Andrew Varela is being honored as a Star of Life for his exceptional dedication to the EMS industry and his exemplary performance in two critical emergency responses in 2023. In one instance, Andrew responded to a young boy who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while riding his scooter. Andrew and his partner took over CPR, administered advanced life support, including defibrillation, and helped restore the boy’s pulse before his full recovery and discharge from the hospital. In another incident, Andrew and his trainee successfully revived a female patient in cardiac arrest at an urgent care clinic by performing CPR and using an EKG monitor to restore her pulse.

As a respected Field Training Officer, Andrew not only demonstrates clinical excellence but also leads and mentors new EMTs and paramedics, making him a well-deserving recipient of the 2024 Star of Life award.

Jason Southard is recognized as a champion of life for his heroic actions in saving the life of a fellow first responder. While on shift, a paramedic colleague suffered a stroke, and Jason’s quick thinking and immediate intervention not only saved her life but also preserved her ability to continue her career, be a mother, and lead a normal life post-stroke.

The paramedic describes Jason as an “amazing person who always remains calm under pressure, incredibly humble and kind, and always available to lend a hand.” His life-saving actions not only impacted his colleague’s future but also ensured that many more lives would be saved through her continued work.

Jason’s calmness under pressure and compassionate service make him a deserving recipient of the 2024 Star of Life award.

Raquel Soto is being recognized for her life-saving interaction with a suicidal patient. She and her partner, Howard Freeman, were the first to arrive on-scene for the call. An adult male was standing atop an eight-story parking structure indicating an intention to jump. Raquel made her way to the roof to establish contact with the patient and quickly established that the man was struggling with psychiatric and substance-used disorders and frustrated with failed treatment efforts, wanted to end his life. With support resources arriving at the ground level, Raquel established a rapport with the patient acknowledging that his struggle was real, and he was being heard. Over the next 20 minutes, Raquel displayed great empathy and ultimately convinced him that there were better solutions to his problems. She got him to step away from the ledge and allow EMS to transport him to the hospital, where he could receive treatment and take the first steps to mental health and recovery. This was an extraordinary, veteran-like demonstration of patient skills from an EMT with just five years on the job.

Lance Smeal, a 30-year veteran in EMS, is being recognized for his exceptional patient care and compassionate people skills. As a Field Training Officer and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with American Medical Response in Buffalo, New York, Lance recently responded to a 911 call involving a toddler with breathing difficulties. While delivering expert care to the patient, Lance also took the time to calm and reassure the toddler’s older brother.

A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, Lance connected with the sibling by talking about their shared love for the team, easing the tension of the situation. Before leaving with the patient, Lance gave the boy his Buffalo Bills watch as a gift, which left a lasting impression. After the toddler’s recovery, the family reached out to thank Lance in person. In true fashion, Lance surprised them with a Buffalo Bills Von Miller jersey, further demonstrating his kindness. The family was so moved that they shared their experience on social media, praising Lance and AMR.

Lance’s dedication to both his patients and their families reflects his compassionate approach to EMS, making him a proud recipient of the 2024 Star of Life award.

With more than 15 years of dedicated service as an EMS first responder, Kevin Rochford is being honored for his life-saving actions in January 2024, when he responded to a cardiac arrest involving a well-known community leader. Kevin’s quick and decisive intervention, which included administering multiple medications and performing defibrillations, led to the patient achieving ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) after more than 30 minutes of effort. Thanks to Kevin’s expertise and persistence, the patient survived and has since returned to serving the community.

Known for his humility and commitment to lifelong learning, Kevin is actively pursuing courses to further his career in the medical field. His dedication to both his patients and his personal growth makes him a valued member of American Medical Response and a true asset to the Waco community.

Michael Penna is being honored as a Star of Life for his extraordinary dedication and bravery in providing essential medical care in war-torn Ukraine. In early 2023, Mike embarked on a life-changing mission, volunteering with the aid organization Front Line Medics to deliver emergency medical services to rural villages in the Donetsk region. These villages were deeply impacted by the ongoing conflict with Russia, and Mike’s decision to volunteer exemplifies his commitment to the mission of Global Medical Response: to provide care to the world at a moment’s notice.

Upon arriving in the liberated villages of Eastern Ukraine, Mike was faced with the harsh realities of limited resources, damaged infrastructure, and constant air raid alerts. Despite these extreme challenges, he remained undeterred, adapting to the austere environment and improvising solutions to ensure that critical medical care reached those in desperate need.

Driven by a profound sense of duty and compassion, Mike willingly put himself in harm’s way to provide care in one of the most dangerous environments imaginable. His perseverance and commitment to delivering vital healthcare in the face of overwhelming adversity exemplify the highest standards of the EMS profession.

Michael Penna’s selfless actions and unwavering dedication to helping others in times of crisis make him a deserving honoree for the American Medical Response Stars of Life award.

Miki Leslie is being recognized for her extraordinary actions on August 15, 2023, when she responded to a single-vehicle rollover accident involving two children and two adults. Despite being off duty, Miki arrived at the scene before any responders, as the accident occurred near her home. Without hesitation, she immediately triaged all the patients and provided crucial updates to the first responders en route.

One of the patients was a young child who had been ejected from the vehicle and was drifting in and out of consciousness. By the time EMS arrived, Miki had already completed full assessments on each patient and was holding C-spine precautions on the youngest victim. She remained on scene throughout the entire call, assisting the responding EMS team with critical patient care tasks, including suctioning, applying a C-collar, assisting with backboarding, aiding in intubation, bagging the patient via ETT, and hot-loading a patient into a responding air ambulance.

Miki’s quick thinking, skillful actions, and dedication played a vital role in the successful management of the scene and the treatment of each patient, even without the advantage of additional help or equipment. Her selfless service and expertise on that day exemplify the best of what it means to be an EMS professional.

David Kingdon is being recognized for his outstanding leadership during the devastating fires on Maui, particularly in the town of Lahaina. David is the team leader of Maui’s only rapid-response unit and has been instrumental in expanding the unit’s capabilities to perform advanced functions, including training and deployments with the Special Response Team unit at the Maui Police Department, and collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard to launch specially trained paramedics on their response boat. When fires on the island spread rapidly in August of 2023, David took it upon himself to act as medical incident commander. He worked tirelessly in uncertain conditions to ensure that patients were triaged, treated and transported safely to healthcare facilities and that his team members remained safe as well. As the fires were brought under control, he continued to ensure EMS operations were uninterrupted while the island dealt with tremendous loss.

Heather James, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with American Medical Response in Lagrange, Georgia, is being recognized for her heroic efforts in delivering and saving a baby who was born pulseless while en route to the hospital.

The incident occurred last June when an expectant mother began experiencing labor in the ambulance. Heather’s partner, AEMT Amanda Owens, was driving while Heather attended to the mother. After delivering the baby, Heather quickly noticed the newborn wasn’t breathing and immediately sprang into action. She administered CPR and performed lifesaving interventions, successfully resuscitating the baby before transferring both mother and child to the hospital.

Thanks to Heather and Amanda’s quick thinking and skillful interventions, the baby, though initially facing a long road to recovery, is now healthy and recently celebrated their first birthday. The baby’s mother credits Heather and Amanda for saving her child’s life, and their selfless dedication is a testament to the exceptional care provided by EMS professionals.

Heather’s life-saving actions in such a critical situation exemplify her commitment to her patients and her remarkable skill as an AEMT.

Jason Hodges, Operations Supervisor and Honor Guard Commander for American Medical Response in Washington County, Oregon, is being honored for his unwavering selflessness and dedication to his patients and team members. Since joining the AMR Honor Guard in 2011, Jason has been an active participant in numerous memorials and events supporting both AMR and affiliated organizations. As the current Commander of the Honor Guard for the Oregon/Southwest Washington region, Jason goes above and beyond to ensure that each memorial event is flawlessly executed and that the families affected are well taken care of.

In addition to his Honor Guard responsibilities, Jason extends his compassion and leadership to his fellow crew members, often acting as a mentor in times of need. In 2023, he joined the Multnomah County leadership team as a relief supervisor, seamlessly transitioning into this role and quickly earning the respect and admiration of his field medics. Jason’s commitment to his team and the community is evident through his actions, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty.

Jason has also deployed to disaster-stricken areas, assisting vulnerable citizens in the aftermath of hurricanes and wildfires, exemplifying the GMR mission of providing care to the world at a moment’s notice. His selfless dedication and leadership make him an invaluable asset to the EMS profession, and American Medical Response is proud to recognize Jason Hodges as a Star of Life.

Ambrose Stevens is being recognized posthumously for his unwavering dedication, selflessness, and unyielding commitment to serving others. For nearly two decades, Ambrose was a cornerstone of compassion and expertise for AMR, where he held various roles, culminating in his position as Operations Manager. His leadership was instrumental in ensuring the delivery of top-tier medical services, consistently going above and beyond to meet the needs of the caregivers he led, as well as those of the communities he served. Beyond his exemplary day-to-day service, Ambrose’s humanitarian efforts extended far beyond his normal job duties. He deployed for AMR’s Emergency Response Team to numerous disaster zones, offering his expertise and support in times of dire need. He also lent his skills to organizations like Pure Works, providing critical medical assistance in regions ravaged by conflict and natural disasters, including Burundi, Haiti, and Nepal. His contributions, both locally and globally, have undoubtedly left an enduring legacy of kindness, compassion, and clinical skill that serve as an inspiration to others.

Scotland Hamlin, a Field Training Officer and Emergency Medical Technician with American Medical Response in Orlando, Florida, is recognized for his dependability, skill, and unwavering commitment to the EMS profession. Known for his hardworking nature and dedication, Scotland has demonstrated time and again that he is willing to go above and beyond for his patients and fellow first responders—even on his days off.

In November of last year, Scotland exemplified his dedication when, while off duty, he noticed an AMR ambulance parked along the road with its emergency lights activated. Without hesitation, he stopped to investigate and found both crew members in the back of the ambulance struggling to manage a combative behavioral patient. Scotland immediately jumped into action, helping the crew regain control of the situation. He then notified the on-duty operations supervisor and continued to assist with the patient’s transport to the behavioral center.

Scotland’s actions reflect his strong commitment to the EMS Guiding Principles of teamwork and patient care. He is an exemplary EMS professional who consistently steps up when needed, ensuring the safety and well-being of both his patients and colleagues. His dedication to his role and his team make him a standout first responder, and American Medical Response is proud to recognize Scotland Hamlin for his outstanding service.

Jason Florance, a Paramedic with American Medical Response in Topeka, Kansas, is recognized as a positive role model for students and newly hired first responders. Known for his dedication to both his patients and fellow public servants, Jason consistently goes above and beyond to serve his community.

Last summer, Jason demonstrated this commitment when he helped an elderly patient who had no air conditioning in their home due to a lack of electricity. Not only did Jason help restore power, but he also reached out to local organizations and police department outreach programs to ensure the patient had access to additional resources. His efforts gave the patient a renewed sense of independence and dignity.

This act of kindness is just one example of Jason’s unwavering dedication. He is also known for helping homebound residents with tasks like mowing lawns, fixing gutters, and rearranging furniture—offering support where others may have limited options. Jason’s compassion and commitment make him an invaluable part of the Topeka community and a true role model in EMS.

Riggs Egolf is being recognized for his unwavering dedication as a healthcare provider and his remarkable ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. His cool, professional demeanor serves as an inspiration to other first responders who admire his ability to stay focused regardless of the challenges he faces while providing care.

A notable example of Riggs’ exceptional attention to detail occurred in early 2023 during a routine hospital discharge to a skilled nursing facility. Despite the patient claiming they felt fine, Riggs detected subtle changes in their vitals and sensed something was wrong. Ten minutes from the receiving facility, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Riggs immediately instructed his partner to pull over and assist with care while he called for additional EMS resources. His quick thinking and composed response helped save the patient’s life.

Riggs routinely demonstrates this high level of awareness and confidence in his skills, embodying the professionalism and competence that all EMS professionals should aspire to. His ability to stay calm in critical situations and his commitment to providing exceptional care make him an exemplary first responder.

Andrew Davalos, a Paramedic with American Medical Response in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is being recognized for his remarkable courage and expertise during a critical motor vehicle crash. Arriving as the first responder to a wrong-way collision involving six patients, some in cardiac arrest, Andrew faced overwhelming circumstances with limited resources. His quick thinking and decisive actions were instrumental in ensuring the well-being of all involved.

Andrew immediately triaged and administered life-saving interventions, prioritizing care based on the severity of injuries. His calm demeanor and clear communication with his partner enabled them to efficiently extricate and provide essential medical care to each individual on the scene.

Andrew’s exceptional performance was especially evident in his treatment of the three children involved in the accident. Recognizing the urgency of their conditions, he quickly assessed their injuries, using age-appropriate techniques to provide the specialized care they needed. Despite the chaos, Andrew remained focused and composed, delivering compassionate and effective care to every patient.

For his outstanding performance under pressure and dedication to patient care, Andrew Davalos is being honored as a 2024 Star of Life.

Emily Chandler is being recognized for her commitment to training and retaining EMTs and Paramedics. Through her work as Program Director and Lead Paramedic Instructor for NCTI of Massachusetts, she has helped bring new skilled, committed first responders to the EMS profession. In her expanded role as EMS Programs Manager for AMR Springfield, she is the driving force behind bringing the award-winning Earn While You Learn (EWYL) program to Massachusetts.

Thanks to Emily’s oversight, Springfield has graduated a total of 13 EMT EWYL classes and three Paramedic classes with EWYL graduates. Emily also travels throughout the country to mentor and facilitate new EWYL rollouts and program oversight. She has become one of the faces of this successful program.

Through her many graduates—who embody her knowledge and patient-care expertise—Emily impacts thousands of lives across Massachusetts and the entire country, every day. She is proud of her accomplishments but continues to look for ways to improve EWYL, the NTCI Paramedic and EMT programs, and herself.

As an experienced U.S. Army combat medic specialist with more than ten years of service at Global Medical Response, Frank Alba is a well-respected EMS leader among his peers and community alike.

Frank is passionate about learning and teaching, often sharing his knowledge with coworkers in classes that he voluntarily leads. Always knowledgeable about the latest innovations in the emergency medical industry, Frank’s colleagues describe him as their go-to person when they have questions about patient care. He has mentored countless coworkers who have sought his expertise. Frank has also received multiple nominations for the “Employee of the Year” Award.

During his tenure at Global Medical Response, Frank has participated in multiple deployments totaling 16 weeks of service.

Henry Barsh is being honored as a 2024 Star of Life for his quick actions in recognizing symptoms of a stroke, which directly led to saving the life of a mother of three. Henry and his partner arrived on scene of a 911 call where the patient reported pain in her left arm which was the result, she said, of an assault the previous night. Through a quick assessment, Henry recognized the true nature of her pain—left-side weakness nearing paralysis, hallmarks of an active stroke.

Henry immediately placed a C-collar on the patient and called a rapid-trauma alert. He suspected possible spinal damage as the underlying cause of the stroke and began doing everything to support the patient’s shallow breathing and reduce her motion. Upon arrival at the healthcare facility, the patient was immediately brought into the trauma bay, where she was assessed and received imaging that showed multiple cervical fractures with transection of the left vertebral artery. The hospital staff commended Henry on his immediate life-saving actions.

Jason Burn’s exemplary service helped save the life of a patient who was critically injured during a hike and, as a result of injuries sustained, suffered cardiac arrest.

The incident happened in mid-May 2022, when Jason and Flight Nurse Jesse Mascarenas risked their own safety to help the patient who fell 200 feet down a mountain slope in cold and rainy weather. Jason and Jesse were able to stabilize the patient until he could be flown to the nearest Level I trauma center.

While the patient lost one leg the next day, the individual made excellent progress in regaining his neurological function. Today, thanks to the intervention provided by Jason and Jesse, the patient is working towards a full recovery, even exercising on a prosthetic leg.

What started as a quick lunch for Daniel Yandell and his partner turned into a heartfelt and perhaps lifesaving encounter with a fellow restaurant patron. Daniel and his partner were waiting for their food inside a fast-food restaurant when a man approached them, telling them he was experiencing mental health challenges and suicidal ideation. Daniel sat and talked with the individual, listening, empathizing, and eventually trying to connect the person with resources that could assist.

The dialogue between Daniel and the individual proved to be extremely effective, so much so that the person would go on to request ambulance transport to a hospital for further help. The kindness and empathy that Daniel and his partner showed the patient changed his mind about ending his life and guided him to get help instead.

Daniel and his partner saved a life, over lunch, by simply listening.