public as an Emergency Medical Technician and exemplifying the Regional Ambulance Service motto of “Serving People First with Pride, Proficiency and Professionalism.”
Nick is a rising star in the Sunstar organization. He is being nominated for the 2016 American Ambulance Association Stars of Life for his leadership, mentoring of new employees, and outstanding patient care.
In 2015 Nick received the prestigious Care Plus award for patient care and attained multiple recognition levels within the Sunstar STAR program. In addition, Nick assisted Paramedics Plus in opening a new operation in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Nick was instrumental in preparing for a seamless transition in service to the community of Sioux Falls.
Sunstar is very pleased to nominate Nicholas Eberhardt for the 2016 American Ambulance Association Stars of Life.
Jason Eblen was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and grew up on his family farm and home in Hillsboro, North Dakota, where he attended Hillsboro Public Schools. In his high school years, he developed an interest in the medical field. Jason attended a first responder course after his sophomore year in high school in 1995, then began volunteering for the Hillsboro Ambulance Service.
Jason took a full time position at F-M Ambulance in the summer of 2001 while he continued his education at North Dakota State University. He began paramedic school at F-M Ambulance and Bismarck State College that same year. Jason was promoted to a Paramedic position at F-M Ambulance and continues to work full time as a field provider.
Jason was a key contributor when F-M Ambulance implemented their initial system of live system status monitoring and demand analysis. In 2013, Jason took on a newly developed role as a Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance Specialist and SIM-ND Educator. As a SIM-ND educator, Jason participates in a grant-funded project providing mobile simulation education on high mortality-low frequency scenarios to rural ambulance services and critical access hospitals throughout the state in an effort to improve patient outcomes.
In 2011, the Minnesota High School League recognized Jason for his role in resuscitating a high school basketball player who experienced sudden cardiac arrest during a game at a rural school and was subsequently able to return to the court.
In addition to his previous volunteer service with Hillsboro Ambulance, Jason was a member of the ND EMS Association Board of Directors for several years. He also volunteered as a reserve deputy sheriff for the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.
In his spare time, Jason appreciates working with computers, firearms training, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid NDSU football fan. Jason is married to his wife, Tiffany. They live in Reile’s Acres with her sons, Tristan and Trenton, and a Shih Tzu-Bichon cross, Max.
The Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin (PAAW) selected Chief Deonne Eske of Ashippun Fire Department for the state’s 2016 nomination as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life. She shows exemplary commitment to supporting her local EMS and community members, as well as to working collaboratively with four transporting ambulance services in her region.
Over the past thirty-two years, Chief Eske has progressed from volunteer EMT/ firefighter to lieutenant, captain, and now chief of the department. In 2014, she attended 100% of all fire and EMS meetings and over 90% of fire and rescue calls as a volunteer.
Ashippun has an elderly housing complex with 12 units. During a power outage, Chief Eske took it upon herself to check on the residents. She arranged an oxygen tank for a patient dependent on an oxygen concentrator, then returned every four hours round-the-clock to change the tank and ensure the residents’ wellbeing. She bought them all dinner at her own expense.
In addition, Chief Eske presents an annual fire safety program to the elderly, including how to call 911 and how to prepare for an ambulance’s arrival. Chief Eske follows up on patients who were recently transported by ambulance and goes above and beyond, even cleaning and changing bed sheets before they come back home.
The duties and responsibilities performed by Chief Eske contribute to the quality of life for citizens of and visitors to Wisconsin, through the delivery of high-quality emergency medical care and treatment of the sick or injured.
The Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin is proud to present Fire Chief Deonne Eske for this high honor and recognition as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.
David Franklin is deserving of the American Ambulance Association Star of Life recognition due to his hard work, dedication and leadership as a clinical field supervisor for Cataldo Ambulance. While there are a number of individual calls that represent his exemplary performance as a clinician and leader, the time, commitment and passion he has shown over the past year, a year where a massive Paramedic shortage plagued much of Massachusetts, are the main reasons he deserves this honor. In 2015, Dave was the on-duty supervisor almost every weekend.
Traditionally, Saturday and Sunday are the most difficult shifts to fill and Dave was able to work his magic and kept Cataldo running through some very difficult times. His dedication was apparent, as he would often come in on his days off to assist in filling shifts. He contacted employees and moved staff around to keep our ambulances staffed. Through all of this, he continued to help mentor new supervisors, respond to multiple emergencies during his shifts, assist with ALS transfers, answer hundreds of phone calls, and handle all of the other managerial and supervisory responsibilities. His ability to do all of this, often on very extended shifts, while maintaining a courteous and professional attitude, has earned him the respect and admiration of almost every employee at Cataldo Ambulance. The leaders at Cataldo Ambulance are honored to nominate him for this distinguished award.
Benedict “Benny” Gatto began his EMS career as a volunteer in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn 30 years ago as a volunteer dispatcher. He became a certified EMT at 19 years old and soon chose EMS as his career path. Over the course of his working life, Benny has received numerous awards, including commendations for his work during the Staten Island Ferry incident of 1995. He is a three-time recipient of the Staten Island Borough President distinguished EMS service award.
Benny has been married for 23 years to his wife, Suzanne, and they are the proud parents of two teenage daughters, Maria, 16, and Nicole, 12. Benny’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, cooking, and amateur radio operations.
Benny was chosen by his peers as a Star of Life for outstanding professionalism as an EMT. He is viewed as a role model due to his commitment to lending a helping hand to fellow staff, as well as his willingness to teach his colleagues. Additionally, he consistently demonstrates the very highest level of compassion for his patients.
Northwell Health CEMS is proud to nominate Benedict Gatto as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.
Not only is Tris a positive role model, instructor and mentor, she is also a compassionate and dedicated clinician. Whether holding a hand, wiping away a tear, or comforting a patient, Tris starts each shift with one goal—to make a difference, one patient at a time. In addition to her role as EMT and Field Training Officer, Tris is a volunteer field team member with the King County Search and Rescue, an organization that performs more than 100 urban and rural rescue missions each year. Tris’s passion for EMS and relentless commitment to her profession, community, and the patients she serves are some of the many reasons why she has been selected as a Star of Life.
