Katie Tribley is a Flight Nurse and Base Clinical Lead with REACH in Salinas, California, whose clinical expertise, composure, and commitment to education have made her a respected leader within her organization.

Katie demonstrated exceptional clinical judgment during a life-threatening emergency in which a patient’s airway was critically compromised. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, she decisively performed a rare field procedure to secure the patient’s airway. Her ability to remain composed and apply advanced clinical skills under extraordinary circumstances provided the patient with essential lifesaving care.

Katie’s impact extends beyond her work at the bedside. As a highly regarded Operational Base Lead for REACH, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing the clinicians around her and strengthening the quality of care provided by her team. She created a dedicated training space at her base, providing colleagues with an environment where they can develop and maintain the skills required for critical care transport.

Her commitment to continued learning is equally evident in her own professional development. Katie recently became a licensed Nurse Practitioner, adding another level of advanced clinical knowledge to the experience she brings to her patients and colleagues.

Whether performing a rare lifesaving intervention, developing educational resources for her team, or continuing to advance her own clinical education, Katie demonstrates a commitment to excellence that strengthens both her patients and her organization. REACH is proud to recognize Flight Nurse and Base Clinical Lead Katie Tribley as a Star of Life.

Eli Velasco came to Del Norte Ambulance eager to explore the world of EMS. Before long, his curiosity developed into a passion for the profession. He began asking thoughtful questions about Advanced Life Support and seeking every opportunity to learn, laying the foundation for his continued growth as a Paramedic.

Eli’s path through Paramedic school was not without challenges. When he encountered setbacks, he responded with determination rather than discouragement. He remained focused, put in the necessary work, and ultimately excelled. That same perseverance continues to define his approach to EMS. Eli consistently arrives early, gives his best on every shift, and looks for opportunities to support the people around him.

His clinical development has been equally impressive. Del Norte Ambulance’s Clinical Supervisor describes Eli’s growth as the greatest she has seen among the organization’s providers this year. His documentation is excellent, and he actively welcomes constructive feedback. Rather than simply acknowledging guidance, Eli takes the time to ensure he understands it and then applies what he has learned to future patient encounters.

Beyond his professional development, Eli continues working toward a better future for himself while remaining present for his family through personal challenges. His ability to balance those responsibilities while continuing to grow as an EMS professional speaks to his resilience and character.

Eli’s curiosity, perseverance, work ethic, and commitment to continuous improvement demonstrate the qualities Del Norte Ambulance values in its providers. His dedication to becoming a stronger clinician ultimately serves the people who matter most—his patients and community. Del Norte Ambulance is proud to recognize Paramedic Eli Velasco as a Star of Life.

Shelby Costa is a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with AMR in San Diego, California, whose leadership and dedication to supporting fellow first responders have strengthened the EMS community throughout the region.

Recognizing the importance of caring for those who care for others, Shelby founded and leads a 26-member peer support team dedicated to helping colleagues through difficult and stressful experiences. Under her leadership, the team has provided critical assistance to more than 700 employees through over 500 activations, creating an important source of support for EMS professionals when they need it most.

Shelby has also worked to expand resources that promote connection and resilience among first responders. She spearheaded the introduction of the GRIN (Group and Individual Crisis Intervention) training program to the San Diego region, helping equip providers with additional tools to support colleagues experiencing challenging circumstances. She also brought the EMS Games to the region, creating another opportunity to strengthen relationships and camaraderie across the workforce.

Her leadership extends beyond AMR. As president of the San Diego EMS Association, Shelby continues to contribute her time and energy to the broader EMS community. Combined with her work as a Paramedic and Field Training Officer, these efforts demonstrate a commitment not only to excellent patient care, but also to developing, supporting, and advocating for the professionals who provide it.

Shelby’s work reflects an understanding that a strong EMS system depends on strong, supported people. Through peer support, crisis intervention training, mentorship, and professional leadership, she has helped create resources and connections that benefit hundreds of her colleagues.

AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic and Field Training Officer Shelby Costa as a Star of Life for her exceptional leadership, commitment to provider well-being, and dedication to strengthening the EMS community.

Bryar Hopkins is a Flight Paramedic with REACH in McClellan, California, whose resilience, compassion, and commitment to serving others extend far beyond his work aboard an air ambulance.

A two-time Stage 4 lymphoma survivor, Bryar has faced extraordinary personal challenges while continuing to dedicate himself to helping others. That commitment was powerfully demonstrated during the memorial service for Reach flight nurse, Susie Smith, when someone experienced a life-threatening medical emergency. Bryar immediately stepped forward and began bystander CPR.

His lifesaving intervention contributed to the patient achieving return of spontaneous circulation. The patient ultimately made a full recovery, transforming an unexpected emergency into a powerful example of the difference immediate action can make.

Bryar brings that same determination to his professional and personal pursuits. While continuing his work as a Flight Paramedic, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, further expanding his clinical knowledge and capabilities. He is also training for the Boston Marathon while raising funds for charity, combining personal achievement with another opportunity to serve others.

Bryar’s journey reflects remarkable perseverance and an enduring commitment to making a positive difference. Whether caring for patients as a Flight Paramedic, stepping forward to provide lifesaving CPR while off duty, advancing his education, or supporting charitable causes, he consistently demonstrates compassion and service to others.

REACH is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Bryar Hopkins as a Star of Life for his resilience, selfless service, and unwavering dedication to his patients, colleagues, and community.

Blanca Morfin Watkins, a Paramedic with American Medical Response (AMR) in California, is being honored for her extraordinary courage and selfless actions after risking her own safety to help another in a life-threatening emergency.

When she encountered a critically injured patient lying just feet from a burning vehicle, Blanca immediately began providing care despite the imminent danger. Moments later, an explosive event occurred, exposing Blanca to the blast and causing minor injuries. Her calm under pressure, quick decision-making and unwavering commitment to helping others in an extraordinarily dangerous situation exemplify the very best of emergency service and personal bravery.

AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Blanca Morfin Watkins as a Star of Life for her extraordinary courage, selfless actions, and unwavering commitment to helping others in their greatest moments of need.

Mark Rock is a Paramedic with AMR in Moorpark, California, whose 30 years in emergency medical services have been distinguished by clinical service, education, mentorship, and contributions to the advancement of patient care.

Drawing on decades of field experience, Mark developed a modernized patient assessment framework designed to strengthen the way EMS professionals approach patient evaluation. His work gained recognition beyond his own organization and community, earning publication in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) and subsequent attention in European EMS journals.

Mark’s work ultimately reached an international audience when he presented the framework at the European EMS Conference in Glasgow. Its influence also came full circle at home, where the local EMS agency adopted the framework as part of Ventura County’s Universal Patient Care Guidelines.

The progression from an idea developed by a working Paramedic to a published, internationally presented, and locally adopted clinical framework reflects Mark’s commitment to improving EMS practice. His contribution has helped influence the protocols that guide patient assessment, extending his impact well beyond the patients he personally treats.

Even after three decades in the field, Mark remains an active educator and mentor. By sharing his experience and encouraging the professional development of other EMS clinicians, he continues to strengthen the profession and help prepare providers to deliver thoughtful, systematic patient care.

Mark’s career demonstrates how one EMS professional can influence patient care both at the bedside and throughout a larger system. Through clinical practice, education, mentorship, and innovation, his contributions have helped shape how providers assess and care for patients. AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Mark Rock as a Star of Life.

Emily Smayra is a Paramedic Supervisor with AMR in Stockton, California, whose courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her patients are evident in the most challenging circumstances.

Emily demonstrated these qualities while responding to a large-scale shooting that impacted multiple people. During this tragic incident, she served as the lead responding Paramedic and Medical Group Supervisor, assuming a critical leadership role amid an exceptionally demanding emergency.

Faced with a complex and rapidly evolving situation, Emily provided clear command and a steady presence while remaining focused on the patients and responders who depended on her leadership. Her ability to bring stability to a worst-case scenario exemplified the composure and professionalism required of EMS leaders during large-scale emergencies.

Emily brings that same courage and commitment to the difficult calls she routinely encounters. Whether providing direct patient care or leading others through a critical incident, she approaches her responsibilities with dedication, sound leadership, and an unwavering commitment to service.

Her actions during the shooting reflect the qualities she demonstrates throughout her career: bravery in the face of extraordinary circumstances, clear and confident leadership, and steadfast dedication to those in need. AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Supervisor Emily Smayra as a Star of Life.

Beth Watt is a Flight Paramedic with REACH in Williams, California, whose three decades of flight service have been defined by clinical experience, education, and an extraordinary commitment to the people who serve alongside her.

That commitment was powerfully demonstrated following the crash of a REACH helicopter. After learning that her teammates had been injured, Beth drove two-and-a-half hours through the night to reach her coworkers, arriving within hours of the accident. In a moment of tremendous uncertainty and distress, Beth focused immediately on supporting those affected by the tragedy.

Her compassion extended beyond her injured colleagues. Beth stepped forward to serve as a liaison for the victim’s family, providing support, comfort, and a steady presence during an extraordinarily difficult time. Her actions reflected the loyalty and humanity that have characterized her career and demonstrated what it means to care for the EMS family when tragedy strikes close to home.

Beth’s influence reaches far beyond her work as a Flight Paramedic. During three decades of flight service, she has also distinguished herself as an EMS educator, training generations of medics throughout Northern California. Through her dedication to education, Beth has shared her knowledge and experience with countless EMS professionals, extending her impact to the patients and communities those providers serve.

Whether educating the next generation of medics, caring for patients, supporting a teammate, or standing beside a family during a crisis, Beth leads with compassion and an instinct to serve others. Her response following the REACH helicopter crash exemplifies the loyalty, selflessness, and sense of responsibility that strengthen the EMS community.

REACH is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Beth Watt as a Star of Life for her three decades of service, her profound influence as an EMS educator, and the extraordinary compassion she demonstrated when her teammates and their families needed her most.

Caitlyn Rainwater is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with Falck Orange County whose extraordinary compassion, vigilance, and lifesaving actions demonstrate that the commitment to care for others does not end when an EMS professional’s shift is over.

For five years, Caitlyn has served with Falck Orange County and is currently based at the Laguna Niguel Station. She lives in San Clemente with her husband, who serves in the United States Marine Corps, and their four children. As a military family, they navigate the challenges of deployments while making the most of their time together, including frequent family trips to Disneyland.

Caitlyn’s EMS training and instinct to protect others proved lifesaving while she was off duty at a birthday pool party for a friend’s child. With many children gathered around the pool, Caitlyn remained particularly attentive to a two-year-old who could not swim and was not wearing a flotation device. After briefly losing sight of the toddler, Caitlyn turned and immediately spotted the child floating unresponsive in the water.

Once the child was removed from the pool, Caitlyn quickly assessed the situation and activated 911. Recognizing that the child was not breathing, had no pulse, and was turning blue, she immediately began CPR. Drawing upon her training, Caitlyn remained focused and determined, successfully resuscitating the child within a short period of time.

Caitlyn continued caring for the toddler until the responding EMS crew arrived and assumed care. Most importantly, the child made a full recovery and was later discharged from the hospital in good health.

Despite the extraordinary outcome, Caitlyn has remained modest about her actions. As a mother of four and a dedicated EMT, she simply recognized that a child needed help and responded without hesitation. Her vigilance, compassion, clinical readiness, and willingness to act when seconds mattered made a profound difference for a child and family.

Caitlyn’s actions exemplify the instincts and values at the heart of emergency medical services: paying attention, being prepared, and stepping forward when another person needs help. Falck Orange County is proud to recognize Caitlyn Rainwater as a Star of Life.

Taylor has dedicated 27 years to emergency medical services, serving in roles ranging from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Field Training Officer (FTO) to her current position as Operations Manager with Falck. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to leadership, innovation, and community service, but perhaps no accomplishment illustrates those qualities better than the Mounted EMS program she created from the ground up.

Taylor recognized an opportunity to combine her passion for horses with her commitment to EMS and community engagement. While mounted public safety programs traditionally operate through law enforcement agencies, Taylor envisioned something different: a mounted program within an ambulance organization. Using her own horses, personal time, and resources, she transformed that idea into a new way for Falck to engage with the public, increase the visibility of EMS, and strengthen relationships throughout the community.

What began as an idea evolved under Taylor’s leadership into a comprehensive policy and operational framework for Basic Life Support (BLS) Mounted EMS Units, establishing a model unique within Falck’s California Region. The program demonstrates Taylor’s ability not only to envision something new, but also to develop the structure necessary to make that vision operational and sustainable.

Its impact extends well beyond the mounted unit itself. Taylor has developed the program into a platform for building relationships with law enforcement, fire departments, public safety agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners. Through public safety events, parades, fundraisers, educational initiatives, community celebrations, and awareness campaigns, the Mounted EMS program creates memorable opportunities to share important safety information, connect people with valuable resources, and introduce communities to the people behind their local EMS system.

Through nearly three decades of service, Taylor has shown that leadership can mean recognizing possibilities others have not yet imagined and doing the work necessary to bring them to life. Her initiative, creativity, personal commitment, and dedication to building stronger connections between EMS and the community exemplify what it means to be a Star of Life.

Jessica Adams serves as Community Education Coordinator for Falck Alameda County, where she has developed and sustained a comprehensive community outreach and education program designed to strengthen the relationship between emergency medical services and the people they serve. Jessica has served as an EMT since 2005, bringing more than two decades of experience in emergency medical services to her work in community education. Throughout her career, she has also served as a CPR instructor and provided instruction to aspiring EMTs enrolled in emergency medical technician training programs. Her experience in both emergency response and education provides a strong foundation for the community outreach and education programs she leads today.

Through her work, Jessica has built lasting relationships with diverse communities throughout Alameda County. She provides education about health and safety, lifesaving skills, and the role of ambulance services within the healthcare system. Her outreach helps community members understand how to access emergency care, what to expect when calling 911, and what they can do to help during an emergency before first responders arrive.

Jessica also uses community engagement to introduce people to careers in emergency medical services. By connecting community members with Falck employees and providing greater visibility into EMS career opportunities, she helps inspire interest in the profession and supports efforts to build a future EMS workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

One of Jessica’s most significant accomplishments has been launching the Falck Alameda Community Advisory Board. The board brings together community-based organizations representing underserved populations from across Alameda County and provides them with a meaningful voice in conversations about local EMS services. Through Jessica’s continued leadership and engagement, these partnerships help Falck better understand and respond to the specific needs of the communities it serves.

Jessica’s work has helped strengthen trust between Falck and the community while expanding access to important health and safety education. Her collaborative approach demonstrates that meaningful community outreach is not simply about sharing information; it is also about listening, building relationships, and ensuring that community perspectives help inform how EMS serves its neighbors.

Through her leadership, collaboration, and commitment to inclusive community engagement, Jessica has helped make EMS more accessible, responsive, and connected to local needs. Falck Alameda County is proud to recognize Jessica Adams as a Star of Life.

George Qare has served in emergency medical services since 2020, earning a reputation as a calm, compassionate, and clinically skilled provider whom colleagues can depend on during challenging calls. A Paramedic with Medic Ambulance Service, George began his EMS career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) before advancing to the Paramedic level.

George’s dedication and clinical excellence have earned significant recognition from his peers and the EMS community. He was named the 2025 Solano County Paramedic of the Year and has also been recognized by the California Ambulance Association as a Star of Life.

George’s clinical judgment was especially evident during a recent cardiac emergency involving the father of Medic Ambulance Service Regional Director of Logistics Justin Hill. A former Paramedic himself, the patient was experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, and a sense of impending doom. George’s assessment revealed that the patient was bradycardic and hypotensive, signaling a potentially life-threatening condition.

Recognizing the urgency, George immediately initiated treatment and administered appropriate cardiac medications. When the patient did not respond adequately, George quickly transitioned to cardiac pacing. His decisive intervention helped stabilize the patient and allowed for safe transport to the hospital for further treatment. Hospital clinicians later indicated that without George’s rapid recognition and intervention, the outcome could have been very different.

The call exemplifies the qualities George brings to his patients every day: sound clinical judgment, composure under pressure, compassion, and the ability to act decisively when seconds matter. Whether facing a critical emergency or providing care during a more routine encounter, George approaches his responsibilities with the professionalism and dedication his patients and colleagues have come to trust.

Through his clinical excellence, compassion, and commitment to those he serves, George represents the very best of the EMS profession. Medic Ambulance Service is proud to recognize George Qare as a Star of Life.

Loralee Olejnik is the EMT Community Education Specialist for Falck San Diego, where her passions for EMS, education, communication, and public health come together in a career dedicated to empowering others. Over more than 20 years, Loralee has taught thousands of people how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies, with a particular commitment to ensuring lifesaving education reaches communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing it.

Today, Loralee helps lead an extensive community education program supporting approximately 150 outreach events annually. She provides Hands-Only CPR and Stop the Bleed instruction, blood pressure screenings, emergency preparedness education, and other public safety programming throughout the San Diego region. Her warmth, patience, and ability to connect with people from all backgrounds have made her a trusted community partner and an exceptional ambassador for EMS.

Accessibility is central to Loralee’s work. Most recently, she has led an “Accessible CPR” program designed to provide people with disabilities CPR training in a supportive environment that accommodates their individual needs. She has also developed partnerships with nonprofits, community and senior centers, Black Infant Health programs, and organizations providing EMS career training to young people overcoming barriers to employment.

Loralee’s impact on community preparedness began well before her current role. A longtime CPR instructor, she spent approximately a decade with the regional San Diego Project Heart Beat program, helping expand access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and lifesaving training. Her work contributed to placing AEDs with San Diego Police Department officers, in public schools, and at numerous locations throughout the community.

Her ability to build partnerships has brought together local government, fire and public safety agencies, healthcare systems, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. Her collaborators have included the City and County of San Diego, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, San Diego Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Scripps Health, UC San Diego Health, Sharp HealthCare, Rady Children’s Health Safe Kids, and Fourth District Seniors Resource Center.

Loralee’s commitment to education extends throughout the EMS profession. She regularly contributes to EMS publications, helped with the U.S. release of the children’s book What Paramedics and EMTs Do, speaks at conferences, and serves on the committee for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Girls Empowerment Camp, which introduces teens to careers in public safety. Within Falck, she has also developed recognition programs celebrating field deliveries and CPR saves, helping ensure EMS professionals receive recognition for their lifesaving work.

Through two decades of education, advocacy, partnership, and service, Loralee has worked to make lifesaving knowledge more accessible to everyone. She does more than educate communities; she gives people the confidence and skills to help one another when it matters most. Falck San Diego is proud to recognize Loralee Olejnik as a Star of Life.

Michael Fenwick has dedicated nearly 40 years to emergency medical services, including 30 years serving his community as a member of Medic Ambulance Service. His career has spanned military medicine, civilian EMS, critical care, and Community Paramedicine, reflecting an enduring commitment to patients and the EMS profession.

Michael began his EMS career in the military at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he served as an active-duty ground medic from 1987 to 1990. Assigned to the 690th Medical Company, he provided emergency and routine medical treatment on base. In 1988, Michael was part of one of the first groups of combat medics at Fort Benning to become nationally registered Emergency Medical Technicians.

His commitment to military and emergency medical service continued with the California Army National Guard, where he later served as a Flight Medic. In 2012, Michael was one of only two Soldiers in the California Army National Guard selected to attend a Critical Care Paramedic course, further expanding the advanced clinical knowledge he brought to both his military and civilian EMS careers.

Michael joined Medic Ambulance Service on October 30, 1996, and became a Paramedic in 1999. He later became one of the organization’s early Community Paramedics, helping support an emerging model of care that expanded the traditional role of EMS beyond emergency response and transport.

Throughout his career, Michael has witnessed extraordinary changes in emergency medical services, from advances in equipment and technology to the evolution of clinical care and the EMS system itself. Through those changes, he has remained a steady and trusted presence at Medic Ambulance Service.

Decades of field experience have given Michael a remarkable depth of knowledge and clinical judgment that he readily brings to every call. When circumstances are at their most challenging, his calm presence, strong clinical skills, and extensive experience provide reassurance not only to his patients, but also to the crews working alongside him. His knowledge and perspective have also made a lasting impression on the many EMS professionals who have had the opportunity to work with and learn from him.

Nearly four decades in EMS represent countless patients cared for, partners supported, colleagues influenced, and changes in the profession experienced firsthand. Through his professionalism, clinical expertise, extensive knowledge, and enduring commitment to service, Michael exemplifies the dedication at the heart of emergency medical services.

Medic Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Michael Fenwick as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.

Kenny Glimme is being commended for his quick instincts and lifesaving actions that saved the life of a toddler. While at his base during routine aircraft maintenance, Kenny heard screams coming from a nearby field. Compelled to act, he climbed a fence and discovered a mother clutching her lifeless child, who had fallen into a pond.

Without hesitation, Kenny immediately began rescue breathing and CPR while waiting for first responders to arrive. He coordinated care with the arriving EMS team, requested the closest air ambulance, and helped direct resuscitation efforts on the way to the airport. Once the helicopter crew prepared for flight, Kenny assisted the nurse to ensure the toddler received critical care every step of the way.

The child was stabilized and flown to a pediatric center, where they recovered and returned home five weeks later. Thanks to Kenny’s swift response, clinical expertise, and calm leadership under pressure, a young life was saved.

REACH Air Medical Services is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Kenny Glimme as a Star of Life!

Jimi Estrada-Velazquez is being praised for his swift action and lifesaving intervention that saved the life of a toddler who nearly drowned.

Last summer, Jimi and his partner responded to a frantic 9-1-1 call from parents who had found their child face down in a swimming pool. Within two minutes of dispatch, Jimi arrived on scene and brought calm, expertise, and urgency to a chaotic situation. Working alongside his partner and law enforcement officers, he immediately began rescue breathing, delivering lifesaving oxygen to the child.

Thanks to seamless coordination with fellow first responders, the child was stabilized and quickly loaded into the ambulance. Firefighters joined en route, and together the team defied the odds—reviving the young patient and ensuring a safe arrival at the hospital.

Because of Jimi’s rapid response and unwavering focus, the toddler made a full recovery. His actions reflect his personal commitment to teamwork, training, and courage under pressure—qualities that define the very best of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Jimi Estrada-Velazquez as a Star of Life!

LeAnn Riley is being honored for 35 years of unwavering dedication to problem-solving and her gift for empathetic, strategic communication in the face of crisis. As a calm and steady voice on the other end of 911 calls, she has guided countless individuals—many too frightened to speak clearly—through emergencies with precision, compassion, and care.

Her remarkable ability to ask the right questions and quickly assess the appropriate level of response is not a skill acquired overnight. It reflects decades of experience, professional mastery, and a deep understanding of the emergency medical services industry.

To her colleagues and supervisors, LeAnn is the very definition of an unsung hero. Her exceptional skill, accuracy, and commitment make her an indispensable part of her agency’s success and a trusted lifeline for her community.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize LeAnn Riley as a Star of Life!

Fear doesn’t stop Dustin Wilson—it fuels his resolve. On one extraordinary call, Dustin responded to an emergency involving an unresponsive individual found hanging from a bridge, entangled in a rope. The patient appeared to have been attempting to rappel down to recover belongings that had fallen into the water below.

With no fire personnel or rescue equipment yet on scene, Dustin took charge. Secured only by his partner and local officers, he climbed over the guardrail to reach the patient. His decisive actions allowed the team to pull the individual back to safety, where CPR was initiated. Thanks to Dustin’s leadership and quick response, the patient regained a pulse before being transported for further care.

Dustin’s courage under pressure and unwavering commitment to saving lives embody the very best of EMS.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Dustin Wilson as a Star of Life!

Brannen Zilka is being honored for his quick actions that saved the life of a spectator at a local sporting event—all while off duty. Last fall, while attending a football game with his family, Brannen saw a person collapse in sudden cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, he immediately began CPR and quickly retrieved an AED to deliver a lifesaving shock. Thanks to his rapid response and clinical expertise, the patient survived and was able to leave the hospital with no disabilities.

In addition to his frontline skill, Brannen is admired by his colleagues for his servant-leadership and commitment to his team. He dedicates personal time to serve with the Special Operations Unit, contributes to the System Status Committee, and teaches American Heart Association courses. He is also a trusted mentor in new hire academies, helping to prepare the next generation of EMS professionals.

Brannen’s service extends far beyond his daily duties. Over the years, he has deployed many times, not only as a crew member but also as an Ambulance Strike Team leader, stepping forward whenever his community or state calls.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Brannen Zilka as a Star of Life!

On June 24, 2024, while off duty, Falck Alameda County Paramedic Jeremy Jaime performed a heroic rescue that saved the life of seven-year-old Bastian “Bazzy” Michel. Jeremy came upon a devastating accident where Bazzy had been struck by a large truck and was found unconscious.

Drawing on his professional training, Jeremy immediately initiated CPR alongside a nearby witness. After approximately two minutes of focused effort, they successfully revived Bazzy. Jeremy quickly identified the boy’s critical injuries—including a broken arm, head trauma, and internal damage—and remained at his side until additional responders arrived. He not only assisted EMS crews in stabilizing the patient but also provided calm reassurance and support to Bazzy’s family during the crisis.

Thanks to Jeremy’s swift actions, Bazzy survived and went on to make an incredible recovery. The families have remained close, with Bazzy affectionately calling Jeremy his “guardian angel” and “Maui,” a nod to his larger-than-life presence and heroic role that day.

Falck Alameda County is proud to honor Jeremy Jaime as a Star of Life!