Mike has worked in the EMS industry for more than 18 years, and has earned a strong reputation as both a leader and expert in operational disaster response. On July 6, 2013, after notification of a large airliner crash at San Francisco International Airport, Mike set into motion the San Mateo County EMS MCI Plan, and was quickly assigned to EMS Branch Officer by the Incident Commander. There is no question that Mike’s actions and leadership on this day saved lives. One of AMR’s most valuable disaster resources, Mike co-commands the San Mateo County’s Regional Tactical Medical Resources, serves as Chairman of the San Mateo County Mass Casualty Incident Committee and is the Northern California Disaster Response Coordinator for AMR’s National Disaster Response Team. Mike has also provided subject matter services to the Department of Homeland Security on disaster-related issues. In addition to the Asiana crash, Mike also played a pivotal role in the management of AMR’s response to the San Bruno gas explosion; and has personally responded to Hurricanes Gustave and Ike. In his day-to-day role as Field Supervisor, Mike helps to manage AMR’s 911 operations in San Mateo County, which experiences more than 42,000 calls a year. AMR’s success in San Mateo County is tied directly to Mike’s constant focus on rapid response and efficient delivery of services. Mike Marsh is a valued member of AMR’s team and dedicated professional, and we are proud to honor him with the Star of Life Award.”

To say that Chris Brown wears many hats would be an understatement. Not only is he a full-time Paramedic in one of the largest EMS systems in the region, but he is also an ordained minister, a Chief Warrant Officer in the American Volunteer Reserves, a member of the Memorial Honor Guard at Riverside National Cemetery, and President of AMR Riverside’s CARE team. A former member of the Seventh Medical Battalion in the US Army, co-workers describe Chris as a caring and understanding individual willing to go out of his way to help others in need. Whether seeking financial donations for employees that have experienced major medical events, or collecting toys for needy children and dressing up as Santa Claus, Chris never hesitates to come to the rescue. When Chris met a certain elderly patient who was living in deplorable conditions, failing to take her medications and calling 911 two to three times a day, Chris befriended the woman and began taking her to church and on outings with his family. Eventually Chris was able to convince her to move to a board and care home. She is now healthier and happier. Chris’ commitment and actions both on and off-duty are exceptional, and he is truly deserving of the Star of Life award.”

If you are lucky enough to be partnered with Andrea Strongman, the chances of your having a slow shift are low: She has a reputation for being dispatched whenever a big event or rough call occurs. This reputation was solidified on October 8, 2017, when a devastating fire hit the Sonoma Valley region.

Andrea and her partner were working the night shift when the fire began. High winds quickly spread the fire across the region, knocking down power lines and inundating the area with smoke and ash. The pair were dispatched to evacuate a paraplegic patient from his home, which was in the direct path of the fire. They arrived to find the house engulfed in flames with no firefighting resources available. Despite making every effort to gain entry, the flames were so hot and destructive it became clear the fire would prevent any further rescue efforts.

Distraught, Andrea and her partner had to compose themselves so they could continue to run calls being dispatched that night. Together, they performed countless residential, hospital, and skilled nursing facility evacuations, in addition to emergency medical transports to the ERs that were still open.

Andrea accomplished all of this in the midst of consoling and reassuring several of her colleagues who had lost their homes. Andrea’s partners may not always benefit from her reputation, but without question her community and her patients do.

Over Bruce Hagen’s distinguished 35-year career in EMS he has earned countless certifications, including mountain and wilderness rescue. This depth of experience, coupled with his leadership and clinical skills, are exactly the traits needed in an individual tasked with coordinating an EMS response during one of the nation’s worst firestorms.

At about 9:30 p.m. on October 8, 2017, calls came in over 911 Fire/EMS dispatch channels reporting one or more spot fires in the hills above the City of Napa. After contacting the CAL Fire Incident Commander (IC), Bruce, the Field Supervisor on duty at the time and already half way through his shift, assumed the role of radio liaison to manage EMS radio communications between the PSAP (dispatch center) and the Fire IC.

A report then came in that up to 45 people were trapped in homes along Atlas Peak Road and could not evacuate. With no fire resources available, Bruce requested the help of the CHP H32 helicopter to assist the AMR Operations Manager and multiple AMR ALS ambulance units with the rescue evacuations. The AMR crews, along with Sheriff’s Deputies, then went door to door to evacuate residents.

As the fire progressed, Bruce and the Fire IC became surrounded by fire, and were forced to evacuate themselves. As Bruce was pulling out of a parking lot, he observed a woman running to flee the area. The woman was struck by a wind-blown road sign that knocked her to the ground. Bruce placed the woman in the back of his supervisor vehicle then drove her to safety.

Bruce continued to work, without a break, until about 3:00 p.m. when he was relieved by another supervisor. After a short rest period, Bruce returned to work and completed additional shifts during the response phase of the disaster, which lasted for two weeks. Bruce worked with fire agencies at a field command post and staging areas, and directed incoming EMS resources, including mutual aid strike teams, to various assignments.

Unlike many students working their way through college, Karis did not push the easy button when it came time to choose a job. Not only did she decide to become an EMT while attending school, she also chose to work in AMR’s San Francisco operation, one of the busiest EMS systems in the state.

On July 11, 2017, at around 8:30 p.m., Karis was completing paperwork inside the ambulance while parked outside a local Emergency Room. Suddenly, Karis observed a woman approaching quickly carrying a one-year-old child. The boy had choked on a piece of cantaloupe, and was not moving or talking. His lips had begun to turn blue.

Karis’s training immediately kicked in. She jumped into action, moving first to back blows, then chest thrusts, and finally to finger sweeps, which ultimately dislodged the fruit. The child immediately took a deep breath, started crying, and regained his color. Karis said it was the most beautiful cry she had ever heard.

On May 18, 2017, Nicky and her partner, Thomas Hlava, came to stop at a traffic light. In front of them was what Nicky describes as a “very good-looking Corvette.” As the light turned green, the Corvette started moving forward, and then quickly stopped for no apparent reason. As they were about to pass, Nicky noticed another driver frantically pointing at the Corvette and making a choking sign.

Nicky immediately placed the ambulance in park and approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, where she observed the driver slumped to the side and not moving. The vehicle started to move forward, and Nicky sprinted after it. The Corvette was still moving forward at about 5 mph when Nicky finally caught up to the car. She could hear fast gasping respirations coming from the driver, but the door was locked. Luckily, the window was down, and Nicky leaned through it to activate the emergency brake, stopping the vehicle.

At this point, she tried to rouse the patient, but he remained unresponsive. Nicky attempted to locate the inside door handle but couldn’t find it. At last, she was able to lower the passenger side window to climb into the vehicle and turn off the engine.

Nicky then performed a pulse check on the driver, which revealed no pulse. She began chest compressions from the passenger seat. With the assistance of her partner and an off-duty Rural Metro Paramedic, a monitor was attached which identified the patient was experiencing ventricular fibrillation. It took two shocks, but the patient’s heart converted, and he attained a return of spontaneous circulation. An IV was placed and fluids administered, and the patient resumed breathing on his own.

Nicky later learned that she saved Dr. James Mankowski, a retired US Navy Veteran and Doctor of Physics.

Hong Kong-born Gordon Tsang immigrated to America with his family when he was 16 and jumped right into his first community-oriented job: summer lifeguard and swim instructor.

But after finishing high school and attending community college, it was a family tragedy that pointed him in the direction of his EMS career. In 2009, Gordon’s dad was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, and he passed away that October. Tragically, Gordon was the one who attempted to resuscitate him with CPR.  “I felt so helpless at the time,” Gordon says, “however, now I’m extremely grateful that I found direction in my career after this terrible family tragedy.”

In 2012, Gordon decided to take an EMT class, which drew him farther into the field of paramedicine. Gordon was hired at Medic Ambulance that same year, and he says, “I was blessed to have wonderful partners and family who encouraged and supported me through my journey as an EMT and my decision to start Paramedic school.” In August 2016, torn between nerves and excitement, he became a Paramedic in Solano County.

Gordon is always excited to pass on his knowledge to new EMTs and Paramedics. He is being recognized as Medic Ambulance Solano Division 2018 Paramedic of the Year for his excellent performance as an FTO/Paramedic in Solano County. 

Gordon and his partner Dominic were an integral part of Medic’s response during the devastating Napa and Sonoma fires. They worked countless hours and were part of three different strike teams sent to the impacted areas. Gordon and Dominic helped evacuate 65 patients from the Santa Rosa skilled nursing facility. 

Dominic Romero has worked with Medic Ambulance for almost three years, and he is being honored as Medic Ambulance Solano Division 2018 EMT of the Year.

He was also awarded Medic Ambulance’s 2018 Travis Grace “Excellence in EMS” Award and will receive a full-tuition scholarship for Paramedic school to Napa Valley College.

Most recently, Dominic and his partner Gordon were an integral part of Medic’s response during the devastating Napa and Sonoma fires. They worked countless hours and were part of three different strike teams to the impacted areas. Dominic and Gordon helped in the evacuation of 65 patients from a Santa Rosa skilled nursing facility.

Dominic has been a model employee at Medic Ambulance. He has provided excellent service to patients, and he has played an integral role in the company’s Quality Assurance Committee and Field Training Officer program.

Dominic recently became a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) leader within Medic’s new Caring for Ourselves and Others Affected by Critical Happenings and Everyday Stressors (COACHES) program, which helps employees remain mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy.

COACHES is a peer-support team staffed by employees who have received specialized training in psychological first aid, traumatology, and critical incident stress debriefing.

Peter Hastings has had several different roles, including vehicle service technician, EMT, and Paramedic, during his 15-year career. Today, Pete serves as an Operations Supervisor in AMR’s Stanislaus County operation. Pete is an active participant in a pilot project designed to help Paramedics to assess psychiatric patients in the field and route them for further care.

On April 8, 2016, Pete played the role of neighborhood hero. Pete was at home working in his garage when heard a scream come from a nearby home. Pete investigated and found a one-year-old girl floating lifeless in a backyard pool; the scream had come from the child’s terrified grandmother. Pete jumped into the pool to rescue the girl. Pete checked for vital signs and then began CPR. When responders arrived, the girl was awake and breathing. Pete’s young neighbor made a full recovery and suffered no neurological deficits.

When a clinical question arises, Paramedic Ivan Gonzales is the first person other paramedics and first responders approach. Though he has only been in the EMS industry for four short years, Ivan holds deep knowledge and inspires those around him to continue their growth.

Ivan is an adept Field Training Officer and highly principled caregiver. Many of the students and new employees Ivan helped teach have gone on to become excellent clinicians in their own right.

An exceptional caregiver, Ivan received three proclamations from county leaders within the span of two years. One of those came last year, when he was recognized for resuscitating a teenager who suffered a cardiac arrest. The boy made a full recovery, thanks in large part to the interventions Ivan performed.

Chana Alexander takes an active role in helping her colleagues and community thrive. As a Field Training Officer and Associate Supervisor, Chana teaches portions of her operation’s new hire orientation and education modules for other team members. She consistently works to empower others to provide the best possible patient care.

Chana is committed to increasing community safety and supporting local veterans. She is a volunteer for programs designed to decrease drunk and impaired driving. In 2013, Chana created a program designed to teach CPR to every local high school student. Since then, she and her program team have provided CPR instruction to more than 8,000 students. Chana also founded an annual charity softball tournament to benefit veterans. During its first three years, the tournament brought in more than $15,000.

Amanda Wilkinson has been in EMS for 15 years and has worked in a variety of private and non-profit EMS settings. Amanda has been a Paramedic for 11 years, and devoted much of her career to public and EMS education. Paramedic Wilkinson is a NAEMSE-trained instructor, and serves as an assistant Paramedic Program instructor, as well as a regional Paramedic preceptor. Amanda also holds additional instructor certifications for PALS, ACLS, and BCLS. Amanda also previously served as a NHTSA car seat instructor. Amanda is a full-time mother of three children, ages 14, 9, and 7 years old.

After American Ambulance of Visalia doubled in size in a three-month period, the company was left without a training supervisor. Paramedic Wilkinson was selected as the training supervisor and appointed to be the company’s prehospital liaison officer for the region’s EMS system. Paramedic Wilkinson has worked tirelessly to raise the bar on training, documentation standards, and internal educational programs. American Ambulance of Visalia is proud to recognize Amanda Wilkinson as a 2017 Star of Life.

Lyle Armstrong’s EMS career began in 1988 when he graduated from a Wyoming EMS First Responder Course with the aim of improving the safety of his local whitewater club. In 1989, he was hired as a career firefighter by the Rock Springs Wyoming Fire Department (RSFD).

Over the next few years, Lyle responded to several incidents that inspired him to further his training and experience within the EMS profession. Lyle took an EMT Basic course in 1994 and began working part time for Vase EMS in Rock Springs. Lyle advanced to ALS by obtaining his Wyoming EMT Intermediate Certification in 1996, and continued to work part-time for Vase EMS for 10 years.

Lyle always states that his goal is to be the best firefighter/EMT that he can be. Lyle’ career evolved as he served two years as firefighter, two years as fire captain, 14 years as Battalion Chief, and finally by serving almost seven years as fire chief. In the midst of his career progression, he also continued to advance his education, obtaining his Associate Degree in Fire Science and completing the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.

Lyle’s focus was to give as much back to emergency services as it had given to him. Lyle served as an adjunct instructor from 1994–2007 for the Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Office teaching hazardous materials awareness, operation, incident command, and technician courses throughout the state. Through the years, Lyle also served as an adjunct instructor for several of the Wyoming Fire Schools. From 2003–2014, Lyle ran a business providing training to the industry on firefighting, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and EMS.

Lyle has also been active in many local leadership activities and committees. Lyle served as the City of Rock Springs Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator from 1993–1995, and Emergency Management Coordinator 1995–1999 and 2008–2015. Lyle was a member of the Sweetwater County Local Emergency Planning Committee from 1994–2014 and was the Chairman of the Sweetwater County Ambulance Service Board, Rock Springs from 2013–2014. The board was tasked to oversee the area’s medical transportation and successfully created, marketed, and executed a five-year ambulance contract.

Lyle has also served in several state positions. As the RSFD fire chief Lyle also served as the administrator for the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security Regional Emergency Response Team 4. Lyle served on the Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Firefighter Certification Committee from 1999 to 2011, serving six of those years as chairman. During those six years, the committee was successful in obtaining NPQS (ProBoard) national certification of seven of the committee’s 17 fire certification levels. Lyle also served six years on the Wyoming Fire Chiefs’ Executive Board, with two years as president of that organization. Lyle also served on the Wyoming Fire Chiefs’ Legislative Committee from 2005 to 2014.

On December 12, 2014, Lyle retired from the RSFD and moved to Del Norte County, California. Looking to continue his efforts to give back to the community, Lyle filled a vacant Board of Directors position on the Smith River Fire Protection District from July 2015–November 2016. Lyle also participates on the Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services Emergency Operations Center team and was hired as a part-time EMT at Del Norte Ambulance in April of 2016.

Lyle is a natural leader and his experience in the field makes him a very valuable asset. Lyle is the EMT-B that all Paramedics want to work with. Many younger EMTs seek Lyle out for ideas, help, and guidance.

Lyle is always upbeat, ready to help others, and prepared to take on tough assignments. Lyle Armstrong is not only a terrific EMT, but he is also a terrific human being.

Marc and Robert Gutierrez are partners operating out of AMR’s Redlands operations in San Bernardino County. On December 2, 2015, they were among the first EMS personnel to arrive at the scene of the devastating terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center where 14 people were killed and 21 were injured.

Upon arrival, Marc and Robert moved into the triage area which was surrounded by police personnel and protected by rooftop snipers due to concerns the shooters would return to attack first responders. Immediately the two paramedics encountered numerous gunshot victims, and began adapting triage protocols to address the volume of victims and nature of the injuries sustained, and at times moving from patients who had succumbed to injuries to try and save others.

Marc and Robert, in addition to numerous AMR and public safety personnel, were able to rise to the occasion on this day, stay calm and focused, and do what they needed to do to save the lives of patients in a very difficult and dangerous situation.

Richard Allan Buckles, Jr. was born and raised in Visalia, California. At a young age, Richard was introduced to sports, and he has played football and baseball his entire life. Richard attended local schools and excelled at playing baseball while in high school. He met his wife, Erin, while in middle school and got married in June of 2002. To support his wife, Richard aspired to do something in public safety. As a first step, he went to an EMT class at a local college, and in 2003, he started working as an EMT. Richard also spent a short time as a volunteer firefighter with the Tulare County

Richard started with American Ambulance in 2005. Since then, Richard has continued to excel. He has been involved in various programs within the company, and has taken on restocking, ordering, and even leading the process for the annual California Highway Patrol inspection.

He has also reached out this year to help with one of American Ambulance’s initiatives for senior citizens, Heart of Seniors, a program to promote cardiac health in women. Earlier this year, Richard and several paramedics from American Ambulance even served as volunteer “escorts” for the ladies attending the event at the local senior center. This program is growing and becoming more popular every year in the senior community.

Richard and Erin have two boys who are very active in sports. Richard spends his off-time coaching his sons’ All- Valley Youth Football and Cal Ripken Baseball teams.

One of four original team members chosen to staff the City of San Diego’s Resource Access Program (RAP), Leto has been instrumental in RAP’s efforts to conduct crisis intervention with repeat 911 users and assist other vulnerable populations experiencing medical or social issues. Leto holds the record for most home visits for patients under this nationally recognized program. She has also led Rural Metro’s SWAT Medic Team.

In addition, due to her training as both a Paramedic and Physician Assistant, she was selected to teach medical students how to identify “hot spots” in underserved communities that need coordinated care. A 30-year veteran, devoted clinician, and community member, Leto embodies all that a Star of Life should be.

Robert and Marc Archer are partners operating out of AMR’s Redlands operations in San Bernardino County. On December 2, 2015, they were among the first EMS personnel to arrive at the scene of the devastating terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center where 14 people were killed and 21 were injured.

Upon arrival, Marc and Robert moved into the triage area which was surrounded by police personnel and protected by rooftop snipers due to concerns the shooters would return to attack first responders. Immediately, the two paramedics encountered numerous gunshot victims, and began adapting triage protocols to address the volume of victims and nature of the injuries sustained, and at times moving from patients who had succumbed to injuries to try and save others.

Marc and Robert, in addition to numerous AMR and public safety personnel, were able to rise to the occasion on this day, stay calm and focused, and do what they needed to do to save the lives of patients in a very difficult and dangerous situation.

Cliff is the model of a homegrown made-in-Solano County success story. Cliff was born and raised in Benicia, California, which he still calls home today. EMS caught Cliff’s interest early. He went to EMT school at Solano College, then applied to work at Medic Ambulance, where he quickly became part of the family. Cliff put his time and effort into becoming the best EMT he could be, and when it was time he knew he was ready to take on the challenge of becoming a Paramedic. Cliff not only has passed that challenge but also led the way for others. Cliff is now finishing his eighth year as a Paramedic at Medic. He is a Field Training Officer, County Preceptor, and the Chair of Medic Ambulance’s Internal Quality Improvement Committee.

Cliff is being recognized as a Star of Life for his role as one of Medic Ambulance’s Community Paramedics. Community Paramedicine is a new and innovative model in providing healthcare, and Cliff is one of only 77 Community Paramedics in the state. Cliff dedicated many hours to mandatory didactic and clinical training as part of the program, all while still performing his normal job duties as Paramedic.

Cliff always takes the time to instruct, improve and create a better environment for others. Whether it is a Paramedic student or a new employee, Cliff is always there to lend a helping hand.

Cliff’s commitment to excellence shows in everything he does, and thus he has been selected for the third year in a row as Medic Ambulance’s 2016 Paramedic of the Year. Cliff was also recognized as a 2016 California Star of Life for his performance excellence in March by the California Ambulance Association in Sacramento, California.

In Cliff’s free time he loves spending time outdoors and with his son, CJ. Great job, Cliff!

Brian Meader is a native of Concord, California and attended Concord High School. After graduating, he worked as a Computer Network Technician. Tired of sitting in front of a computer all day, Brian decided to take an EMT class.

Brian was instantly drawn to the EMS field, and enrolled in Medic School at the National College of Technical Instruction. He has been with Medic Ambulance for 11 years serving as an EMT, Paramedic, Field Training Officer, Paramedic Supervisor,
QA Manager and his current role of Operations Manager. Never one to shy away from hard work, he enjoys the variety of experiences he has gained working at Medic.

Brian was honored for his outstanding service as Medic Ambulance’s Paramedic of the Year, Solano Division in 2010. For the last two years, Brain has served as Operations Manager for Medic Ambulance. In 2013, Medic Ambulance was selected as Pilot site by California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) for the Community Paramedic Pilot Project.

Today, Brian is being recognized for not only his work as one of the Community Paramedics, but also for his role as the lead site educator for Medic Ambulance Community Paramedic Pilot Program. The State of California EMS Agency as a 2015 EMS Innovator recognized Brian for his role in coordinating the local training for Paramedics in the pilot program.

Community Paramedic is a new and innovative model in providing healthcare and Brian is one of only 77 community paramedics in California. Solano County is one of only 12 sites working under a groundbreaking pilot program sponsored by the California EMS Authority and the California Healthcare Foundation.

Brian was also recognized as a 2016 California Star of Life in March by the California Ambulance Association in Sacramento, California. Great Job Brian!

A nine-year veteran, Heidi is a well-respected paramedic in the San Diego EMS community, with a career that has traveled from Texas to New Zealand and back to the city where she was born. Last year, Heidi and her partner, AMR Paramedic Supervisor Theresa Conrad, witnessed a traffic collision as they were completing another call. The vehicle, with two passengers inside, caught fire almost immediately after the crash. Instinctively Heidi, a former rugby player, and her partner pulled both occupants out of the burning vehicle and began rendering aid. The fire was so hot that Heidi’s cell phone exploded from the heat while in her pocket causing minor burns to her leg. The bravery Heidi showed during this event, and her dedication to her patients and the residents of the City of San Diego, are what make Heidi stand out as a Star of Life.