Jacqueline Helms began her career in EMS four years ago as a sophomore in college. While working on her bachelor’s degree in physiology and neurobiology at the University of Connecticut, Jacqueline became an EMT-B in order to get her foot in the door of the field of medicine. She quickly fell in love with the job.
Jacqueline worked at Fallon Ambulance Service throughout college, and joined the Action Ambulance team shortly after finishing her degree. She has greatly enjoyed working in such a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and especially loves that she gets to learn something new from every patient and coworker she meets.
Eleven years ago, Leslie O’Dell began her EMS career by accident. After her former husband left the military, Leslie moved to a town with a wilderness medical school. She was already an experienced hiker and had always wanted to take a Wilderness EMT course to help with search-and-rescues, so she signed up for the class. She had never considered making a career as an EMT, but the final two weeks of the course were set up for urban EMS and she was able to test for her EMT-B certification after its completion. So, at the age of thirty-five, Leslie received her EMT qualifications and began working on the local town ambulance.
Although Leslie initially thought her stint as an EMT on an ambulance would be temporary, she fell in love with the job. She currently works as a full-time Advanced EMT for Action Ambulance and per diem at her local fire department, Conway Fire & Rescue.
Andrew Sweeney has worked in mobile healthcare for 12 years. His passion for working with people drove him to a career in EMS, beginning as a wheelchair van driver. In 2007, Andrew became an EMT Basic, and in 2009, a Paramedic. He has been with Action Ambulance since September of 2018, working as a full-time Paramedic.
When asked to describe the best part of his job, Andrew says, “I get to interact with such a vast cross section of the population; from the smiles on expecting parents’ faces when you tell them that it’s a boy or girl, to the comfort of holding a lonely old person’s hand at the end so they don’t face that alone. The ability to bring comfort to and help people never gets old.”
In his short time at Action, Andrew has demonstrated his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to serve patients. He has also shown his innate aptitude for teamwork: He is always willing to help his company and his peers. His love of people and of serving as a Paramedic is evident to everyone. Action Ambulance is lucky to call him part of the family.
Shannon came to Action Ambulance as a brand new EMT Basic in 2016. She is extremely bright and excels at her job, and she is always willing to go the extra mile for her patients and her colleagues at Action. As a result, Shannon has been nominated numerous times for Action’s internal STARCARE awards program.
One colleague wrote about Shannon and her partner, “I would like to nominate two EMTs for a STARCARE award. Approximately two weeks ago, my uncle—who receives hospice care—was discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital. I had Action come and transport him home. My cousin who was with my uncle stated, ‘Those two EMTs were awesome, they made us all feel so comfortable and like we had known each other for years.’ My Aunt said, ‘Oh my God those two girls were awesome. They treated him really well and were making me laugh.” I truly appreciate the professionalism of Shannon Kean. The family is going through a lot, especially that day, and to hear how comfortable they made my family just demonstrates how much of an asset they are to Action.”
While working at Action, Shannon attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services in Boston. She graduated in 2018. Along with her love of helping people, Shannon also loves and competitively rides horses.
Action is grateful that Shannon chose our organization when seeking her first mobile healthcare position. Action Ambulance is proud to recognize Shannon Kean as a 2019 Star of Life.
Matthew Miner is a Paramedic and Field Supervisor for Action Ambulance Service. Matthew brings nearly eight years of EMS experience to our community.
Matthew began his career as a volunteer EMT-Basic for Hampton Falls Fire in New Hampshire, which inspired Matthew to serve his local community. Matthew loved the work, and so began his career in EMS. Matthew proceeded to join AMR as an EMT-Intermediate, where he continued his education to attain the ranks of Paramedic, Certified Intensive Care Provider, and Field Training Officer/Supervisor. Matthew also spent time working per diem at the Rye, Kensington, and Kingston, New Hampshire Fire Departments.
Matthew has impressed us with his dedication to improving Action Ambulance Service in every way. Matthew is personable, easy-going, and his strong medic skills make him a go-to resource for fellow employees. Matthew has become an integral part Action’s leadership team, and is always willing to help out across the organization.
Matthew is committed to our industry, and his future plans include attaining the FP-C credential and advancing to the role of Flight or Critical Care Paramedic. Matthew also looks forward to continuing to teach and mentor new EMTs and Paramedics.
In his free time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, which includes two children, ages four and two.
Mark Hogue is the Dispatch Team Leader for Action Ambulance. Mark began his EMS career in 2014 when he joined Action as an EMT-Basic. Mark became an EMT to help those in need, but moved into Action’s Dispatch Call Center to learn the other side of EMS.
Mark enjoys the people he works with, and builds great relationships with the customers at our facilities. Mark is always seeking ways to improve the client experience and is dedicated to developing himself and others on a daily basis.
Mark demonstrates highly-developed multitasking skills in the busy Dispatch environment. Always calm and collected, Mark dispatches necessary resources while continuing to manage other calls. Mark plans to continue to his career as a dispatcher and trainer, and hopes to grow with Action Ambulance Service.
Mark loves to spend time hiking with his dogs and is also a talented mechanic. Mark enjoys working on and (legally) racing cars.
Paige Hoffman has served as an EMT-Basic at Action Ambulance for the last five years. Paige has also worked as a firefighter and EMT for Dalton Fire and Rescue for the last four years. During this time, Paige has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to our company.
While Paige started her career as an EMT, she has now progressed to become a local hospital facilitator. In this role, Paige works closely with hospital staff to ensure a smooth discharge process for both the patient and the facility. Paige works tirelessly and never seeks any recognition for her contributions. Paige has developed a reputation as a role model for others, and always has a positive attitude with a smile on her face.
Paige’s work ethic and compassion for her patients is exemplary, and sets a positive example for others in our field. A self-described “girl on the go,” Paige thrives in the ever-changing and fast-paced environment of EMS. Paige has no plans to stop excelling in life, and will continue to stay “on the go”!
Darlene has been working as an EMT for 24 years, 12 of which have been with Action Ambulance Service. Throughout her tenure at Action, Darlene has proven to be a highly valued member of the team. She is an asset when it comes to mentoring new employees and truly cares about her job, patients, and co-workers.
Darlene became an EMT because she grew up watching Emergency, with Squad 51. “Ever since that, I was interested in doing the same, which I did, and this will always be the best job that I have.” Darlene likes the uniqueness of the people she works with and the sense of community within the service. She says, “No one from the outside can truly understand what we go through, and why we do it. We do our job because we like it, and certainly not for the money. I like helping people, and I also like making a difference in their lives.”
Darlene also offered her talents in Texas during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and claims that was one of the highlights of her career. “We left with little notice, and just focused on getting there, not knowing what to expect. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to venture out beyond our comfort zone and work in another area of EMS.” Another highlight for Darlene was the first baby she delivered. “A firefighter and I were going shoulder to shoulder, and trying to push each other out of the way. Of course, I won, and I delivered a very healthy baby boy.”
Darlene has earned her associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies, and just received her real estate license. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her grandsons.
Alex Rose has been working in EMS for eight years, three of which have been with Action Ambulance Service. In the time Alex has been with Action, he has truly proven to be a shining example of its values. Alex is being awarded the Star of Life for his level of compassion towards his patients and fellow co-workers. He says he decided to become a medic because he “thoroughly enjoys helping people. I wanted to make a positive difference in the world.” Alex does just that as he goes above and beyond to care for patients, both clinically and also with regard to their emotional wellbeing. He has been known to go back to hospitals to see if his patients’ family members needed anything, and has even picked up items to help keep a child busy while the child’s mother was being cared for in the E.R. Alex is an incredible resource of support to his coworkers, whether it is taking a new medic under his wing or just being there when a co-worker needs him. Alex says his “favorite thing about the job is being there for somebody when they need it most.”
Outside of work Alex likes to play sports, play guitar and hang out with his family. His future plans are to continue his career in EMS by making a difference, day by day.
