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Archives: Stars

Michael Collums

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Michael Collums was doing the work that he loved and had done with excellence when he was killed in the line of duty on February 21, 2017. An EMT with more than 20 years of service, Mike was responding to an emergency patient when his ambulance collided with another vehicle. Mike was 54 years old.

Mike’s greatest passions were his sons, grandsons, and protecting the community as an EMT. Mike’s co-workers valued his reliability, attention to detail, and good humor. Mike was meticulous in all he did and he held others to that same high standard. Mike’s pride in his work showed in the crisp uniform he always wore.

As with many of us, Mike had a second occupation. Mike was also the safety coordinator and part of the office staff at a welding company.

Mike encouraged his wife, Gwen, to become an EMT. Gwen is now in her 12th year of service.

Mike left a legacy as a model EMT, devoted public guardian and beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and co-worker. A most humble man, Mike would have said, “I was just doing my job.”

Hugo Badillo

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Paramedic Hugo Badillo has been a member of the American Medical Response team for five years. Hugo earned his EMT certification in 2011 and completed his Paramedic studies last year. Hugo’s positive attitude and uplifting spirit inspire those around them.

Hugo is known for having a strong work ethic and can-do attitude, regardless of whether he is on or off the clock. Last December, Hugo was dropping a family member off at home when he heard a woman screaming. Hugo was off-duty but investigated anyway – and found an unresponsive toddler in the woman’s arms. Hugo assessed the situation, performed back blows and chest thrusts, and then began CPR on the pulse-less child. After approximately two minutes, the child began to breathe on his own and regained consciousness.

Tracy Allen

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Critical Care Paramedic Tracy Allen has spent the last decade of her life caring for other people’s loved ones. In August 2016, Tracy faced the heart-wrenching challenge of caring for members of her own EMS family.

Tracy, fellow Star of Life Honoree Theresa Hartman, and their partners responded last summer to a head-on crash involving an AMR ambulance in which two paramedics were injured. Tracy took command of the scene and provided expert care to her most critically injured colleague. Later, Tracy and Theresa volunteered to transfer their colleague from the initial receiving hospital to a higher-level trauma center.

During her teammates’ long recovery process, Tracy was a beacon at local events benefiting the two. Tracy’s colleagues say that this specific case was just one notable incident in a career marked by sacrifice, advocacy, and a commitment to quality patient care.

Chana Alexander

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Chana Alexander takes an active role in helping her colleagues and community thrive. As a Field Training Officer and Associate Supervisor, Chana teaches portions of her operation’s new hire orientation and education modules for other team members. She consistently works to empower others to provide the best possible patient care.

Chana is committed to increasing community safety and supporting local veterans. She is a volunteer for programs designed to decrease drunk and impaired driving. In 2013, Chana created a program designed to teach CPR to every local high school student. Since then, she and her program team have provided CPR instruction to more than 8,000 students. Chana also founded an annual charity softball tournament to benefit veterans. During its first three years, the tournament brought in more than $15,000.

Eric Eizenga

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Eric D. Eizenga, EMT-P, currently serves as the Merrillville Station Manager and Merrillville 911 Operations Manager for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service in Indiana. Eric is a dedicated professional with over four years of experience working for Superior Ambulance.

Eric began his EMS career by going to EMT school at Advocate Health Hospital in 2012, where he graduated with honors. After graduation, Eric began working for Superior Ambulance in January of 2013. He quickly moved into a position on a CCT ambulance.

He soon realized that he wanted to continue developing his skills and taking on new challenges within the EMS profession. In May of 2015, Eric graduated from the accelerated Paramedic program at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Eric then took his National Registry exam and began working as a Paramedic.

In April of 2017, Eric started his current position as Merrillville Station Manager and Merrillville 911 Operations Manager . This role provides him with the opportunity to continue his professional development. Eric looks forward to taking on new challenges in this position and hopes to attend CCT school at Loyola in the near future, while maintaining his position as Manager.

In his free time, Eric enjoys working on cars and motorcycles. An avid outdoorsman, Eric also enjoys shooting, hunting, and fishing, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Brian Porch

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Brian is being honored as a Star of Life for his commitment to his community and to his patients. Brian was nominated by several of his peers.

Brian started in EMS 15 years ago as a volunteer, and he has worked for Regional Ambulance Service for the past 11 years. Brian is a Critical Care Paramedic where he displays professionalism and provides exceptional lifesaving skills. Brian never buckles under pressure and is always calm and collected, no matter the nature of a call. Brian is extremely confident and knowledgeable when it comes to emergency medicine. Brian is the type of Paramedic you hope shows up at your doorstep if you or a family member is facing a medical emergency.

Brian has also served at his local volunteer fire department for the past 19 years, and has shown his leadership capabilities serving in officer positions, including Deputy Chief.

Regional Ambulance is proud to be represented by Brian Porch, who lives out our motto of “Serving People First with Pride, Proficiency and Professionalism.”

Christopher Waters

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

After serving in the US Army, the United Nations peace keeping forces, and the Elfrida Fire Department, Christopher Waters found his true calling in EMS. Helping people in their time of need, easing pain, quelling fears, and saving lives is what he was meant to do.

Chris worked at the Sunsites/Pearce Fire Department full time, attaining the rank of Captain, while simultaneously volunteering at his hometown fire department. Chris’s EMS career has spanned 20 years, nine of which have been with his second family at Arizona Ambulance.

During his service as an EMT for Arizona Ambulance, Chris has proven time and again that he is one of our finest clinicians—bringing to work each day a wealth of experience, skill, and knowledge. Just as importantly, Chris exhibits deep compassion in his patient care, a personal touch that stays with his patients and their families for years.

Chris is a natural leader and mentor; he is looked up to by our young EMTs and Paramedics as well as highly respected by his long-time peers. Chris befriends our new employees on their first day with Arizona Ambulance, makes them feel comfortable, and treats them as though they have been with us for months. He shares his clinical knowledge as well as his practical experience without ever acting “superior” or talking down to others. If there is an operational problem that arises, Chris will bring it to leadership’s attention along with two or three solutions he has already thought out.

Chris exudes a calm demeanor under high stress situations. He is calm, cool, and organized during critical patient care moments where every second counts, as well as is possessing of excellent and vital communication skills during calls.

We are proud to recognize Chris as a Star of Life for his contributions to Arizona Ambulance as well as the entire community.

Kyle Wolber

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Kyle A. Wolber, EMT-B, currently serves as the Operations Liaison for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service in Illinois. Since May 2016, Kyle has been committed to helping Superior in all aspects of operations. Kyle is a dedicated professional with six years of experience in Emergency Medical Services and non-emergency ambulance and an EMT-B.

In 2006, Kyle began his role in EMS as a Firefighter/EMT-B for the Franklin Grove Fire Protection District, running approximately 1,500 calls a year for his local community as a paid-on-call. While serving his community, Kyle assisted in running a Congressional office for United States Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL 11th District), which he credits as one of his life’s peak moments. In 2009, Kyle left the EMS community to enlist in the United States Army as a combat soldier. Kyle served a total of six years, and advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant before leaving active duty with the 82nd Airborne Division. Kyle is a decorated war hero, serving one tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan, earning himself a Bronze Star among many other awards. Kyle now serves in the Illinois Army National Guard as a Sergeant First Class, running a platoon of soldiers for his unit.

Kyle re-instated his license as an EMT-B and came to join the family at Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service. Kyle began working on an ambulance and quickly advanced up to his current position. Kyle currently plays an active role in his community with the American Legion, VFW, and Citizen’s Police Academy. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys helping his family farm corn and beans in Northern Illinois, where they have horses, hogs, and cattle. Kyle loves to workout, Jet Ski at his family’s lake house in Michigan, and spend time with his friends and family. Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Kyle as a 2017 Star of Life.

David Mikec

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

David Mikec came to Bell Ambulance in 2014 as a seasoned Critical Care Paramedic. Dave immediately gained respect from his coworkers and it only took him a year to win his first Employee of the Year award in 2015.  He won Employee of the Year again in 2019. Since that time, Dave has worked his way through the ranks and is now a Supervisor with the company and has aspirations of management in the future. Dave is well known for bringing his calm, level-headed demeanor into any stressful situation. 

During the Pandemic, Dave was a resource for PPE, hygiene and cleaning questions and concerns. He was a shoulder to lean on during the stressful times all the caregivers experienced over the last couple of years. Dave also worked at Fort McCoy as part of Operations Allies Welcome providing treatment and transport to our Afghan refugees. Dave is a jack of all trades. He tends to take people under his wing to help develop them to their fullest potential, and he also takes the time to work with the EMT-Basics to educate them, and help push them toward a career as a Paramedic.  

Dave lives in Wauwatosa with his wife, Amy, and their two daughters. He is an avid music lover and enjoys outdoor adventures with his family. 
 
David was also previously recognized as a 2017 Star of Life.

Derek Vermillion

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Derek began his career in EMS in 2010 as an EMT Basic with the Watonga, Oklahoma Fire Department. Shortly thereafter, Derek was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in the 45th Infantry Division for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2011–2012 Derek was redeployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Upon returning in 2012, Derek enrolled in Paramedic school at Redlands Community College, completing his degree in 2014. Derek started working at Life EMS in August of 2015, and has since been promoted to the position of Operations and QA Supervisor.

Derek was instrumental in implementing Life EMS’ new mapping system software and played a key role in rebuilding the Volunteer rural Service in Watonga to prevent it from closing.

Derek was chosen as a Star by his fellow medics. Derek’s passion and pride in his work at Life EMS and Watonga EMS is truly unprecedented.

Life EMS is proud to recognize Derek Vermillion as a 2017 Star of Life.

R. Duane Thomas

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

When Duane Thomas found EMS, he found his calling. Duane came to LifeCare in 2011 as an EMT-B, and went on to complete the Intermediate program in 2015. Duane is described by his colleagues as, “professional, caring, and always an advocate for his patients.” While still an EMT-B, Duane was the partner that every medic would want on their crew. Duane always anticipated what the medic would need and would have it ready. Duane is not afraid to offer or take suggestions on a call and is always eager to learn and improve his skill set.

Duane always represents LifeCare in a professional and caring manner. The clinical care and comfort of Duane’s patients is always his priority. Duane has earned the respect of the doctors, nurses and staff members of the medical facilities he visits with his patients.

Duane’s commitment to excellence in clinical care and customer service is deserving of recognition. Duane’s LifeCare colleagues and supervisors are in agreement that his dedication to providing the best EMS care to the people of the Southwestern region of Virginia is exemplary. LifeCare Medical Transports is proud to recognize Duane as a 2017 Star of Life.

Doug Volin

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Doug Volin has more than 17 years of experience in emergency medical services, spending the past six years with Lakes Region EMS. Doug started his career as a Firefighter/EMT-Basic, quickly deciding that he wanted to become a Paramedic. Now, Doug is a Paramedic Field Training Officer, SWAT team medic and employee liaison on our Board of Directors. Over his career, Doug has shown consistently how to lead through example. Doug has the ability to take a very stressful call or situation and turn it into what feels like a routine call. As a Field Training Officer, Doug’s ability to push new hires and Paramedic students to learn from their calls and expand their knowledge is what makes him an important part of our organization. While working full time at Lakes Region EMS Doug made time to complete our Critical Care Course. Doug has also been chosen to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors as an employee liaison. Lakes Region EMS is proud to nominate Doug as a 2017 Star of Life.

Doug Volin has been a Paramedic-FTO with Lakes Region EMS for 6 years. In that time he has shown consistently how to lead through example. He has the ability to take a very stressful call or situation and turn it into what feels like a routine call. As a Field Training Officer, Doug’s ability to push new hires and paramedic students to learn from their calls and expand their knowledge is what makes him an important part of our organization. While working full time at Lakes Region EMS Doug made time to complete our Critical Care Course. He was also chosen to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors as an employee liaison.

Angela Jarrett

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Angela “Angie” Jarrett, NRP, began her career in EMS as an EMT in 2001, joining Gold Cross in 2007.

Angie works collaboratively and fosters an inclusive environment. Angie says she finds her role as a leader and mentor very rewarding. “It is extremely gratifying to pass along my knowledge and experiences to others and to see it reflected in the patient care they provide,” Angie said. In her estimation, Angie believes that leadership should not be about one’s own accomplishments; rather it should be “the ability to contribute to the success of others.”

Throughout her career, Angie has demonstrated initiative and is respected as someone who mentors and leads by example in providing the best care to every patient, every day.
A colleague wrote, “Angie is always willing to listen and help crew members through any situation they are facing. Thanks to her leadership, when challenges have arisen between crew members, Angie is able to bring calm to the situation. Angie is always mindful of the differences in people and their views of a given situation.”

Angie’s advice for the next generation of Paramedics coming into the workforce is, “I would tell them to build one another up, do your best every day, and choose to be part of the solution.”

Gold Cross, the Paramedic service of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is proud to be represented by Angie Jarrett, a Paramedic and Assistant Operations Supervisor, as a 2017 Star of Life.

John E. Smith

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

John Smith initially applied to Community Care Ambulance (CCA) for a Wheelchair Technician position. During John’s interview, CCA recognized his passion for caring for others, and his dedication after many years in the industry. Instead of bringing John on board as a Wheelchair Technician, CCA invited John to join the team as our Hospital Coordinator within the Marketing Department.

John began his career in the industry more than 25 years ago as a Wheelchair Technician, then advanced into a Supervisor role. For fifteen years, John collaborated with various organizations and associations to assist in teaching Wheelchair Technician courses within the state, covering topics ranging from customer service to crew and patient safety.

From John’s very first day at CCA, he has proven himself to be invaluable. John’s impeccable customer service, dedication to a job well done, and care delivered to patients is inspiring. John always has a smile on his face, even in moments of stress. John always goes above and beyond for his fellow co-workers, customers, and patients. Additionally, John works at night and on weekends, filling in where needed as a Wheelchair Technician.

John has now been part of CCA for two years in his role of Hospital Coordinator. Due to his diligence and dedication, John has been instrumental in building relationships with the staff at our local University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center. Everyone at Ahuja knows John, from the Manager of the ER, to the ladies that work in the gift shop, and John is considered part of the family.

John has dedicated his life to serving others through medical transportation as a Wheelchair Tech, Supervisor, and now as Hospital Coordinator. John is humble, kind, reliable, and goes the extra mile every day for all of our patients. John carries with him a sense of pride, respect, and integrity for his job. It is for these reasons that Community Care Ambulance is proud to recognize John as a 2017 Star of Life.

Craig Sparks

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Craig began his EMS career by attending EMT school in 2007. Craig graduated Paramedic school in 2010 and joined Pafford Medical Services in rural Mississippi the summer of that same year. Always a team player, Craig emerged as a team leader among his peers. He serves as the Field Training Officer for Pafford’s Bolivar County, Mississippi operation as well as assists with QA for the Pafford Delta Division’s participation in the Mississippi Trauma System.

As Craig grew in his position, he wanted to do more and became a CPR instructor as well as an ACLS instructor. This did not satisfy Craig’s thirst to provide others with the knowledge of this great profession and in 2016 he became an EMT Instructor at Coahoma Community College. Craig and the other EMT Instructor at the school have enjoyed great success with excellent pass rates.

Craig is a loyal, productive, and dynamic employee as well as a humble community servant. Craig has served on the front lines for Pafford, having been deployed to hurricane responses on the Louisiana Coast as well as flood evacuations in Mississippi.
Fellow employees know they can depend on Craig Sparks to lend a helping hand no matter what they need. Craig’s compassion for his fellow man, whether on the clock or off, is demonstrated in everything he does. Craig always puts service over self to ensure that his patients get the care that they deserve. Pafford Medical Services of Mississippi is proud to nominate Craig Sparks as an American Ambulance Association 2017 Star of Life.

Andrea Nicole Earley

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Andrea Earley of Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service has a bright spirit and a heart dedicated to serving her community. Andrea is a great Paramedic, but her real talent shines through in the amazing events she develops as the Public Event Coordinator.

Andrea organizes activities such as the Ardmore Touch-a-Truck, Kids Day in the Park, and city-wide bicycle safety programs. Andrea sets up and promotes numerous “crash bashes” to educate high school students in the area about the dangers of drunk driving.

Andrea designs and sells company t-shirts for breast cancer awareness, then donates the proceeds to support those fighting cancer. This year, Andrea voluntarily coordinated the emergency care and medical support for the 2017 Tim Tebow “Night to Shine Event,” a special needs prom night celebration.

Andrea is always willing to jump in and help. Andrea always pushes for positive promotion of EMS and she is truly a shining star in our community. For these reasons, Andrea was selected as the Oklahoma Ambulance Association 2017 Star of Life.

Melissa Zimmer

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Melissa joined Metro West Ambulance on April 17, 2000 as a BLS provider in the non-emergent wheelchair transport division. Over the years, Melissa has held many positions within the company, such as shop manager, ambulance department supervisor, and dispatch supervisor. Melissa’s internal desire and strive to learn all there is to know in EMS and in the organization is commendable.

During the last year while fighting a very brave battle with cancer, Melissa has still been able to maintain her position as Logistics Manager, Chief of Staff, supervisor to the Vehicle Service Technicians, and supervisor of the Vernonia Ambulance Volunteers. Melissa will frequently staff openings in the 911 system and, in her spare time, volunteers at River City Speedway as one of the emergency responders during their racing events.

Despite her commitment to volunteer work and difficult battle with cancer, Melissa has remained dedicated to her career as an EMS provider, through both her duties at Metro West Ambulance as well as her support of her community.

It is Metro West Ambulance’s pleasure to nominate Melissa Zimmer as a 2017 Star of Life.

Matthew Williams

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Matthew “Matt” Williams is involved in multiple aspects of LifeNet’s EMS service in Stillwater, Oklahoma; including new employee development, our quality assurance processes, education, and multiple leadership roles. Matt completed his paramedic education at Oklahoma State University, and is pursuing a B.S. in Emergency Medical Services Administration at Columbia Southern University. When Matt is not at work, which is a rarity, Matt spends time with his wife, Felisha, and their seven children. Matt and his family enjoy fishing, traveling, and attending various sporting events.

Matt is LifeNet’s 2017 Star of Life representing our Stillwater, Oklahoma division. Matt’s coworkers nominated him for his dedication to our patients, the community, and for his commitment to the LifeNet team.

Marilyn Williams

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

For 20 years, Marilyn has been serving the citizens of Oklahoma. For the past 14 years, Marilyn has been working for Pafford EMS of Oklahoma. In those 14 years, Marilyn has proven to be an invaluable asset to both the company and her peers.

Marilyn has always been the kind of EMT that takes her peers into consideration, often volunteering to take emergency calls, inter-facility transfers, or posting assignments, just so other crewmembers can catch a break, get something to eat, or a take a shower.

Marilyn has always strived for excellence in everything she does. Marilyn is passionate about her job and her peers, compassionate with her patients, and is a model person and employee.

Most EMS providers look at their peers in EMS as an extension of their immediate family and Marilyn is no different. Marilyn often takes this family approach to unforeseen levels. Marilyn goes out of her way to ensure the crews who are working on holidays enjoy a warm holiday meal, even coming to the station on her day off.

Whenever Marilyn’s peers face difficult times, either on a professional or personal level, Marilyn is always the first person to come to their aid, offering them any support she can provide. Whether it be a shoulder to cry on, a warm meal, or just simply letting them know that she cares and will be praying for them, Marilyn cares deeply for her peers. Pafford EMS of Oklahoma is proud to nominate Marilyn Williams as a 2017 Star of Life.

James Wilcott

Written by Aaron Director on . Posted in Uncategorized.

James has been serving his community in many different ways for the past 15 years. Starting at the age of 16, James began as a volunteer cadet firefighter for Greencares’ Fire Department. While with Greenacres, James obtained his First Responder certification, followed by his EMT certification.

After turning 18, James moved into the Coos Bay Fire Department as a cadet in their student residency program. While serving with Coos Bay Fire Department, James was able to obtain his EMT Intermediate certificate, as well as various other certifications for rescue operations.

James’ first paid EMT position was with the City of Myrtle Point as an EMT Intermediate. By the time James turned 21, he began working full time for Bay Cities Ambulance and progressed towards earning his paramedic degree. Since becoming a licensed paramedic with Bay Cities Ambulance in 2009, James has continued to advance in his chosen profession, rapidly progressing to Senior Paramedic, Field Training Officer and finally, becoming our organization’s Chief Quality Assurance officer.

After 10 years with Bay Cities Ambulance, James says he gets the most satisfaction by training new EMTs and paramedics and empowering them to continue to advance in their chosen career field. Bay Cities Ambulance is proud to nominate James as a 2017 Star of Life.