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.

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.

Phillip Neff has been a dedicated EMT at Falck Southern California for the past three years. Born and raised in Buena Park, California, Phillip developed a passion for medicine at a young age, learning as much as he could about sports medicine and dreaming of becoming a doctor. During high school, he gained valuable experience through an internship program at Kaiser Permanente, where he focused on clinical care.

Since starting his career at Falck, Phillip has worked diligently toward his goal of becoming a paramedic. He has embraced numerous opportunities to teach and mentor others, serving as a Field Training Officer and sharing his knowledge with the next generation of EMTs.

Phillip is being honored for his exceptional response during a challenging call involving a stroke patient. Not only did he correctly identify the patient’s condition, but he also advocated for them at the hospital, expediting care and likely reducing the chance of long-term deficits. His commitment to patient advocacy and clinical excellence exemplifies his dedication to EMS.

Phillip is happily engaged to his fiancée, Alexandrya, and continues to work toward his goal of advancing in the EMS field. His dedication, compassion, and leadership make him a deserving recipient of the Stars of Life award.

Alan Hughry began his EMS career with Medic Ambulance Service in 2003. Before entering the field of emergency medical services, he had dreams of pursuing a career in law enforcement. However, an injury prevented him from completing his police academy training, leading him to take a position in armed security. During this time, he met Barbara “Barbie” Watson, a Paramedic with Medic Ambulance, who convinced him that EMS held exciting opportunities. Barbie even offered Alan a ride-along to give him firsthand experience before making his final decision. Though initially reluctant, Alan accepted the offer.

The first call they responded to left Alan terrified and uncertain about his future in EMS, but subsequent calls opened his eyes to the potential impact of the profession. Shortly after the ride-along, Alan enrolled at Solano Community College, where he completed his EMT course. He started with Medic Ambulance as a dispatcher, which served as his entry point into the company. Before long, he was promoted to the field as an EMT, working with skilled paramedics who taught him more than he ever expected.

These experiences prepared Alan for his next challenge: paramedic school. He completed his training, clinical rotations, and field internship in 2006 and was promoted to paramedic in February 2007. Throughout his career, Alan has had the privilege of serving as a field medic, a supervisor, and a preceptor for aspiring Paramedics. Though he spent some time in a supervisory role, he eventually returned to the field, where he continues to find fulfillment. He has learned to embrace both the highs and lows of the industry.

Alan has been honored to receive the company’s prestigious Paramedic of the Year award twice during his tenure. Each day, he strives for excellence as he puts on his uniform and heads into the streets. Alan has worked with many EMT partners, most of whom have since become paramedics themselves. He takes pride in mentoring these individuals, especially the newer EMTs, helping them navigate the daily stresses of the job.

Looking ahead, Alan is committed to continuing his role in providing high-quality care to those he serves, mentoring those seeking guidance in the field, and supporting his community, coworkers, and family. Alan credits much of his success to the support of his wife, Stephanie, his eldest son, Alan III (13), and his younger son, Alonzo (11).

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.

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.

In 2003, Eric Constantine began his career as a paid-call firefighter with the Calistoga City Fire Department, where he discovered his passion for public safety and service. In 2006, while continuing to grow within the fire department, he began working as an EMT for Sonoma Life Support in Sonoma County. It was through facing the challenges of medical emergencies that Eric developed a desire to become a further his mobile healthcare knowledge.

By 2009, Eric had achieved his goal of becoming a Paramedic, a role in which he continued serving the citizens of Sonoma County. In 2012, he advanced to the position of Operations Supervisor in Riverside County, returning to Sonoma County in 2013 as a Field Operations Supervisor. He also served on the Region 2 Infectious Disease Transportation Plan response team, training to respond to potentially infectious Ebola patients. This position inspired his involvement in mass casualty incident training and ambulance response planning with allied agency partners.

In 2015, Eric assisted in the medical response for the Valley Fire recovery center. During the 2017 Tubbs Fire, which devastated Sonoma County, he was the on-duty supervisor, coordinating resources for evacuations and ambulance response efforts. In 2018, he served as an ambulance strike team leader during the August Complex fire in Northern California. The following year, he coordinated ambulance strike teams for the Kincade Fire, which heavily impacted Western and Northern Sonoma County. In 2020, Eric supervised the response to the Glass Fire, helping evacuate residents and care facilities as the fire spread from Napa into Sonoma County.

In 2021, after several major disasters and amidst the pandemic, Eric returned to working as a Paramedic for Northern Sonoma County communities. By late 2023, he became the Operations Manager for Sonoma County Fire District EMS, working for Medic Ambulance. Eric remains grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Sonoma County, striving to provide high-quality EMS services in the community to which he has long dedicated himself.

Eric is a native of Calistoga, Napa County, California. He is the son of Fred and Penny Constantine, and brother to David and Jim Constantine. Eric is a loving husband to his wife, Stephanie, and a proud father to their three children: Eva, William, and Mae.

Sam Swanson, a Paramedic at Hall Ambulance Service, has dedicated more than 25 years to serving his community through emergency medical services. Before beginning his EMS career, Sam served honorably in the United States Army. He joined Hall Ambulance in 1999 and has since held several key roles, including EMT, Paramedic, Relief Paramedic Supervisor, Paramedic Preceptor, and EMT Academy Instructor.

Recently, Sam led a nine-week EMT Academy, with 13 of 15 students passing the National Registry exam on their first attempt, showcasing his exceptional teaching skills.

Sam has received numerous honors throughout his career, including Hall Ambulance Paramedic of the Year, Relief Paramedic Supervisor of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and Kern County Paramedic of the Year. He has also been awarded the Hall Ambulance Star of Life and California Ambulance Association Star of Life, both twice.

Sam is being recognized for his 25 years of dedicated service to Hall Ambulance and the Kern County community, along with his unwavering “whatever you need me to do” attitude. His commitment and leadership set a high standard for his peers and serve as an example for others.

Sam Swanson truly embodies the spirit of service, and his contributions continue to benefit both his team and the community he serves.

Jason Baum, a Paramedic Supervisor at Falck San Diego, has built an impressive career in EMS, earning a reputation as a skilled and reliable professional. With years of frontline experience, Jason has consistently provided exceptional care, using his quick thinking and medical expertise to save countless lives. His commitment to the well-being of his patients and peers has made him a trusted leader within the organization.

Beyond his role as a paramedic, Jason has dedicated significant time to mentoring and training new EMTs and paramedics. As a primary instructor for new hire orientation, he plays a critical role in shaping the future of the workforce. Jason also founded and manages Falck San Diego’s PEER Support team, which offers 24/7 support to frontline staff, ensuring that his colleagues receive the care they need, both professionally and personally.

In his supervisory position, Jason has been instrumental in improving operational efficiency and enhancing patient care through the implementation of new procedures. His strategic leadership and dedication to excellence have been vital to the organization’s success.

Jason is known for his unwavering dedication to the city of San Diego and for his role as a dependable, compassionate team player. His peers consistently describe him as someone who goes above and beyond to support those around him. Jason’s exemplary service, leadership, and commitment to EMS make him a deserving recipient of the 2024 American Ambulance Association Star of Life Award.

It is with great pride that Hall Ambulance Service nominates Krystal Barboza for the prestigious American Ambulance Association’s Star of Life award. Krystal has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and leadership in reviving our community outreach program, which had come to a complete halt due to the severe restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her passion for connecting with and educating the community about the importance of emergency medical services has been truly inspiring.

In the wake of the pandemic, when our organization was struggling to re-engage with the public, Krystal took the initiative to rekindle our outreach efforts. Recognizing the critical need for EMS education and support in the community, she worked tirelessly to rebuild relationships, design programs, and ensure that our team could once again have a positive and impactful presence in the lives of those we serve. Krystal has built amazing working relationships with California Highway Patrol, Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Department, Kern County Probation, Kern County Fire Department, and Bakersfield City Fire Department.

Krystal’s efforts led to the successful organization of health fairs, school visits, career fairs, and public safety demonstrations. Krystal has attended 71 events this year, with 15 additional scheduled through the end of the year. This count does not even include those she has arranged, and others attended in her place. We know there will be more events in the upcoming holiday season and Krystal will participate in each with a smile on her face and her love for EMS is evident to every person she interacts with.  Her unwavering commitment to connect, interact, and educate helped reestablish trust and collaboration between our agency and the local community, allowing us to continue fulfilling our mission of care, compassion, and community.

Krystal’s leadership, creativity, and drive have both revived our community outreach and set new standards for how we engage with the public post-pandemic. She embodies the values of care, compassion, and community, which are at the core of EMS, making her an exemplary candidate for Stars of Life recognition.

Hall Ambulance Service wholeheartedly supports this nomination and believes that Krystal Barboza is more than deserving of this prestigious honor.

Yahya Elshawarbi joined Falck Alameda County three years ago as an EMT and is currently working toward his Paramedic license. In that time, he has not only excelled in his role as an EMT but also dedicated himself to shaping the future of the profession by educating and inspiring the next generation.

Yahya’s journey in emergency medical services is deeply personal.  He once walked the same path as the at-risk youth he now teaches, having graduated from the very same program.  His firsthand experience with the challenges and obstacles faced by these young individuals has fueled his passion for giving back and making a difference. Beyond the classroom, Yahya’s impact extends into the EMS community as an advocate for equity in care for all ethnicities in diverse communities like Alameda County.  He has participated in various research projects and recently presented at the 2024 EMS World conference on this very topic.

Yahya is being honored as a 2024 Star of Life for his work as an educator of underrepresented youth preparing them for life and for the role of emergency medical technician. His dedication, compassion, and leadership have made a profound difference in the lives of many. His receipt of the Star of Life Award is a testament to his outstanding service and his commitment to making a positive impact on the community.

When Category 5 Hurricane Ian hit the Atlantic Coast, Danny Workman was one of the first to volunteer for deployment as part of a four-person neonatal team. Previously deployed three times, Danny knew what a valuable service this team would provide.

The neonatal teams’ mission was to provide rotor-wing EMS to newborns in the area impacted by the hurricane. Danny and his team helped lead the transport of many neonates who would otherwise have had limited options during this national disaster.

As one of the first helicopters to land at the area children’s hospital, the teams set off a chain of evacuation flights that would last nearly two days.

For the next 48 hours, the neonatal team worked tirelessly to help safely transport patients from impacted communities to NICUs throughout the state.

A critical thinker who knows how to act fast, Riley Wolfe’s intuition and EMS skills saved multiple lives while on a late-night shift when he and his crew came upon a traffic collision on the freeway.

The crash involved a driver who was trapped and unconscious in a car that was on fire and rapidly spreading. Riley, his student, and his partner quickly made entry to the vehicle. Fortunately, the crew and patient were able to escape harm as the car exploded. The crew then triaged the other passengers in the vehicles and simultaneously treated their patient, who they rapidly moved away from the blaze and into the back of the ambulance.

Riley remained calm and directed the additional resources to the other vehicles involved and told them the best place to stage to ensure everyone’s safety. Once additional AMR resources arrived, Riley and his team transported their patient to the local trauma center before any other public safety resources arrived on scene. Thanks to Riley’s dedication and skill, the patient ultimately survived.

Brad Sparks’ commitment to safety is credited for averting a possibly unfavorable situation.

During what was supposed to be a routine flight returning to base, Brad alerted the pilot that he was well below the established minimums for the instrument approach, which resulted in the pilot performing a go-around procedure and climbing out of the clouds. After the pilot initiated the procedure, he successfully landed the aircraft at a nearby airport.

As the base safety representative, Brad was able to quickly identify the issue, make a recommendation and save the crew from a potentially bad outcome.

Hiram Sanchez demonstrated extraordinary courage and skill during a routine call that turned out to be anything but, on a night in mid-December 2022.

While en route during a patient transfer, Hiram came upon a traffic collision involving three cars; no other emergency vehicles were on scene. Hiram quickly identified four patients, one who was unconscious and gasping for breath. Hiram then immediately grabbed the airway equipment bag and returned to provide patient ventilation.

San Mateo County communications were alerted, and additional resources were requested. Approximately two minutes later, Hiram returned to the ambulance to obtain the fire extinguisher because one of the victims was trapped in a car while the car adjacent was on fire. Hiram then positioned himself on the passenger side of the vehicle, closest to the fire, and used his body as a shield to protect the patient and a citizen who offered to help. The patient was quickly pulled from the car and away from danger.

Hiram’s management of this scene ensured the safety of the victims and bystanders and directly resulted in the patient being freed from the vehicle, likely saving their life. Hiram has also been nominated for a California EMSA EMS Medal of Valor for his heroic actions during this response.

Stephanie Nocita is admired and respected by her co-workers and the leadership team alike for her ability to quickly assess a medical condition and for her skills that enable her to provide the needed intervention in critical situations. These characteristics were clearly on display in two recent circumstances: one involving a newborn and the other an individual in a busy shopping area.

Stephanie and her partner resuscitated a 17-day baby with a congenital heart defect who had gone into cardiac arrest. The newborn underwent heart surgery and made a full recovery.

Then, in early September 2022, she successfully helped resuscitate a person who collapsed at a crowded shopping plaza in Carmel. In that situation, a bystander and two police officers began CPR until Stephanie and her partner arrived and took over the care until more help arrived.

On the way to the hospital, the patient regained a pulse and was eventually discharged after making a full recovery. The patient later came back to visit Stephanie and the others who had helped them survive their medical ordeal.

Fidencio Hernandez enjoys building relationships between AMR and his community by organizing local, healthcare-oriented workshops and events.

Throughout his EMS career, Fidencio has demonstrated a dedication to public health efforts through his outreach and engagement efforts. He has collaborated with the local Latino community by providing educational seminars including Stop the Bleed as well as events about public access to and use of the nasal spray Narcan. His efforts have led to the enhancement of local participation in the learning of critical lifesaving skills.

Fidencio has also brought important community health information to members of both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. He has accomplished this by providing bilingual education to ensure the greatest number of community members can benefit.

Additionally, in his role as Field Training Officer, his years of experience and endless positivity provide an excellent learning environment for new hires. He is called upon to impart his knowledge often to offset staffing shortages, preparing new EMTs for their vitally important role in the community.

Victoria England is proud to specialize in providing care to neonatal and pediatric patients. Her love for her job is what led her to volunteer to lead the effort to help the youngest of patients receive the best care possible during Hurricane Ian.

Described by her leaders as an “integral source of knowledge and experience for all clinicians in the Northern California bases,” Victoria strives for excellence in her career, never shying away from a challenge. While she has focused her attention on serving neonatal and pediatric patients, she decided to increase her span of care when she moved from REACH 3 in Concord to REACH 17 in Mather. Here, she now cares for patients of all ages and levels of acuity.

Victoria always maintains a positive attitude and continuously demonstrates a passion for helping her organization in any capacity necessary.

Luke Stengler has been an EMT for one year. He began his service in a quaint town in Virginia, before transferring to San Diego in February 2023. Throughout his tenure, Luke has consistently showcased his exemplary skills as an EMT. Yet, it was on April 1st, 2023, that his dedication and bravery truly shone through.

On this fateful day, the assigned crew on BLS5 comprised of EMT-B Kristine Kokkinos and EMT-B Luke Stengler. While en route to another assignment, they unexpectedly stumbled upon an accident. Swiftly surveying the situation, they halted to provide assistance. In their rapid response, both EMTs ensured scene safety by positioning their ambulance as a protective buffer against incoming traffic, thereby ensuring a safer environment for all present. The duo then proceeded to assess everyone involved, simultaneously relocating vehicles to the shoulder, clearing the main traffic lanes.

Their most poignant moment arose when they encountered a distressed individual, who had crashed his vehicle into the guardrail of an overpass bridge in a tragic attempt to end his own life. As the BLS5 crew approached to offer aid, this individual abruptly ran towards the bridge railing with the intent of leaping. CHP reports and witness testimonies confirm that as the man jumped, both EMT Kokkinos and Stengler, showcasing immense courage and disregarding their own safety, grasped him mid-air. They nearly plummeted off the side of the bridge, which towers 60-70 feet above a bustling freeway. Their unwavering grip and determination ensured that they did not let this individual fall to an untimely demise. Both EMTs displayed a heroic act, risking their lives for someone they had never met, who had made a grievous choice.

Originally from San Diego, Luke is currently advancing his education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree through the University of Arizona online. Off duty, he passionately participates in a hockey league alongside his high school teammates and hones his skills in jiu-jitsu.

The Falck team extends heartfelt gratitude to Luke Stengler for his unwavering commitment to both the organization and the communities we serve. His courage and dedication are truly inspiring.

Michael’s dedication to the community transcends standard Paramedic responsibilities. His actions on that pivotal day truly embody the spirit of a hero, and showcase the genuine heart of a first responder.