Perry Prete
Perry Prete is a Flight Paramedic with AirMed in Brockville, Ontario, whose 44-year career in emergency medical services reflects a lifelong commitment to patient care, innovation, and service.
Perry demonstrated that commitment while off duty when a patient suddenly collapsed. Recognizing the emergency, Perry partnered with an off-duty registered nurse to immediately begin CPR. Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) from his medical kit, they continued lifesaving care until the patient regained a pulse, resumed breathing, and regained consciousness. The patient was then transferred to advanced medical care.
Perry’s actions that day reflect skills developed over more than four decades in EMS. During his career, he progressed from ground ambulance service to flight medicine in Ontario, building extensive experience caring for patients in challenging and time-sensitive circumstances.
His contributions to EMS also extend beyond direct patient care. Recognizing supply gaps affecting Canadian EMS agencies, Perry founded a medical supply and EMS equipment company to help address those needs. He has also transformed experiences from his emergency medicine career into writing, publishing eight novels inspired by real-life emergency experiences and earning a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for his work.
Whether responding to an unexpected emergency, caring for patients in the air, addressing challenges facing EMS agencies, or sharing stories inspired by a lifetime in emergency medicine, Perry continues to find new ways to contribute. AirMed is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Perry Prete as a Star of Life.
Lucie Walters
Lucie Walters is a brilliant first responder who has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovative thinking, and an outstanding work ethic, earning the admiration of her leaders and peers at AirMed. Lucie has been the recipient of multiple awards, including the company’s Quarterly Safety Award and the Outstanding Employee of the Quarter Award.
Beyond her accolades, Lucie is being honored for her extraordinary composure and heroic actions after witnessing a shooting in a hotel parking lot while covering at the AEL base in Birmingham, Alabama. She provided critical aid to the victim by applying pressure to his wounds until emergency medical services arrived, ultimately helping to save the victim’s life. Lucie is a hero both on and off the clock, embodying the best qualities of a first responder.
Micheline Allaire Clement
Micheline Allaire Clement continuously pursues the highest standards in patient care and is always an inspiration to her coworkers. She is known for her remarkable gift for making patients and their family members feel at ease, no matter the situation. She is a positive member of the air medical community and is always looking for solutions to the current challenges facing EMS. Micheline has an MS in Nursing. She also has also attained two advanced certifications; Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) and Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN).
Micheline’s EMS expertise became critical in a personal situation last summer while on a hike with her family. Her brother-in-law collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest. As the only medically trained person on the hike, Micheline performed CPR while others called for help. She continued administering CPR until first responders arrived and were able to get a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Her brother-in-law had a potentially fatal dysrhythmia for which he now has a pacemaker. He has fully recovered from the incident that could have had a far different outcome had it not been for Micheline’s quick intervention.