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.
With more than 22 years at AMR, Robert’s leadership has shone during some of the most challenging events in his community’s recent history.
During the Waldo Canon Fire in 2012, Robert was one of the first units on the scene at the Mount St. Francis Nursing Facility. As the Field Supervisor, he determined the facility needed to be evacuated and quickly implemented a plan. His quick thinking and actions contributed to a successful evacuation and ultimately saved many lives.
On November 27, 2015, Robert coordinated with both fire and police personnel during the Planned Parenthood shooting, an incident that lasted more than six hours. His leadership ensured the treatment and transport of 12 victims.
Robert is now using his knowledge and experience from these difficult events to begin implementation of tactical EMS deployment in Colorado Springs and throughout the region.
Jason Goodwin began his career with LifeNet in 2000. He started as a volunteer firefighter in 1997 with the Salem Volunteer Fire Department and the Sherwood Volunteer Fire Department in Arkansas, and the Nash Fire Department in Texas. Jason received his paramedic certification in 1998.
Jason works in the Texarkana division of LifeNet and takes on the additional responsibility of the ambulance equipment layout for the Texarkana fleet. He is highly respected for his commitment to and concern for his patients. He is the first to volunteer for a task and this is shown through his pride and love of EMS every day.
To give back to the Texarkana community, Jason works alongside his wife in the animal rescue service she started in 2013. When time allows, his hobbies include working on cars, target shooting, and playing video games.
Rakesh has been a part of Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago (GMRTT) for a little more than three years. He is an outstanding clinician, who often exceeds his patients’ expectations. His dedication to patient care and job excellence is evident in the level of enthusiasm he puts into each call.
In October 2015, Rakesh was honored by GMRTT at its Tenth Anniversary function. He won the “Adrenaline Junkie” award. He was resoundingly nominated by his peers, amongst whom he is well respected. He often dedicates his time to coaching colleagues and new team members to ensure their growth and success.
Rakesh is also a member of GMRTT’s Ebola Response Team, which was critical to the management of the pandemic in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2015, he enrolled in the organization’s Paramedic Training Program to advance his skills in the EMS field.
Christopher Grant is an EMT at LifeLine Ambulance Service. He started his EMS career in 2015 after becoming a Navy Corpsman. Chris has a very positive demeanor and is liked and admired by his peers. He serves as a preceptor for new EMTs and shares his military training and experiences with them; in turn they are better prepared to meet the daily challenges and provide excellent patient care.
His professionalism and energy are admired by all those who work with him as well as the patients he cares for. We are proud of his continued service to the United States Navy and are grateful for his dedication and leadership at LifeLine Ambulance Service.
Michael Griffith was born March 28, 1990 in Stratford, New Jersey. He relocated to Euless, Texas in 2005, where he graduated from Euless Trinity High School in 2009. Wanting to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, Michael enlisted in the United States Army as a combat medic. There, he was put through a six week emergency medical technician class and earned national certification as an EMT.
Shortly after his arrival to his duty station at Fort Bliss, Texas, Michael was involved in a hiking accident where he fell over forty feet, breaking his back, elbows, wrists and left ankle. After a year and a half of physical therapy, perseverance, and determination, he was unable to meet the requirements to be released for active duty and was ultimately medically discharged.
Unsure what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, Michael followed his high school sweetheart to Kilgore, Texas and secured employment with East Texas Medical Center EMS in 2013. In 2014, Michael was privileged to enroll in the ETMC EMS Paramedic program. After 11 months of intense training and clinicals, all while employed full time, he earned national and state certification as a Paramedic in February of 2015.
Michael Griffith strives to be the standard bearer for EMS. He gives 100 percent in all aspects of life and his chosen career. One of Michael’s strongest virtues is his desire to improve. Although he places in our strongest group of Paramedics with regard to clinical ability, it is his consistent, intentional efforts to improve that separate him from others.
Michael is a very compassionate person who was drawn to this field due to his caring nature. He always thinks of others first whether it is the patient, the patient’s family members, or first responders on the scene. Michael is willing to share his knowledge with student riders and first responders, and is able to do so in a manner that never comes across in an arrogant or negative fashion. His dedication to his profession and the ETMC EMS organization is obvious to all who are blessed to make his acquaintance.
Michael traveled a long way from New Jersey to Texas and we are pleased he decided to make the journey. Most of us will face a time in which we need emergency medical assistance. When your time comes and you look up to see Michael Griffith’s face and hear his calm, reassuring voice, you can rest easy as you are in highly capable hands!
Robert and Marc Archer are partners operating out of AMR’s Redlands operations in San Bernardino County. On December 2, 2015, they were among the first EMS personnel to arrive at the scene of the devastating terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center where 14 people were killed and 21 were injured.
Upon arrival, Marc and Robert moved into the triage area which was surrounded by police personnel and protected by rooftop snipers due to concerns the shooters would return to attack first responders. Immediately, the two paramedics encountered numerous gunshot victims, and began adapting triage protocols to address the volume of victims and nature of the injuries sustained, and at times moving from patients who had succumbed to injuries to try and save others.
Marc and Robert, in addition to numerous AMR and public safety personnel, were able to rise to the occasion on this day, stay calm and focused, and do what they needed to do to save the lives of patients in a very difficult and dangerous situation.
Kristy Halter started full time at Saint Francois County Ambulance District (SFCAD) on May 26, 1998. During Kristy’s senior year of high school, she job shadowed a few hours each week here at SFCAD. She would help out with office duties and caught on quickly to new tasks. Upon graduating high school, she was hired full time.
Her first position was as our billing clerk. It was obvious that she was eager to assist with anything the service needed, even driving our non-emergency transport wheelchair van. She then became a car seat technician in addition to her billing duties. She became interested in information technology (IT) when we transitioned to laptops for electronic reporting. Kristy quickly took on the in- house role as the “IT go-to person.” In 2015, Kristy was promoted to the IT/Education Account Manager.
Kristy is an amazing employee and an all-around great person. She is the one all others run to anytime anything goes wrong, whether it be with IT or education. Everyone’s response to questions they cannot answer is, “ask Kristy,” “take it to Kristy,” or “Hey Kristy!” She always answers with “Yes.” Each day, she is pulled in a thousand different directions and always manages to complete every task that she has in front of her, without complaint and always with a smile.
Kristy has been married to her husband, Chris Halter, for 15 years, and they have two wonderful children, Carter (11), and Kendra (7).
Kristy is a very important part of our service and helps to keep it running smoothly. The staff of SFCAD is extremely proud to have her as part of our team.
Ramona Hanks was chosen as Acadian’s Texas EMT of the Year. Mona is one of Acadian’s original Texas pioneers, joining Acadian in 2006. She serves on the Employee Stock Ownership Plan Committee advocating employee ownership to her fellow co-workers, and is also on the Safety Committee and a member of the Critical Incident Stress/Peer-Support Team.
Mona also works with the Bridge City Fire Department, serves on the board of the Golden Triangle Special Olympics, and volunteers in her church. She has been honored as a previous winner of the Southeast Texas EMT of the Year award and has received the Acadian Pride award, the Acadian Spirit award and four Meritorious Service awards for exemplary service.
“I always wanted to be an EMT,” Mona said. “I love what I do. I’m the one who’s able to let the family know what’s going on. My goal is to better myself as a partner and to help with the whole picture—the patient, the family, and the facility.”
Bryan has lived in White Settlement, Texas, just a few miles away from MedStar’s headquarters, all his life. He is a volunteer with his hometown fire department and has been with MedStar for two years. MedStar was his first EMS position, and he plans on making EMS his life-long profession by attending paramedic school in the near future.
When asked about what he likes most about EMS, Bryan is quick to highlight his desire to help people, and to make every interaction, with every patient, the best it can be—even at some of the most challenging moments in someone’s life.
Bryan was selected for the Star of Life honor because of his incredible work ethic, dependability, commitment to excellence, and customer service.
Bryan is very excited about his trip to Washington, D.C. for two major reasons; to meet other Stars from across the country, and because this will be his first ever trip to Washington. MedStar is proud to nominate Bryan Harrell as a 2016 American Ambulance Association Star of Life.
“A high standard of excellence” and “commitment” are words that describe Kayla Hedlund and her work with Lakes Region EMS. She consistently goes above and beyond, surpassing expectations to advance her knowledge within her role.
Because of Kayla’s desire to advance her knowledge, in addition to being a Paramedic, she is also a respiratory therapist. These two titles combined show Kayla’s commitment to providing the best care for her patients. Each role has a unique set of
challenges that help her to progress her clinical knowledge; and if Kayla was not already pushing the envelope, she has recently taken on a new role within Lakes Region EMS. Because of her ability to translate her knowledge into a relatable and easy-to-understand format, she has been chosen to design lesson plans and scenarios for the Critical Care Program that will help teach others and lead them on the road to success.
“Success” is also a word that describes Kayla and her endeavors. She is joy to work with, and her optimism brings positive energy to the workplace. Kayla readily volunteers for any project and is up for any task. She is kind to all she meets, and has deep loyalty to the patients and staff of Lakes Region EMS.
Kayla’s excellence and dedication to all she does has made her more than deserving of this award. We all strive to surpass the expectation, push the envelope, and advance our knowledge, but Kayla has certainly mastered each of these goals.
We at Lakes Region EMS are proud to have her as a part of our family.
Cliff is the model of a homegrown made-in-Solano County success story. Cliff was born and raised in Benicia, California, which he still calls home today. EMS caught Cliff’s interest early. He went to EMT school at Solano College, then applied to work at Medic Ambulance, where he quickly became part of the family. Cliff put his time and effort into becoming the best EMT he could be, and when it was time he knew he was ready to take on the challenge of becoming a Paramedic. Cliff not only has passed that challenge but also led the way for others. Cliff is now finishing his eighth year as a Paramedic at Medic. He is a Field Training Officer, County Preceptor, and the Chair of Medic Ambulance’s Internal Quality Improvement Committee.
Cliff is being recognized as a Star of Life for his role as one of Medic Ambulance’s Community Paramedics. Community Paramedicine is a new and innovative model in providing healthcare, and Cliff is one of only 77 Community Paramedics in the state. Cliff dedicated many hours to mandatory didactic and clinical training as part of the program, all while still performing his normal job duties as Paramedic.
Cliff always takes the time to instruct, improve and create a better environment for others. Whether it is a Paramedic student or a new employee, Cliff is always there to lend a helping hand.
Cliff’s commitment to excellence shows in everything he does, and thus he has been selected for the third year in a row as Medic Ambulance’s 2016 Paramedic of the Year. Cliff was also recognized as a 2016 California Star of Life for his performance excellence in March by the California Ambulance Association in Sacramento, California.
In Cliff’s free time he loves spending time outdoors and with his son, CJ. Great job, Cliff!
Brandon was hired by Mohawk Ambulance Service in 2011 as an EMT. In just a few months’ time, Brandon’s excellent leadership skills became apparent, and in 2012 he was promoted to supervisor. In 2014, he became a Paramedic, then rose to Station Leader. Because of Brandon’s dedication and expertise, he was able to seamlessly step in for six months to cover for a Regional Manager.
Brandon was born and raised in Gloversville, New York. After an active duty tour in the military, he returned to Gloversville, which he still calls home. He received his Certificate in Paramedicine from SUNY Cobleskill, and has earned two Distinguished Service awards during his tenure at Mohawk. He likes working with others and helping people in a fast-paced, high-stress job.
In Brandon’s spare time he is a volunteer firefighter. He also enjoys spending time in the outdoors hiking, hunting, and fishing.
Mohawk Ambulance Service is proud to honor Brandon as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.
Lance Hester perfectly embodies the spirit of EMS. His leadership appears effortless, and he is known for always finding a creative solution to problems, no matter how big or small. Lance’s talent led him to progress professionally over the years, rising through the ranks of EMT, Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Critical Care Transport Paramedic, and, most recently, overnight Shift Commander.
Last fall, Lance responded as the supervisor in charge to a mass shooting at a local Boys and Girls Club. His command decisions impacting patient care and responder safety and thoughtful actions on the scene earned the praise of many of his colleagues and fellow responding agencies. While this critical incident stands out, Lance commands the respect and admiration of all who have the privilege of working alongside him.
“Exceeds all expectations,” “nurturing,” “loves to teach,” and “nothing is too overwhelming”—that’s how Anastasia’s co-workers describe her.
In December 2014, she served as medical commander at one of Knox County’s biggest mass casualty incidents. Two full school buses collided, killing three. Several of the patients were kindergarten age. Her leadership helped to ensure that every patient was sent to a hospital which could provide the level of care needed. She also made sure the uninjured were taken to a secure, comforting location.
Called “our most accomplished paramedic field training officer,” every trainee she works with asks again and again for more shifts under her guidance. When Education Days approach, she is among the first to sign up to brief her colleagues, novice and veteran alike, about new equipment and tricks of the trade.
At scenes with more than one patient, she often takes the worst injured, in part to spare her subordinates the stress that can come with working major trauma. Anastasia provides excellent care for her patients and exceptional support for her teammates.
