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Archives: Stars

Nicole Androski

On May 18, 2017, Nicky and her partner, Thomas Hlava, came to stop at a traffic light. In front of them was what Nicky describes as a “very good-looking Corvette.” As the light turned green, the Corvette started moving forward, and then quickly stopped for no apparent reason. As they were about to pass, Nicky noticed another driver frantically pointing at the Corvette and making a choking sign.

Nicky immediately placed the ambulance in park and approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, where she observed the driver slumped to the side and not moving. The vehicle started to move forward, and Nicky sprinted after it. The Corvette was still moving forward at about 5 mph when Nicky finally caught up to the car. She could hear fast gasping respirations coming from the driver, but the door was locked. Luckily, the window was down, and Nicky leaned through it to activate the emergency brake, stopping the vehicle.

At this point, she tried to rouse the patient, but he remained unresponsive. Nicky attempted to locate the inside door handle but couldn’t find it. At last, she was able to lower the passenger side window to climb into the vehicle and turn off the engine.

Nicky then performed a pulse check on the driver, which revealed no pulse. She began chest compressions from the passenger seat. With the assistance of her partner and an off-duty Rural Metro Paramedic, a monitor was attached which identified the patient was experiencing ventricular fibrillation. It took two shocks, but the patient’s heart converted, and he attained a return of spontaneous circulation. An IV was placed and fluids administered, and the patient resumed breathing on his own.

Nicky later learned that she saved Dr. James Mankowski, a retired US Navy Veteran and Doctor of Physics.

Alexander Anderson

When Alexander Anderson heard about the catastrophic Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) in Las Vegas on October 1, he immediately reported to the station, knowing he’d be needed. Alex was assigned to a decompression unit with Dr. Michael Barnum, then they raced into action to began providing care. With his advanced skills as a Critical Care Paramedic, he was able to make a difference in many patient outcomes. As the night unfolded, neither man knew how long they would be needed to run busloads of patients to the hospitals.

Because of his tenure and outstanding record of service, his coworkers as well as hospital staff wish for Alex to be the responding Paramedic, should they ever need emergency medical care. Alex is extremely caring and always goes the extra mile for his patients.

Alex has also helped develop many Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities for the local operations teams. He is an integral participant in the updating of protocols for advanced response techniques like using a bus to treat and transport folks from mass causality incidents. Always humble, Alex does not consider himself a hero.

 

Robert Aberle

In the early morning of August 5, 2017, Robert and his partner were dispatched to a male patient that had fallen into a river while rappelling at Frustration Falls, a very remote area of the Mt. Hood National Forest. The patient was reported to still be in the water with a compound leg fracture. Rescuers initially estimated that it would take 6–10 hours to get the injured man out of the canyon because of the sheer length of rope required. However, due to the remote location, difficult terrain, and an inability to communicate by phone or radio, the rescue estimate ballooned to 24 hours.

Robert hiked miles to locate the patient. Once on scene, Robert then began treating his injuries, administering medications, and working to keep the patient warm and comfortable. With no ability to communicate due to the remote location, Robert stayed with the patient until a Black Hawk helicopter could be activated to extract them the next morning.

For 17 of Robert’s 19-year career in EMS, he has been proud to participate in the Reach and Treat team. Robert is also an Ultra Runner and a personal trainer, and has recently started training the patient that he saved that day.

In recognition of his bravery and dedication, we are proud to call Robert Aberle a 2018 Star of Life.

 

Robert Kelter, MSW, ACSW

After retiring from his first career as the Chief of Social Work and Chaplain Service at a VA Hospital, Bob Kelter didn’t move down South to enjoy the warm weather. Instead, he decided to go back to school to get the necessary training to become a Paramedic. Bob remains active in a number of areas in the community where he lives, including volunteering at his local EMS agency and Fire Department. He also works part-time as a Paramedic at Baraboo District EMS, and as a clinician for the Good Neighbor Clinic in Prairie du Sac and with the Columbia/Sauk Counties Critical Incident Stress Management team.

Bob arrives at each shift with a smile on his face, ready to positively impact the patients that he treats. He is well-liked and respected by his co-workers, and he has excellent patient care skills. Bob has also taken a special interest in the Community EMS / Paramedic program that was recently approved by the State of Wisconsin. He has arranged and attended a number of meetings to garner support of the program within the community,  and has been proactive in advocating for the implementation of this new program.

For these reasons, Baraboo District Ambulance is proud to call Bob Kelter a Star of Life.

Chelsea Punty

Chelsea Punty began her EMS career as a chair car driver with LifeLine in 2015. She then quickly and enthusiastically achieved certification as an EMT in 2016. Since then, she has provided superior patient care on every shift and with every patient. She is a role model to her peers in the quality of care she provides and her positive attitude. She understands that treating a patient in their most vulnerable moments is an honor, and not one to be taken lightly.

Chelsea is one of our top Field Training Officers. She educates to the best of her ability, and continuously supports her peers past their training time with care, compassion, and a drive to see all in the EMS field succeed.

In Chelsea’s spare time, her family comes first and is of utmost importance. She is the primary caretaker of her father, who is struggling with end stage renal failure, diabetes, and blindness. She channels this personal experience to help understand how her patients may feel, and to advocate for them when necessary. Chelsea truly knows the importance of compassion and high quality care. She never allows her personal family situation to negatively affect her role as an EMT, but instead uses these experiences to enhance her ability as a provider.

Chelsea was instrumental in helping organize response to a multiple casualty incident at one of our hospitals in 2017. She is not afraid to be challenged, and takes charge gracefully. She knows and demonstrates the importance of communication and teamwork.

Chelsea is a Star of Life because of her commitment to her serving her community, patients and family. She is active in community outreach and was involved in making sure that our toy drive and food drive were a success. She leads by example and motivates others to be the best they can be.

 

 

Dan Krant

Dan Krant joined LifeLine as an EMT in 2015. While he began his EMS career with an inquisitive outlook and an interest in the medical field, he always believed he would end up in law enforcement. Over the course of the last few years, Dan discovered that EMS is his passion. Because of this, he has grown as a provider and leader within our company and industry.

Dan is an enthusiastic and passionate Field Training Officer, and greatly enjoys helping hone our new EMTs into the best providers they can be. He welcomes the challenges faced when training and leading his peers. Additionally, his commitment to quality patient care has resulted in his selection as one of LifeLine’s Base Managers.

While many would shy away from difficult or challenging patient interactions, Dan finds joy in problem-solving. He likes when he can successfully calm patients, put someone’s mind at ease, or otherwise positively impact outcomes. Dan maintains singular focus on his patients, and how can he serve them the best as a provider. He also simply enjoys meeting all different types of people.

Dan also understands the value of work-life balance, and encourages others to enjoy life outside of EMS. He uses his personal time to explore the outdoors by camping and hiking.

Dan Krant perfectly embodies the characteristics of a Star of Life because he works diligently to help his patients, peers, friends, and family. Dan is ever-willing to take on more responsibility to benefit others. For these reasons, Lifeline is proud to call Dan a 2018 Star.

Jeffrey Collins

Although Jeff Collins only joined Superior of Indiana just over a year ago, he has achieved so much in this relatively short time. Jeff brought 29 years of EMS experience and knowledge with him to Superior, and that, along with his enthusiasm and commitment, has added greatly to our service.

His wide-ranging experience has stood him in good stead over the past year, and Jeff has developed the Indiana Division by leaps and bounds. He has overseen the implementation of primary 911 service for five cities, including 10 ALS Ambulances and an Emergency Response Vehicle. On top of that, the number of EMTs and Paramedics has increased by 100 percent and the call volume by 80 percent.

Jeff has introduced great employee retention projects to keep our trained staff with Superior and implemented a critical incident stress management (CISM) program. He also launched a Service Excellence Award.

Jeff always takes the time to go out and meet with his employees and to listen to them and their concerns and suggestions.

We are grateful for Jeff’s dedication, leadership, expertise, and never-ending vision of where we can go to next.

Monte Mathews

Monte has had a big impact on both his community and the patients he serves as well as his fellow EMS professionals during his 14-year career as a Paramedic. He has served communities in both Iowa and South Dakota as a Paramedic and firefighter, finally working for Sioux Falls.

As a veteran Paramedic, Monte put his experience and knowledge to good use by shaping the lives and careers of future EMS professionals through his adjunct work for The School of EMS, his management of continuing education, the time he spent as a field training officer, and his encouragement and skill as an instructor for certification courses.

His leadership has been crucial in his work as an operations supervisor. Monte recently worked on the team tapped to oversee implementation of a new and complex computer-aided dispatch system. He was responsible for making sure the mobile terminals used by crews for patient reports worked well and efficiently.

Monte is a trusted and integral member of the Paramedics Plus family. Both our community and our service have benefited hugely from Monte’s exceptional dedication to them. We are honored to nominate him as a Star of Life.

Damian Gonzales

Damian’s ability to influence, innovate, engage, develop, and lead the crews who have direct patient contact makes a tremendous difference in the lives of those patients and the community that Sunstar serves.

As a clinical services coordinator, Damian’s areas of responsibility include managing our field training officer (FTO) program, clinical data analysis, and clinical education for the new EMTs and Paramedics working with Sunstar.

When Damian was promoted from a field clinician to a coordinator, he immediately became interested in data-driven improvement. While he excels in analyzing and adjusting work procedures for maximum efficiency, he also understands that appropriate change comes from meaningful reflection. Damian has been able to quantify, communicate, and elevate the quality of our patient satisfaction and engagement, clinical measures such as scene times, and many other crew-centered measures.

A primary example of Damian’s leadership that’s had immediate impact on the EMS culture is the FTO report card. This is a report of clinician-centered data and feedback that is specific to each FTO, preceptor, assistant supervisor, and mentor within the program. The information is sent back to the crews, helping to show them a clearer path for improvement and a higher quality of care.

The personalized feedback includes their safety measures on driving, clinical documentation scores, QI/operational standings, accolades, and patient engagement scores. This data-centered feedback allows the crews to see where they rank among their peers and gives them a more direct personal connection to Sunstar and its mission in the community.

The FTO report card is just one of the many initiatives that Damian has brought to the forefront. His data-analysis system supports the company’s crews and helps us strive for the everyday excellence at the core of our mission.

 

Lyle Stoll

Lyle has dedicated more than 36 years of service to the community through his work with HealthEast Medical Transportation.

In fact, you could say Lyle is a pillar of HealthEast. He has been an active participant and leader through many changes in the company, community, and profession, all while holding onto and preserving the history and values that remain the foundation of HealthEast.

As a Paramedic, Lyle takes an active role in the development of our EMS profession, our service, and our new field clinicians. As a field preceptor, he shares his experiences, consistently demonstrates professionalism, and collaborates with leadership. Most importantly, Lyle centers our team. He mentors our EMTs, Paramedics, and leaders and maintains focus on what is most important—quality compassionate care.

Lyle has remained on the cutting edge of paramedicine, embracing new developments in the field. But one thing has not changed during his long career: Lyle’s dedication to the many patients he has served over the years. He often comments, “I have dedicated my life to the care of the sick and injured,” and this comes from the heart.  You can see the truth in the statement shining through in  his pleasant demeanor and the compassion he shows not only to his patients but to his coworkers as well.

His performance has been recognized by his peers with the HealthEast “One of Our Best” awards.

He states that his personal goal, inspired by his father, is to be the best Paramedic that he can be, and by his own estimate, he’s got about four more years left in his career to achieve that.

Lyle loves spending time with his family, and he values their special place in his life. “God, family, then self,” he often quotes from one of his favorite books, I am Third, by Gale Sayers.

Sharon Taulbert

Sharon started at MEDIC in 2014, and she has continuously worked to improve not only her department but the agency. She is an active EMT with Mint Hill, and she has led several work groups designed to improve employee well-being, most recently one on providing resources for employees outside of the Employee Assistance Program.

Sharon has also worked to implement a new HR system that will allow employees to make changes to benefits at their convenience instead of filling out paper forms. She has also served on several agency work groups as a subject-matter expert.

The staff who work directly for Sharon say that one of her finest attributes is that she leads by example. She is available for them and every staff member of the agency, and she is widely regarded as being a person you can truly count on. When someone has an issue, she will take the time to listen and help him or her resolve their problem, whether or not she is busy with other duties.

Sharon is also known for teaching in an encouraging manner while making sure that her employees have the resources they need. According to one MEDIC employee, “She has been one of the most influential and exceptional managers.”

Kenneth “Erik” Riggle

Erik’s life of service began at a young age, when he became a Boy Scout. During his time as a Boy Scout, Erik enjoyed the first aid lessons he received, and he developed a passion for helping others. Currently, Erik holds the honor of being an Eagle Scout. At the age of 16 he became a Cadet at his local fire department, and became an EMT at age 18. In 2007, Erik continued his education and became a Paramedic. Today, he possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to manage critical patients between hospitals, specialty referral centers, and extended care facilities. Erik joined Community Care Ambulance in 2017 as a Paramedic. He has been nominated as a Star of Life for his exemplary customer service and documentation skills. Erik has profound respect for EMS and he demonstrates it on a daily basis through his interactions with patients, customers, and coworkers.

Erik also writes extremely good patient reports, which are so well done that we now use one of his reports in documentation class to teach new employees how to write correct reports. Well written documentation is so vital for all aspects of patient care, from complete medical records, proper billing, and support of the organization. Erik is a great source of information. He is always available to answer questions and he encourages others to become more involved in EMS and CCA.

Even when he is not on the clock, Erik’s priority is always helping others. One day, after his shift, he was on his way to eat when he came across a man who had been in a motor vehicle accident. Without hesitation, Erik quickly helped pull the driver from his burning car. Erik is always thinking of others, and he demonstrated that during this off-duty response.

During his time off, Erik enjoys spending time with his wife and six children – ages 19, 17, 15, 13, 10, and 6.  They enjoy backpacking, fishing, and hunting. Erik also enjoys reading and watching cartoons.

He is a highly skilled Paramedic who provides quality clinical care to all of his patients, which is why he is a 2018 Star of Life.

Trudi Marcial

Trudi and her family came to the United States when she was just five years old because Martial Law had been declared in the Philippines. She later studied art at the Cleveland Institute of Art and then spent over 20 years working in Graphics Production.

In March of 2014, Trudi decided that she wanted to transition into a more fulfilling career – Emergency Medical Services. She became a Wheelchair Technician at Community Care Ambulance, so that she could assist people in their discharge trips and pre-hospital travel. Trudi always makes sure that she leaves her patients with the lasting impression that she truly care for them. She anticipates and strives to understand the unique needs of patients and customers. Our wheelchair technicians demonstrate personal commitment to the organization’s core values, and Trudi goes above and beyond.

Trudi’s coworkers describe her as someone who puts patients before herself, ensures that patients are kept comfortable and safe at all times, always has a positive attitude, and someone who brings a smile to everyone she meets.

In her spare time, Trudi enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and watching movies. She is also known to sing for weddings, and was once the lead singer in a Journey cover band.

Trudi is nominated as a Star of Life in recognition of her dedication and commitment to providing the highest-quality service to each person she meets and helps every day.

Brandon Pate

From the moment of his first EMS call as a paid on-call EMT in 2004, Brandon knew this career was his calling.

Brandon came to MedStar in 2012 as a Paramedic. He moved up to Field Training Officer and eventually was selected for promotion to MedStar Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) team as a Mobile Healthcare/Critical Care Paramedic in 2015.

In this role, Brandon is responsible for managing high EMS system utilizers and patients at-risk for preventable 9-1-1 calls, hospital Emergency Department visits, and in-patient admissions.

Brandon enjoys the tangible impact he has on the patients he treats. On the MIH team, that impact is not simply a 30- to 40-minute patient encounter, but helping his MIH-enrolled patients over the long term. “As a field Paramedic, I can make patients better, but as an MIH provider, I can help make them well,” he explains.

Brandon was a contributing author of the Community Paramedicine textbook and is a member of the NAEMT Community Paramedicine Curriculum Committee and the Critical Care Paramedic Advisory Committee for the International Board of Specialty Certifications.

He has also presented at national EMS conferences such as EMS Today and EMS World, and he is a member of the Adult Protective Services of Tarrant County Community Board.

Brandon recently graduated from the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Geriatric Practice Leadership Institute, where he developed a new screening, assessment, and intervention process for fall-risk patients.

 

Nick Heasley

Nick embodies the ideals of advocacy, respect, compassion, and integrity. He is an exceptional clinician, educator, mentor, and colleague, and an exemplary leader.

We’re constantly impressed by how he consistently and courageously meets challenges, overcomes obstacles, and pursues excellence in all areas of his life.

Nick shows compassion and kindness for every patient. His calm, open-minded approach never falters, and because of this, he’s always able to establish a rapport with not only the patient but those around him. Nick’s presence and demeanor alone create an atmosphere of confidence and unity that allows the job to be done in a professional manner and with the best outcome.

One of the most striking things about Nick’s attitude as a provider is the amount of patience with which he tackles every obstacle, whether it’s a noncompliant patient or a new hire’s lack of driving skills. He puts Medic’s mission into action every day by preparing providers to save a life, hold a hand, and be ready to respond in our community where and when our patients need us.

At home, he is a full-time husband and father to three young girls, and he supports his wife as she manages an animal hospital. Nick recently learned blacksmithing and established an eco-responsible food system, planting crops and breeding rabbits to provide sustaining food for his family and his community.

Joshua Daly

Josh Daly rose quickly through the ranks at Sunstar, and he has taken advantage of every opportunity the organization has offered to enhance his medical and professional practice.

His impressive professional development has been matched by his ability to influence and lead others. Josh’s achievements include being a FTO, a CME instructor, a Safety Officer, and Sunstar Paramedic’s 2017 FTO of the Year.

Josh’s leadership presence is visible every day. He comes to every class, field shift, and meeting as if it’s an interview for his next leadership role. He is an extraordinary role model to senior professionals as well as an inspiration to EMTs and Paramedics beginning their careers.

Josh shines a light through his quality of care, leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the advancement of the EMS profession.

For these reasons and more, we would like to support and celebrate Josh’s achievements as a Star of Life.

 

Travis Waswick, MD

Dr. Travis Waswick was instrumental in the development of a first-class EMS system in North Dakota’s Traill and Steele counties. His passion for EMS is truly inspiring.

Dr. Waswick began his EMS career with West Traill Ambulance Service as an EMT in 2009 while studying at the University of North Dakota. He continued working for our ambulance service while attending medical school, and has since become our Medical Director. Even after achieving his credentials as a physician, he maintains his NREMT certification.

Dr. Waswick’s commitment to EMS excellence is extraordinary. He makes time to participate in all ambulance meetings and board meetings. He helped develop a new hire onboarding program, and is actively involved in the training of crew members. He makes himself available 24/7 for any questions or concerns our employees may have. Dr. Waswick also created an enhanced QI/QA process to improve patient outcomes in rural North Dakota.

West Traill Ambulance Service is proud and honored to have Dr. Waswick as Medical Director, and he is very deserving of this special award.

Robert Bukovac

Rob is the best of what this country has to offer. He exemplifies the characteristics of a true public servant.

Rob risked his life to defend freedom as a United States Marine, then again as a firefighter and police officer. Now, Rob is saving lives as a Paramedic here at Trinidad Ambulance District. He also serves as our county’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.

Rob is an incredibly intelligent individual with a phenomenal sense of humor. He is affectionately known as our “encyclopedia.”

We are proud and honored to have Rob as a teammate at the Trinidad Ambulance District.

 

Seth “Taylor” Walden

Taylor is a Mamou High School graduate. He was raised with strong family values. Both of his parents are extremely hard working and successful in everything they do. This background led him to success in his job at Franks Casing Crew in Lafayette, Louisiana. He began as a shop hand and worked his way up to a completion supervisor. The time away from his family led him down a new career path. This is where his story with Acadian Ambulance begins.

Taylor has been employed by Acadian since August 2016 as an EMT Basic working out of Evangeline Parish in Ville Platte. Taylor arrives to work on time, and completes his daily duties without hesitation. He works well with his partner to ensure his station and unit are in mint condition and ready for what the day might bring. Taylor is an excellent Basic and has a “can do” attitude with any task assigned to him. He has a hunger for knowledge, and is currently in a Paramedic class.

Taylor is a Louisiana man, through and through—hard working with good Southern values, family-oriented, and dedicated to providing for his family. He is married to Krysten and is father to 2 beautiful children; stepson Jayden and baby daughter Brylee. Taylor enjoys coaching Jayden’s baseball team. He is an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoys woodworking, gardening, and working around his family farm.

His partner and the Acadian family have nothing but amazing things to say about Taylor as a person and an employee. He is highly respected by his co-workers and team members in the medical community. His peers write that he is driven and passionate, and strives to be better tomorrow than he was today.

Family, faith, and hard work form the foundations of Taylor’s upbringing. Those traits are very evident in his work here at Acadian Ambulance.

Taylor says, “I was lucky enough to be put with a long time employee that knows the Acadian Way. I can only hope to make such an impact on my patients throughout my career as he has with his.”

We are proud to share with you Taylor Walden, Star of Life and Acadian Medic of Year from Central Louisiana.

 

Alex Aste

“Infectious positivity” is the best way to describe Texas Medic of the Year Alex Aste, and that trait carries over into every aspect of his job at Acadian in Houston.

Alex joined Acadian with plenty of experience. He has a bachelor of science degree in paramedicine, worked as a combat medic during two separate tours in the Italian Army, and saw action in Afghanistan on a Medevac unit.

Alex came to the United States in 2011 to continue his education and received a bachelor’s degree in human biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of California San Diego.

Unfortunately, when Alex moved to Houston with his wife, who was pursuing a law degree, his Paramedic certification was not recognized, and he was forced to start over with his EMS education.

Now Alex is at the top of his class in the Paramedic program at Alvin Community College in Houston, and he’s looking forward to graduating in August and working again as a Paramedic.

Alex always puts the customer first and provides exemplary service regardless of the situation—he already has an impressive number of commendations. He has had perfect attendance and has never been late for work since starting with Acadian in August 2016.

He also plays an integral role in the Houston Life Gift Operations. In fact, if he isn’t at school or working an extra shift, you will find him serving as a Life Gift Operator.