Dubravka Frost
Dubravka Frost is being honored as a Star of Life for her enthusiasm and her role in establishing her operation’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program. She is considered one of the strongest Paramedics in the Contra Costa operation. In addition to leading the CISM team, Dubravka is a union shop steward, a Field Training Officer, a Preceptor, an acting Supervisor, and is part of the special operations unit. Dubravka is an outstanding role model to her coworkers and enthusiastically teaches new Paramedics and EMTs. She has also earned the respect of her leaders, who look to her to help encourage and empower her teammates in their roles.
As a native of Croatia who moved to the U.S. as a child with her family during a time of national unrest, Dubravka knows firsthand the challenges that come with being an immigrant. The obstacles she has faced have made her stronger and even more determined to serve in a position that would help people in the place she calls home.
Today, Dubravka believes she is living the “American Dream,” and her journey in the EMS industry is part of it. She loves her work as a Paramedic and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her fellow EMS professionals.
Jason Dau
Jason Dau is being honored as a Star of Life for his continual pursuit of excellence and compassion in his service to his community. He loves his community so much that he has dedicated his life to serving it.
Kotzebue, the Alaskan city where Jason was born and raised, is a small northwest arctic borough community that is part of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. The primary health care facility in the area is the Maniilaq Health Center, although the airbase that Jason is assigned to ensures that those in the outlying villages have access not only to the resources offered by Maniilaq but also to the advanced levels of care found in Anchorage at Alaska Native Medical Center. Jason’s work as a Flight Nurse is vital, as he ensures that the people of his community can receive specialized treatment should they require it. Without Jason and his fellow Guardian Flight crew, the critical cases in his secluded region would not have easy access to care.
Jason’s heart for service and care for his team are demonstrated in his extraordinary work ethic. His deep commitment to patient care is rooted and fueled by his inborn love for his own borough community—the only place he has ever called home.
Pete Carlson
Pete Carlson’s dedication to his community, coworkers, and patients is inspiring. Reaching out to others and knowing just how to help them is one of Pete’s unique skills, and his teammates describe him as one of the most supportive colleagues they have ever known.
Pete began his career in the military, which he says helped him develop a strong work ethic and a passion for EMS. He is a natural teacher and has a gift in his ability to impart his knowledge to new Paramedics. His uplifting spirit creates the perfect atmosphere for learning, and he constantly displays a positive presence in his operation. The Multnomah Operations Manager said Pete has been a major contributor to the Multnomah operations and that he continues to serve his community with a sense of pride, care, and love. He is admired and deeply appreciated by his teammates, leaders, and the patients he serves.
James Burn
James Burn is being honored as a Star of Life for his compassion and bravery in two cases: one where his own life was at risk and another where others were in danger.
The first incident happened when James coaxed a man who was trying to kill himself back to safety. The man had doused himself with gasoline and anchored himself above a highway overpass before James persuaded him to receive help. And then, about two weeks later, he extricated an incapacitated individual from a vehicle that posed an immediate threat to others on a major freeway. In both cases, James deflected praise to others for the favorable outcomes of those incidents; however, it was James’s courage and actions in both instances that resulted in the positive end results.
James, who has been with AMR since January 2020, had previously served in a law enforcement capacity as a Washington State Trooper. He is a true servant-leader and demonstrates a commitment to his job and community, even when a situation puts his own life at risk. James never wants to take credit for all the good he has done, but would rather give the credit to his teammates. He is a role model and an example of integrity in the workplace.
Kyle Brule
On April 4, 2021, Kyle Brule valiantly pulled a woman to safety from a burning vehicle. While driving home from work on an interstate, Kyle noticed traffic coming to a stop and drivers pulling off on the shoulder. Kyle then approached the incident and noticed an overturned van that was engulfed in flames. As he approached the vehicle, he saw a patient that was still partially trapped in the van, lying waist down in the vehicle. The patient was burning, screaming, and in obvious distress. No attempts were being made to rescue her, and she was not capable of self-extrication, so Kyle ran up and grabbed the patient by her waistline and pulled her to a safe distance. The patient had suffered third-degree burns to fifty percent of her body and partial or first-degree burns to the rest of her body. Kyle remained with the victim and consoled her on the scene for approximately fifteen minutes until Gwinnett Fire (GDFR) MED 21 arrived.
Additionally, Kyle is a safety advocate for his crews. He provided more than 200 safety coaching sessions in 2021, with a ninety percent effectiveness rating, resulting in a thirty percent reduction in accidents and injuries.
Eric Bradshaw
Eric Bradshaw saved a patient who had suffered multiple wounds on April 19, 2021. Eric and his engine company responded to a motor vehicle accident in which a patient suffered multiple serious injuries that threatened her survival. The patient was also at risk of having her leg amputated near her hip. By providing fast, life-saving interventions, Eric managed to stabilize the patient and control her bleeding, ultimately transporting her to a trauma center, where she was able to receive further treatment. The patient has since recovered and is able to lead a normal life, including full use of the leg that was initially considered for amputation. This is just one example of Eric’s heroism. He knows the value of working with a team and the importance of staying focused, especially when a life is at stake.
Jeffery Boyd
Jeff Boyd is a positive influence and a mentor to many. Referred to as the “backbone” of Linn County operations, Jeff stresses the importance of his work as there are only five first responders on duty at a time in Linn County. The county has a population of around 10,000 who are spread out over a large rural area and it does not have a hospital. An EMS transport can take more than forty minutes. As Jeff will remind everyone, “acting with urgency is crucial” in such an expansive region.
Jeff’s career path includes the military, where he spent twenty years in the U.S. Air Force as a deployment medic. During the second half of his service, Jeff went to Independent Duty Medical Technicians (IDMT) school and took part in a special response group that conducted surveys in the Pacific region. Based in Guam, the surveys he conducted were associated with a disaster-planning effort that also had him travel to Mongolia.
Jeff retired from the military in July 2007, then joined AMR that August. He describes AMR as an organization that “focuses on people over profit” and that aims to get team members what they need so that they can do their jobs in the most effective way possible.
Lance Blythe
Lance Blythe is being honored as a Star of Life for providing critical care to a four-year-old gunshot victim while also guiding a new nurse during the transport. The toddler had been shot in the abdomen and had lost a lot of blood. Lance not only performed his duties with calm and precision but also provided leadership and guidance to the nurse, who, along with Lance, had to effectively manage an entire supply of blood and plasma. Once the hospital was selected, Lance instructed the pilot to communicate with the OCC (Operational Control Center) and CENCOM that a surgical team needed to be prepped for the incoming patient. Then, to add another layer of complication, the flight hit a few patches of turbulence caused by extreme winds. Through it all, Lance remained composed, fulfilling his duties and helping others at the same time.
In the end, the transport was a success. Lance’s direction saved the life of a little boy. Lance is a humble hero whose skill, talent, and experience represent the best of EMS.
Darla Biggerstaff
Darla Biggerstaff’s unique ability to handle stressful situations with ease and expert execution has garnered her a reputation for outstanding commitment to service. Darla has two simple rules: “No one dies, no one multiplies,” (a reference to patient and crew safety and how her crew will not become additional patients on her watch) and “No one is allowed to panic unless she does.” As a result, she has managed to win the confidence of her fellow EMS professionals.
Additionally, Darla is a sought-after instructor who is popular among fellow employees and students alike. Her students describe her teaching style as patient, thorough, and straightforward, and her gift of translating book knowledge into practical and real-life scenarios has been praised by many. Darla’s passion for the EMS profession is evident in every aspect of her service, whether it is in the way she invests herself in her students or in her intense and detailed care for patients.
Darla is also a morale booster, who, whether she is on or off-duty, genuinely cares for people. As a result, she is one of the most likable individuals among her teammates. Darla is respected not only by her leaders and peers but also by her patients and students.
Frank Berlanga
Frank Berlanga has contagious enthusiasm and a caring spirit. He is being honored for his leadership in founding an Earn While You Learn (EWYL) program at his operation in Tennessee.
Frank is described as a “team-builder” who promotes an environment that is friendly and dedicated to excellence in service. His peers respect him for taking the initiative on issues ranging from long-to-short-term needs. He is a go-getter who cares deeply for his fellow EMS colleagues as well as for his community. If he sees a problem, he finds a way to organize an effort to address it. For example, Frank raised funds for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at a local swimming pool. Frank is also an ardent believer in skill development and finds ways to help his coworkers in their professional growth. Frank’s EMS knowledge and expertise are described as “top-notch.” He is always willing and happy to help where he can, especially when it comes to teaching.
Renata Baboolal
Renata Baboolal goes out of her way for patients and coworkers. She truly exemplifies GMR’s One Team Guiding Principle, that “We respect each other and achieve together what no individual can alone.” In her current role as a Preceptor, Renata is enthusiastic about sharing her practical experiences and training with new teams. She is highly valued among her peers, who describe her as an extremely supportive colleague who is always willing to lend a helping hand where needed.
Renata believes in the power of mentorship and takes an active role in serving as a mentor to new graduates, offering guidance when and where possible so that they can succeed in their new roles. Her selection as a Star of Life came as no surprise to her coworkers, who have seen her live out her commitment to patient care. Renata is a hard worker and continually strives to put her best foot forward in every situation.
Renata also has a strong interest in serving her community. Earlier this year, she was presented with an award for Outstanding Performance and Safe Driving by Arrive Alive, the non-governmental organization that specializes in public safety, and by BHP Billiton of Trinidad and Tobago.
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.
Carlos Valdez Acosta-Meza
Carlos Valdez Acosta-Meza is being honored for his dedication to his coworkers and to his patient care.
Throughout 2021, Carlos worked at least eighty-two extra shifts, the majority of which were on busy ALS ambulances in the 911 system. In addition, Carlos is commended for consistently volunteering to help when staffing is short, in both his home operation and in surrounding areas. He would sometimes drive up to two hours, one way, to make sure other operations had what they needed. Carlos is also known for being an advocate for his team, working non-stop to ensure they have the best support possible when dealing with low staffing and high response volume.
In addition to caring for his colleagues, Carlos is an ardent supporter of building up his community. As an EMS professional in the eighth-largest city in the U.S., Carlos happily volunteers in AMR’s community outreach programs.
Jacquelynn Martin
Jacquelynn Martin is a highly-skilled Emergency Medical and Fire Service Telecommunicator with decades of experience. She loves her work and shows great compassion for colleagues and callers.
As a Supervisor overseeing all training and quality assurance and improvement activities in her communications center, Jacki impacts virtually every medical and fire call into Sumter County’s 911 system. Jacki ensures that all new members of her team receive comprehensive but individualized instruction.
Jacki’s kindness is as legendary as her training proficiency. When she learned that a new team member could not provide Christmas presents for her children, Jacki quietly collected money, shopped for gifts, and ensured that they were delivered. When a high school student observing in the communications center said she could not afford a prom dress, Jacki and her colleagues rallied to provide a dress and cover other costs for the young lady’s prom.
Kate Miller
Katherine Miller’s positive impact on her team rivals that of EMS professionals with decades of experience. Since joining AMR’s operation in Syracuse in August 2017, Kate has earned widespread respect from her peers and supervisors. During her short tenure, Kate has sought out additional training, demonstrated strong team management skills, and attained the ranks of Field Training Officer and senior EMT.
Kate is active in her community. She leads Stop the Bleed courses and has completed Rescue Task Force Active Shooting training to improve her knowledge and skill. Kate was quick to join AMR’s Emergency Response Team and was deployed after Hurricane Michael struck the Florida panhandle last October.
New and experienced providers alike seek out Kate as a partner due to her abilities and genuine positive attitude. Though still new to EMS, Kate is a role model and someone to watch as her career unfolds.
Keviette Potts
Last Christmas Eve, Keviette Potts and her partner witnessed a man gunned down on a city street. The shooter fled, so Keviette and her partner carefully approached the patient, ferried him to their ambulance, and began treatment. The patient had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, some of which were life-threatening. One bullet had pierced the patient’s liver and lungs. Keviette and her partner rushed the man to a hospital and had him in the trauma team’s hands within 15 minutes. Due to the care and urgency that Keviette demonstrated, the man survived.
Known for her dedication and perseverance, Keviette is a highly respected Field Training Officer whose colleagues call her “an encyclopedia of EMS.” Keviette is also a volunteer Firefighter. She is the first woman in her volunteer department to complete a term as a Fire Officer, to serve as vice president and sit on the department’s board of directors.
Michael Sanchez
If there were a “Mr. Greenville, Texas” contest, Michael Sanchez would be an odds-on favorite to win it.
Last year, Michael’s coworkers and local first responders picked him as Hunt County Fire Association’s EMT of the Year. He has received this honor and mentorship award several times during his 17 years at AMR-Hunt County EMS. Michael consistency puts others’s needs first, and he helps to organize employee and community-wide EMS Week activities and first responder recognition ceremonies each year.
Michael and his partner were returning to the station last winter when Michael noticed a small boy walking in the rain on the side of the road. Something did not feel right, so Michael and his partner stopped to check things out. The boy had wandered off from school. He did not know where he was and could not remember his last name. Michael’s partner contacted law enforcement while Michael got the boy warmed up and gave him snacks. He was reunited with his grandmother soon, but the story does not end there. Michael noticed there was no booster seat in the car for the boy, who was still too small to ride safely without one, so he arranged for the family to receive one.
Katie Smith
Katie Smith has been a Paramedic at AMR for eight years and serves as a Supervisor, Field Training Officer, and part-time Fire Medic. However, last Thanksgiving her skills and management abilities were put to the test.
The day started out normally. Katie spent time with her family and delivered a holiday meal for on-duty team members. But then a multi-vehicle accident was called in. One of the vehicles was a bus filled with college students that had rolled over. Katie dropped everything to respond. During her hour-long drive to the remote scene, Katie coordinated responding units from several different jurisdictions. Under Katie’s incident command, enough resources were secured to transport 45 patients to local hospitals. Katie also helped coordinate a warm place for the walking wounded to shelter from the snow and receive care.
As a trainer and mentor, Katie plays a huge role in molding the next generation of EMS professionals. Her expertise and dedication to her team, patients, and community are remarkable.
Courtney Tullos
Headed to work on a rural road one morning last year, Courtney saw a van hit a tree. She stopped to help and, on approaching the van, noticed smoke coming from the hood. The driver was still inside.
Courtney opened the door and told the man he needed to get away fast. It was then that Courtney saw that the man was a paraplegic who drove with hand controls. Courtney single-handedly pulled the man to safety. Before the vehicle became an inferno, Courtney ran back to it and retrieved the man’s wheelchair.
Courtney assessed the driver and called 911. The man was released from the hospital shortly after the incident. The Hinds County Board of Supervisors presented Courtney, who was just 22 at the time, with its Above and Beyond Award for her actions. Courtney was also named one of 28 statewide “Healthcare Heroes” for 2018.
Courtney is a volunteer Firefighter and also works with a non-profit organization that provides horseback rides for thousands of disabled individuals.
Lynford Lewis
Mentor, caregiver, and change agent are all words used to describe Lynford Lewis.
As a teacher, Lynford helps new team members acclimate to the EMS profession. He is respected by his peers for the way he approaches his job, cares for patients, and advocates for his team. Lynford demonstrates a positive attitude and solution-focused mindset. A champion for change, Lynford is involved in several organizational improvement initiatives.
Last September, when severe flooding impacted his island nation, Lynford volunteered to serve in an EMT role as part of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross response effort. During a different flooding incident last year, Lynford was dispatched to a marooned area. His ambulance was unable to reach the patient, but Lynford found and boarded a truck that was able to take him and his equipment to the patient’s side.
Lynford’s dedication to serving patients and the EMS industry are commendable.