EMT Kristine Kokkinos has dedicated her EMS skills and expertise to the residents of San Diego County for the last two years. In this relatively short span, she has impacted the lives of hundreds.

On April 1, 2023, her commitment to the role was dramatically put into practice. While en route to another assignment, Kristine and her partner, EMT Luke Stengler, chanced upon a serious accident scene. Without hesitation, they took command of the situation and positioned their ambulance as a protective barrier from ongoing traffic, making the scene safer for everyone involved.

Their rapid assessment led them to prioritize the victims and clear the traffic lanes. However, one individual, reportedly intoxicated and vocal about his intent to end his life, dramatically accelerated his vehicle and crashed into the guardrail of an overpass. As the crew approached him, the man leapt up and dashed for the bridge’s edge. Witnesses and the California Highway Patrol recounted that as he vaulted over the side, shouting his suicidal intent, both Kristine and Luke, without a second thought for their own safety, reached out and caught him in midair. Teetering on the edge, with a 60-70 ft. drop onto active freeway lanes below, the two EMTs held firm. In doing so, they undoubtedly saved his life.

On a personal note, Kristine has called North County, San Diego home since 2018. She completed her EMT certification at Palomar College and has plans to further her education by pursuing her Paramedic License. Away from the high-intensity world of emergency response, Kristine finds solace at the beach, cherishes moments with her family, and scales heights while rock climbing with friends.

San Diego celebrates and deeply appreciates Kristine Kokkinos for her unwavering commitment and selfless service.

Falck is honored to recognize Victor Hoffer as a 2023 Star of Life.

Rebecca “Becca” Ellis, a dedicated EMT at Falck Mobile Health, exhibited extraordinary valor and expertise during a critical incident at a jiu-jitsu studio. Upon being dispatched to a Code 3 for a cardiac arrest and realizing they were mere moments away, Becca and her partner Austin arrived on scene in less than a minute. Racing to the second floor, Becca found the patient suspended upside-down, with alarmed peers shouting about his lack of breath. Swiftly assessing the situation, she had the patient set down and confirmed he was pulseless and not breathing. Without hesitation, Becca initiated life-saving chest compressions while Austin prepared the AED and BVM. Their rapid actions and precise protocols, which included a successful shock delivery after initially receiving a “no shock advised” signal from the AED, led to the patient regaining consciousness and breathing autonomously.

By the time they arrived at the hospital, the patient was not only stable but engaged in heartfelt conversations, expressing deep gratitude for Becca and Austin’s outstanding efforts. Their quick thinking and resolute actions had transformed a potentially tragic situation into a story of hope and recovery.

At just 19 years old and with only seven months of experience as an EMT, Becca’s passion for her profession is evident. Outside of her life-saving role, she is a fervent advocate for mental and physical health, a talented artist, and an outdoor enthusiast. Furthermore, she is dedicated to her education, always eager to expand her knowledge in EMS. With aspirations of potentially joining the fire service and a clear devotion to her loved ones, Becca’s off-shift moments are spent cherishing her family, friends, and relaxation.

The Star of Life award is a testament to Becca Ellis’s remarkable skills, determination, and the bright future that surely lies ahead for her in EMS.

Born and raised in Vacaville, CA, Michael Robinson now proudly calls Dixon, CA home, where he lives with his loving wife, two wonderful daughters, and two loyal dogs.

Michael’s journey with Medic Ambulance Service began in 2012, when he took on the role of Wheelchair/Gurney Van Technician. Demonstrating dedication and skill, Michael’s progression within the company was swift; he progressed to an EMT role shortly after and achieved the rank of Paramedic by 2017.

Outside the demanding realm of emergency medical services, Michael cherishes quality time with his family. He is passionate about outdoor adventures, including camping and fishing, and has a spirited enthusiasm for playing hockey.

Throughout his tenure at Medic Ambulance, Michael’s exceptional capabilities have seen him deployed on numerous strike teams as a pivotal member of the Emergency Response Team. Moreover, in his role as a Field Training Officer, Michael has played a crucial role in shaping the future of emergency services in Solano County. He has mentored and trained a plethora of new EMTs and guided budding Paramedics during their rigorous field internships as a Preceptor. In addition to these significant responsibilities, Michael also serves as a shop steward for the union.

Michael takes immense pride in serving the residents of his hometown in Solano County. It is with immense gratitude and admiration that we honor him as Medic Ambulance’s Solano Division Paramedic of the Year and bestow upon him the prestigious Star of Life award. Congratulations, Michael!

Chalyssa David’s journey from the sunny shores of San Diego to the bustling streets of Sacramento is one filled with resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to service. Born in San Diego and raised alongside her two sisters by their loving grandparents in Santa Rosa, Chalyssa’s early life was marked by dreams of diverse career paths—ranging from oceanography to child development, and even aspirations of becoming a firefighter.

Though she was part of a pre-college program during her high school years, Chalyssa chose a different path after graduation. Her life took a significant turn at 19 when she learned of her pregnancy, prompting her to relocate to Yuba City. As a mother of two by 2012, she recognized the need for a stable career to support her growing family. Initially drawn to EMT training with aspirations of becoming a firefighter, Chalyssa discovered her true calling on the ambulance. The world of emergency medical services captivated her heart and mind.

Despite her many responsibilities—volunteering at a fire department, clocking in over 50 hours weekly on the ambulance, attending paramedic school, and raising her two children—Chalyssa’s determination never wavered. Today, with almost seven years as a Paramedic under her belt, six of which have been with Medic Ambulance, her dedication to the field continues to grow. In 2018, Chalyssa’s excellence was recognized with a promotion to Paramedic Supervisor. Her recent transfer from our Solano Operations to our Sacramento Division further exemplifies her adaptability and commitment. She views her EMS journey as not only rewarding for herself but as an inspiring example for her now five children in her blended family.

Yet, it’s not just her personal journey that makes Chalyssa stand out. On what appeared to be a routine interfacility transport, Chalyssa faced an unexpected and high-stakes situation. Tasked with caring for a 34-week pregnant female patient, she found herself in the midst of an unplanned delivery in the back of the ambulance. Faced with a baby entangled in its umbilical cord and in distress, Chalyssa’s swift and expert actions ensured the safe delivery and immediate resuscitation of the newborn. Today, both mother and baby are thriving, thanks to Chalyssa’s impeccable skills and presence of mind.

It is acts like these, combined with her dedication and remarkable journey, that make Chalyssa David not just a star in our eyes but a beacon of hope and inspiration. For her relentless dedication, unparalleled skill, and unwavering commitment to those in need, Medic Ambulance is proud to honor Chalyssa David with the Stars of Life award.

EMT Austin Baffa is being honored as a Star of Life for saving a patient in cardiac arrest.

He recounts, “My partner and I were dispatched to a Code 3 unconscious patient at a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym in Irvine, California. We were down the street and were upgraded to a full arrest and were notified by fire that they would be delayed. Prior to the call, we were practicing a ‘first on-scene’ full-arrest scenario and the call dropped as we finished our practice scenario. Upon arrival, we were flagged down by bystanders. My partner ran upstairs to begin her assessment while I grabbed the trauma and AED bag. Upon patient contact, we determined that they were pulseless, apneic with cyanosis and death rattles. My partner began CPR while I set up the AED. After a few minutes of high-quality CPR, we were able to get a shockable rhythm on the patient, ultimately achieving ROSC. The patient then began to throw up, at which point we cleared their airway and stabilized them. It was at this point that the fire department arrived to assist. By the time we loaded up the patient, they were fully oriented and in good spirits. It was later discovered that the patient sustained no brain damage and is making a full recovery.”

As luck would have it, before working as partners on the ambulance, Austin and his partner and fellow Star of Life, Becca, went to school together. During training, they spent time practicing just such skills and scenarios prior to their time working together at FALCK.

Austin spends his free time surfing, hiking, and going to the gym. He is active in his community and prioritizes his mental, physical, and emotional health. He is currently working toward a career as a Firefighter/Paramedic.

Erica Blockman is the clinical Coordinator and Paramedic for Del Norte Ambulance. Prior to joining Del Norte Ambulance, Erica served as a certified Flight Paramedic, a ground transport Paramedic, and engineer firefighter. She received her Fire Science degree in 2007 and her Associate of Science Degree in Prehospital Emergency Medicine in 2013.

Erica has gone above and beyond the call of duty time and time again. Her efforts significantly impact our company and our community through her commitment to providing quality mobile healthcare.

In addition to her commitment to EMS, Erica also strives for physical well-being. She is a former IFBB Physique bodybuilder and a physical trainer. In her free time, Erica enjoys relaxing with her dogs and paddle boarding on our local river.

Del Norte is proud to honor Erica as a 2023 Star of Life.

Bryan McKeon is being honored as a Star of Life for his actions while off duty that resulted in saving a cardiac arrest victim’s life. He was at his local gym when a patient in their 70s collapsed. It was a lucky day for that patient as Bryan and an off-duty San Jose Fire Department medic were close at hand. Together, they began CPR and delivered a shock from an on-site AED. By the time first responders arrived the patient had a strong pulse and was regaining consciousness. Bryan stayed with the patient and continued to assist until transport. The patient was discharged two days later. This singular save is indicative of Bryan’s commitment and professionalism that have also served him as he has dealt with crises such as the death of a co-worker, the local paramedic shortage, and the rising opioid epidemic.

Bryan began his tenure with AMR in 2015. He continues to challenge himself, becoming an Alternate Supervisor, Field Training Officer, and Preceptor to paramedic candidates. He is active in the community assisting with CPR and Stop the Bleed training programs and with the EMT program at the local college.

Clifford (Cliff) Jacks is being honored as a Star of Life for his determined actions in saving a 12-year-old who had collapsed during P.E. class at a local school. Cliff and his partner responded to the call and found the child unresponsive. Thinking quickly, he was able to convert the refractory V-Fib, achieving return of spontaneous circulation after three defibrillations. Cliff made the decision to immediately transport the patient to the nearest emergency department to stabilize. But he knew he would need to be on hand to then take the patient and the critical care team to the local Children’s Hospital. This forward-thinking ensured that the patient got the correct level of care and contributed to the patient having a positive outcome. Cliff’s commitment to always providing the highest quality of care to his patients was truly on display that day.

Cliff has been in EMS for 20 years and has been a medic for almost 15. He has continued his education, earning a BS in Molecular Biology and serving as a Field Training Officer and a Paramedic Preceptor. He is widely respected as a leader and as someone who will go out of their way to help coworkers.

Mathew Cox is being honored as a Star of Life for his off-duty actions that saved a boy from drowning. In January last year, Mathew was enjoying a vacation in Hawaii. While relaxing on the beach, he noticed a young boy splashing in shallow water near rocks. In what seemed mere minutes, the strength of the waves increased significantly, crashing violently on the sandy shore. Mathew looked for the boy and noticed he was being pushed by the waves into the sharp rocks. A moment later, the boy was pulled under by the strong current below. Mathew ran into the water. He caught a brief glimpse of the boy and dove in. Fighting the current himself, he reached the boy and pulled him back to the shore and his waiting parents. Mathew’s coworkers would not be surprised by his actions that day. They know he lives by the belief that you should leave a person or a place a little better than you found it.

Mathew began his career with AMR as an EMT in 2014 at a mere 18 years old. He quickly enrolled in paramedic school and earned that title. He continues to embrace educational opportunities, seeking out senior paramedics for tips and feedback. He strives for the best care for each patient he encounters.

Kimberly Hiner is being honored as a Star of Life for her tireless and selfless work on special assignments during the pandemic. Kimberly served alongside the AMR/REMSA’s SOS Team that worked with specialized nursing facilities to train their staff on how to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the first stages of the pandemic when these facilities were at significant risk. Through this training, Kimberly’s team helped reduce the rate of infection among staff members. Kimberly also went to Northern California for two extended deployments to work at COVID vaccine sites and was a REMSA/AMR COVID Response Strike Team member. Kimberly always puts the safety and welfare of others first, and her extensive knowledge and willingness to train others helped keep many people safe during the pandemic.

Michael Gibson is being honored as a Star of Life for his unquenchable curiosity and desire to invent medical devices that improve patient care and treatment. During the early days of the pandemic, Michael discovered that there was a lack of proper equipment to ventilate patients. So, rather than trying to find an improper fitting oxygen mask or using another oxygen device outside of its intended purpose, he invented a new oxygen mask. This new mask provides oxygen to the patient while also providing negative pressure around the patient’s face that stops the aerosolization of droplets. The new mask basically keeps a patient from infecting others around him. Michael’s invention eventually got the attention of General Motors, which became interested in producing the medical mask. However, once the pandemic began to wane, GM’s interest did too. But that has not stopped Michael from moving forward with his idea. He is currently working on receiving FDA approval for his innovative invention.

In addition to his creative spirit, Michael is known as a selfless steward who loves to share his knowledge with new nurses, Paramedics, and others who work in the field of patient care. He is articulate, self-motivated, and considered by his peers as a leader in medical education.

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.

When two devastating events shook her community, Nicole Gonzales responded for responders. As the Ventura County Critical Incident Stress Management Coordinator and a member of the county’s Behavioral Health Task Force, Nicole is charged with ensuring first responders receive the mental health support they need after traumatic events. 

Nicole provided support and comfort to her fellow AMR employees, first responders, and hospital personnel in the immediate aftermath of the November 2018 shooting at a country music bar in Thousand Oaks, California. Wildfires ignited just days later, impacting the same personnel who had responded to the deadly shooting. Nicole worked with members of the Critical Incident Stress Management coalition to create plans to satisfy the mental health needs of the community, in addition to those serving the public interest.

Day in and day out, Nicole demonstrates compassion and professionalism in helping her teammates cope with large-scale public incidents and their own private tragedies. She also continues to work as a full-time EMT and is a Field Training Officer and Lead Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor for AMR Ventura and Gold Coast Ambulance.

Mike Copeland has been an invaluable member of the Ventura County EMS community for the past 25 years. Throughout his career, he has served as an EMT, a Paramedic, and a Field Training Officer. He has developed a reputation as someone who leads by example.

Mike was one of the first to respond to the deadly shooting at a country music bar in Thousand Oaks, California in November 2018. He sprang into action mode when he received a patient with multiple gunshot wounds. Mike did not realize at the time that his patient was a long-time friend and fellow first responder. Mike transported the man to the hospital, then returned to assist other patients.

Just days after the shooting, disastrous wildfires broke out in Ventura County. No one would have questioned Mike had he asked for time off to cope after the shooting, but being the dedicated and selfless individual he is, Mike volunteered to fill available shifts during this difficult time.

We honor Mike for his tireless commitment to his patients, his fellow caregivers, and the community he has lived in and served for decades.

Spending 29 years in mobile healthcare is itself an achievement worthy of an award. Yet with almost three decades under his belt, Jackson Coats is even more dedicated to his profession, his teammates, and his patients than he was on the day he first started. Every year, Jackson seeks out new knowledge and certifications. He has instructed countless students during his tenure. He has saved lives with his own two hands with the experience and clinical skills he has so generously passed on to the providers who have come after him. Jackson’s excellent bedside manner inspires those within his operation as well as colleagues from allied agencies.

Jackson is a founding member of AMR’s Special Operations Unit of Contra Costa County. The unit provides Paramedic support to the county’s SWAT teams during active shooter events and specialized technical assignments. He is also a longtime member of AMR’s Emergency Response Team and has been deployed to multiple national disasters. Jackson served as a strike team leader during the Hurricane Michael deployment in 2018.

Last year kept Kristen Casteel on her toes. In 2018, Kristen—who has worked in mobile healthcare for 13 years and as a Paramedic for the past six—delivered three babies in the field and successfully resuscitated four cardiac arrest patients.  

Although Kristen provides the same strong clinical care to each of her patients, one incident has cemented her stellar reputation. While Kristen’s partner was treating a patient in the back of the ambulance, a panicked bystander approached the ambulance and informed Kristen, who was operating the vehicle, that there was someone unresponsive on the sidewalk nearby. Kristen pulled the ambulance over, grabbed her equipment, and found a patient in cardiac arrest.

Kristen began resuscitation efforts and directed bystanders to assist with CPR. She managed the patient on her own for five full minutes. When the transporting ambulance arrived on scene eight minutes into the incident, the patient’s heart was once again beating on its own.