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.

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.