Jordan Sisneros is a Paramedic with AMR in Pueblo, Colorado, whose clinical expertise and composure under extreme conditions helped give a critically injured patient the best possible chance of survival.

Jordan responded to a traumatic emergency in which a critically injured patient remained trapped and required extrication. While crews worked to free the patient, Jordan established IV access and began providing critical treatment despite the challenging environment. As the patient’s condition required additional intervention, Jordan performed a surgical cricothyrotomy during the extrication and continued managing the patient’s rapidly evolving needs.

Once the patient was freed, Jordan continued advanced trauma care during transport to the hospital, including the administration of whole blood. His ability to begin lifesaving treatment before extrication was complete and continue advanced care en route helped bridge the critical period between injury and definitive hospital treatment.

The receiving emergency department physician summarized the significance of Jordan’s care simply: “If this patient survives, it all started with Jordan.” The patient did survive and was ultimately discharged home with no deficits.

Jordan’s actions demonstrate the clinical judgment, adaptability, and determination required to provide exceptional care when circumstances are at their most difficult. AMR is proud to recognize Paramedic Jordan Sisneros as a Star of Life.

Charles Nunez is a Lieutenant/Paramedic Firefighter with nearly 17 years of EMS experience spanning interfacility transport, 911 response, emergency department care, and fire-based EMS. For the past year, he has served at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), bringing extensive clinical experience and an unwavering commitment to his patients.

On February 5, 2026, Charles and his partner, Brandon Lauer, responded to an emergency involving a USAFA cadet who had been struck directly in the chest by a lacrosse ball. The cadet went into cardiac arrest, and his coach immediately began CPR.

When Charles and Brandon arrived, their clinical knowledge and understanding of the mechanism of injury led them to suspect commotio cordis, a rare and potentially fatal cardiac event in which a blow to the chest at a precise moment in the heart’s electrical cycle can trigger sudden cardiac arrest. Because there may be little or no external evidence to indicate the severity of the injury, recognizing the condition requires clinical awareness and attention to how the event occurred.

Charles and Brandon immediately provided lifesaving care and prepared the cadet for transport. Just as importantly, they communicated their concern for commotio cordis directly to the receiving emergency department, ensuring the hospital team understood the mechanism of injury and their suspected cause of the cardiac arrest.

The outcome was extraordinary: the cadet survived and ultimately walked out of the hospital with no neurological deficits.

The call demonstrated why experience, continuing education, preparation, and clinical awareness are so important in EMS. A provider may encounter a rare condition only once in an entire career, but when that moment comes, recognition and decisive action can make a lifesaving difference. Charles brings that same level of commitment to every patient. As his supervisor describes it, he gives 100 percent of his care and compassion regardless of whether the call involves a simple bandage or a cardiac arrest.

Outside of EMS, Charles enjoys weight and resistance training, listening to music, learning to play the drums, spending time with his girlfriend, and caring for his three dogs—Blaze, Coal, and Ozzy Pawsborne. His commitment to service also extends beyond EMS: he recently enlisted in the Army Reserves and is preparing to begin basic training.

Charles’s career reflects the clinical skill, compassion, preparedness, and dedication that define exceptional emergency medical care. His ability to recognize an extraordinarily rare emergency and act decisively alongside his partner helped give a young man the opportunity to walk out of the hospital healthy. He is proudly recognized as a Star of Life.

Brandon Lauer has dedicated 12 years to emergency medical services, including the past five years serving the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Before joining USAFA, Brandon spent five years as an EMT/Firefighter, building the experience and clinical judgment that have become hallmarks of his EMS career.

On February 5, 2026, Brandon and his partner, Charles Nunez, responded to an emergency involving a USAFA cadet who had been struck directly in the chest by a lacrosse ball. What initially appeared to be a sports-related injury had resulted in cardiac arrest. The cadet’s coach immediately began CPR while awaiting EMS.

Upon arrival, Brandon and Charles recognized the significance of the chest impact and identified commotio cordis as the likely cause of the cardiac arrest. Commotio cordis is a rare and often fatal event in which a blow to the chest at a precise moment in the heart’s electrical cycle can trigger sudden cardiac arrest. Recognizing such an uncommon condition requires providers to connect the mechanism of injury with a potentially catastrophic cardiac event.

Brandon and Charles immediately provided lifesaving care and worked together to stabilize the cadet for transport. Their attention to the cause of the emergency remained critical throughout the response. At the emergency department, they communicated the circumstances of the cardiac arrest and their suspicion of commotio cordis to the receiving team, providing physicians with important information during a rare and time-sensitive emergency.

The outcome was remarkable: the cadet survived and walked out of the hospital alive and well.

Brandon brings the same commitment to every patient he serves. His supervisor describes him as someone who never gives less than 100 percent of his care and compassion, whether responding to a simple injury or a life-threatening cardiac arrest. His response to this extraordinary call demonstrated the clinical awareness, decisive action, communication, and teamwork that are essential to excellent emergency medical care.

Outside of EMS, Brandon is a devoted husband and father of two who enjoys hunting and spending quality time with his family. His dedication to others is evident both in the care he provides his patients and in the life he leads away from the ambulance.

Through 12 years of EMS service, Brandon has demonstrated compassion, sound clinical judgment, and a steadfast commitment to those who depend on him. His role in recognizing and responding to an exceptionally rare cardiac emergency helped give a young cadet the chance to return home to a healthy future. Brandon Lauer is proudly recognized as a Star of Life.

Kara Ann Fox has faithfully served the Ute Pass Regional Health Service District for more than eight years, excelling as both a Paramedic and an exceptional administrative leader. When the District experienced the unexpected retirement of its Chief Administrative Officer—quickly followed by three other senior leadership vacancies—Kara courageously stepped into the CAO role during one of the most critical moments in the organization’s history.

In the face of this sudden leadership vacuum, Kara became a stabilizing force and a visionary driver of progress. She not only assumed the responsibilities of multiple senior positions but did so with confidence, humility, and grace. Her ability to balance big-picture strategy with careful organization has allowed her to implement long-needed systems and processes that have propelled the District forward even amid significant change.

Kara has worked tirelessly to strengthen the foundation of the District’s operations. She has modernized accounting practices, updated regulatory processes, and overseen complex grants. She has also partnered closely with the Board of Directors to improve human resources, compliance programs, and personnel systems—efforts that directly ensure frontline EMS providers have the funding, equipment, and resources they need to save lives every day.

Her leadership has been central to the continued success of UPRHSD’s innovative initiatives, including the Whole Blood Program, Community Paramedic Program, Peer Support services, and mobile crisis response. These programs, many of which set the standard in the region, exist and thrive in large part due to Kara’s foresight, dedication, and ability to rally people toward a shared vision.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kara is recognized for her deep compassion for staff and her unwavering advocacy for their safety and well-being. She is the backbone of UPRHSD’s operations and a shining example of the often-unseen heroes who sustain EMS.

UPRHSD is proud to honor Kara Ann Fox as a 2025 Star of Life.

Captain Katie Leland has proudly served Ute Pass Regional Health Service District (UPRHSD) for the past ten years. For the last three and a half years, she has been the District’s sole Training and Education Captain, a role in which she has transformed the landscape of EMS education and training across the region.

Under Captain Leland’s leadership, UPRHSD has implemented advanced credentialing programs in Medication-Based Airway Management, Joint Reduction, Advanced Ventilator Care, Telehealth, and Mobile Crisis Response. These initiatives have elevated the clinical capabilities of her colleagues and ensured that providers remain equipped with the most current, evidence-based practices in prehospital medicine.

Her reach extends far beyond her own agency. She has led community CPR programs and delivered vital rural EMS training to allied agencies, covering trauma care, obstetric and gynecological emergencies, and Escaping Violent Encounters courses. Captain Leland’s commitment to community and regional preparedness is second to none.

Among her most groundbreaking accomplishments is spearheading a regional whole blood program. Thanks to her determination, the initiative went from concept to full deployment in only three months. Today, it provides lifesaving whole blood transfusions for patients experiencing hemorrhage across the rural communities of Teller, Park, Douglas, and El Paso Counties.

Captain Leland has also modernized UPRHSD’s Field Instructor program, bringing it in line with national best practices. She designed and launched a comprehensive new hire academy that develops highly skilled and well-rounded EMS professionals. Her curriculum emphasizes both clinical excellence and trauma-informed care, ensuring new providers are prepared for the physical and emotional demands of modern EMS.

A visionary leader, dedicated educator, and tireless advocate for her community, Captain Katie Leland exemplifies the very best of emergency medical services. Ute Pass Regional Health Service District is honored to recognize her as a 2025 Star of Life.

Adam Mysona, an Emergency Medical Technician at Falck Rocky Mountain in Colorado, is recognized for his exceptional dedication to the field of emergency services. With a background that includes firefighting and EMS, Adam brings an organized and positive approach to every challenge, excelling in multitasking and team collaboration.

Adam’s commitment to excellence is evident in his role as a Field Instructor at Falck, where he goes above and beyond to prepare his trainees for success. He took the initiative to develop a specialized training packet, ensuring new providers are well-prepared and confident in their skills. As a member of the Safety Team, Adam actively contributes to enhancing workplace safety and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

In addition to his EMT duties, Adam serves as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Clear Creek Fire Authority, where he regularly participates in training sessions and drills to hone his firefighting skills. His proactive leadership and ability to manage high-pressure situations make him an invaluable asset to both his EMS and firefighting teams.

Adam’s contributions to the field have been recognized through multiple awards, including the SBES Career MVP of 2022 and Falck Employee of the Quarter for Q3 2023. His expertise in mass casualty incidents, triage, and scene safety, combined with his fluency in both English and Polish, allows him to serve diverse communities with confidence and compassion.

Despite balancing a rigorous college workload in preparation for paramedic training, Adam continues to give 100% to his role at Falck, always ready to lend a hand and take on new challenges. His dedication to patient care, team development, and community service exemplifies the core values of the EMS profession.

Adam Mysona’s passion for service and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a deserving recipient of the Stars of Life award. His leadership, integrity, and dedication to emergency services continue to positively impact both his team and the community he serves.

Jason Burn’s exemplary service helped save the life of a patient who was critically injured during a hike and, as a result of injuries sustained, suffered cardiac arrest.

The incident happened in mid-May 2022, when Jason and Flight Nurse Jesse Mascarenas risked their own safety to help the patient who fell 200 feet down a mountain slope in cold and rainy weather. Jason and Jesse were able to stabilize the patient until he could be flown to the nearest Level I trauma center.

While the patient lost one leg the next day, the individual made excellent progress in regaining his neurological function. Today, thanks to the intervention provided by Jason and Jesse, the patient is working towards a full recovery, even exercising on a prosthetic leg.

Jesse Mascarenas proved to be a true hero when he helped save a critically injured hiker at the risk of his own safety. In May of 2022, Jesse and his partner, Flight Medic Jason Burns, responded to a call to help the hiker, who fell 200 feet down a mountain slope in cold and rainy weather. The patient was severely hurt and suffered cardiac arrest while Jason and Jesse were treating and rescuing him.

The two EMS professionals were eventually able to stabilize the patient until the individual could be flown to the nearest Level I trauma center. Although the patient lost a leg, the individual today is working toward a full recovery, even exercising on a prosthetic leg.

During a recent family vacation, Paramedic Jessica Van Der Merwe was exploring the streets of the Bahamas on a moped. As she rode, she witnessed a vehicle crash at a high rate of speed; it subsequently rolled and caught on fire. Noticing that the flaming vehicle was leaking fuel and poised to explode, Jessica swiftly alerted nearby people to move away, hoping to prevent further injuries. Moments later, the vehicle exploded.

Inside the sedan were a father, mother, and teenage girl. Without the immediate and brave actions of Jessica and other volunteers, the family would have perished. These rescuers managed to extricate the family through the missing back window, immobilize them using makeshift materials such as a piece of wood and a door (in lieu of a backboard), and provide triage and treatment until the ambulances arrived.

When the ambulances reached the scene, the injured were lifted over a retaining wall to facilitate their transport. Recognizing the severity of the teenage girl’s injuries, Jessica aided the ambulance crew in loading her. She then addressed the girl’s compromised airway, which was due to a fractured jaw, prioritizing her immediate transport to a suitable hospital. Throughout this, Jessica also had to manage the scene, informing bystanders that some of her necessary medical interventions might be distressing to watch. Furthermore, she dealt with the intoxicated driver of the crashed vehicle, who became a hindrance to his family’s care.

After a seemingly endless wait, a third ambulance arrived to transport all the family members to the hospital. With the family safely on their way, Jessica and her own family resumed their moped journey. Now in the dark and facing the added challenges of no headlights and being chased by local dogs who weren’t thrilled to see them out at night, they were fortunate to be escorted safely home by compassionate locals. There, they could finally reflect on the day’s dramatic events and get some much-needed rest.

Holly Griswold started her career in the EMS industry in May 2010. She accepted a position as a Para-transit driver with Arizona Ambulance Transport. During this role she attended the EMT program. After completion and successfully passing, she wasted no time in branching out into other areas of Arizona Ambulance to gain experience within the operation of the company. She took on the role of Event Organizer, facilitating both company and community events.

Within that first year, she proved her eagerness and dedication of her role and was offered another position as Field Training Officer. She quickly excelled in this role, proving to be one of the company’s top Field Training Officers. Holly’s ability to train new providers, both experienced and brand new, has been an integral part of our day-to-day operations. This level of performance and commitment earned Holly the Shining Star Award in early 2012.

In early 2014, Holly was the recipient of the Employee of the Year Award. Following this award, she was promoted to Operations Supervisor. In addition to her new supervisor role, she also accepted the role of Scheduling Coordinator. Holly accepting this role was proven to be very fitting and beneficial to Arizona Ambulance and its employees.

While she worked 24hr shifts on a ¾ schedule on the Critical Care Nurse Unit, she continued and continues to this day to make herself available to the employees 24/7-365. When an area hospital closed in 2015 without notice, Holly was able to reconfigure the schedule in a way that saved the jobs of all the employees who worked out of that area, with a deadline of fewer than 24 hours. She did this once again in 2017 when a major government contract we held was not put up for an RFP. In this event, she worked tirelessly to save the 16 jobs that would have otherwise been lost.

Holly continues to branch out and work in all areas that are available to her. During her 12 years, she worked a majority of those on the CCT unit and obtained certifications that her level of service would allow, amongst these areas she is also part of the Disaster Response Team and trains to maintain her red card for the Wildland Fire Team.

If you need something done or simply need help with a task, Holly is and always has been the “go-to” to get it done. She has earned and is unquestionably very deserving of the Star of Life award. Arizona Ambulance Transport is lucky to have her on our team.

Matthew Troy Moreno had a heart of gold and lived to serve other people.

While serving as a full-time Deputy Sheriff in our county, Matt decided to volunteer as a firefighter. Matt spent hours training and rose to the rank of Captain. Even that wasn’t enough for Matt: despite his other commitments, he then also elected to become an EMT. He sailed through training, and soon became a part-time employee with the Trinidad Ambulance District. Matt always kept medical gear in his police patrol unit and frequently responded to medical emergencies, often arriving long before the ambulance. Matt was a true public servant.

Matt was also known for his sense of humor and his hilarious practical jokes. He was truly one of a kind.

On the night of December 12, 2018 Matt responded to a domestic disturbance call. While en route, he was struck head-on by a drug and alcohol impaired driver, who was travelling at 96 mph. Tragically, he did not survive. The Trinidad Ambulance District asks that Matt be recognized posthumously for his exceptional public service.

Matt is survived by his father, Ed Moreno (JoAnn); mother, Christine Dagnillo; daughters, Summer Moreno and Morgan Moreno; son, Jared Klipfel; ex-wife, Eva Moreno; sister, Karli (Casey) Michael; nephews, Kaleb Hargraves USMC, Gavin Hargraves, Ayden Michael; nieces, Maddie Michael and Kimber Michael; and girlfriend, Niccole Cordova.

Law enforcement, fire service, EMS; Matt selflessly served our community in every capacity. Matt is greatly missed, and we are all deeply saddened by his passing. Rest easy, brother. We’ll take it from here.

David DeTray, or “Bubba” as he is known in Trinidad, is Trinidad Ambulance District’s most senior employee. David is proud to have dedicated over 15 years of service to our community.

In addition to his work as a Paramedic, David is also a Fire Chief, a member of our Rescue Task Force, and our driving instructor. David is one of the most compassionate and caring Paramedics you will ever meet. His sense of humor is without equal, and he is quick to share a joke with his patients, colleagues, and hospital staff.

David has spent many years as an ALS provider at the Intermediate level. David wanted to earn his Paramedic certification, but there were many obstacles to doing so, not the least of which was that the closest Paramedic school was three hours away in Denver. Despite serving as the Fire Chief for a fire district in our neighboring county and on top of his full-time schedule with Trinidad, David sacrificed so that our community could have another much needed Paramedic in our ranks.

This dedication to providing high-quality mobile healthcare to his community makes Trinidad Ambulance District proud to call David DeTray a Star of Life.

Anthony has worked for Air Ambulance Specialists (AASI) for the past eight years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Paramedic. His role as a Flight RRT/EMTP has expanded into training and medical coordination. Anthony’s knowledge and training style is invaluable to both AASI and AMR Air Hawaii. He is always there to answer difficult questions. Anthony became a Paramedic in 1984 and a RRT in 1986. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine and an Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy. His RRT/EMTP experience includes working at many top-level hospitals including Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, CA; Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, LA; and Dartmouth Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He joined AASI with 18 years of flight experience in both the rotor and fixed-wing environments. Anthony has also been a member of several specialty transport teams. Anthony is an outdoor sportsman including an accomplished skier, runner, and climber and he enjoys several other sports.”

Leslie Reindollar is a paramedic with AMR in Pueblo, Colo. One of the calls she ran last year epitomizes her compassion for the care of others: A young child was seriously burned. The family was not immediately available to accompany the child and provide comfort. While Leslie treated the patient clinically, she also showed great compassion for the injured and scared child. As she continued medical care, she was also able to lie alongside the patient and provide the much-needed human touch for the child. Leslie radiates warmth, humility and kindness as she serves others and always expresses appreciation to others for their efforts. Leslie is the Clinical and Education Services Specialist for two operations, and she also serves her community as a paramedic and licensed practical nurse. She is a certified instructor for ACLS, PALS, ITLS and CPR. Leslie is also a member of AMR’s Disaster Response Team and has deployed several times, the most recent to help in Boulder County after the floods in September 2013.”

Deonarine joined Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (GMRTT) in 2005 as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Every day he demonstrates his commitment and expertise as an Emergency Medical Technician as he sets the standard for the organization. Deonarine is currently an EMT Preceptor and is responsible for the training and development of newly certified EMTs. This program nurtures skills, offers professional guidance and ensures clinical expectations among staff are met and helps provides customer service skills. This new role revealed Deonarine’s gift as a gifted teacher and role model. Deonarine was active in the 2013 World AMR Compression Only CPR Challenge, and since the event he has been conducting CPR training to communities, schools and non-profit organizations on a voluntary basis. He is currently finalizing his CPR Instructor Certification with the National Safety Council and is in the process of pursuing the American Heart Association First Aid & CPR Instructor Certification. In addition to being a full time, nationally-registered EMT, Deonarine has also been a lifeguard with the Trinidad and Tobago Lifeguard Service for the past 10 years. When he is not working for GMRTT, Deonarine spends his weekends and holidays protecting the beaches of Trinidad. He is also a Lifeguard Training Instructor for both swimming pool and open waters. Deonarine has received the Trinidad & Tobago Life Saving Society’s Award of Merit and Bronze Medallion. Deonarine is also a certified aerobics and fitness instructor and provides fitness training and instruction voluntarily in his community. Deonarine is also a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Reserve. Deonarine is a husband and father of four. He is described as a humble, outgoing individual and contributes in any way he can to his co-workers, his community, and even patients and their relatives. Deonarine says he loves swimming, fishing, cycling, running, basketball and working out in the gym.”

Lindsey Duff consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. She often volunteers on missions during her off-time, some of which take Lindsey away from home for days or weeks at a time. One of these volunteer missions was a very complex bariatric transport to the Middle East. No other company had the resources to complete this mission. Lindsey was responsible not just for patient care, but also for the wellbeing of another medical crew member who became seriously ill during the lengthy transport.

During AMR Air Ambulance’s more than four-month FEMA deployment to the U.S. Virgin Islands for Hurricane Irma and Maria relief, Lindsey spent six weeks on duty with just two breaks, each lasting less than a week. Lindsey voluntarily sacrificed her personal time as well as the holiday season to support the Virgin Islands community. Lindsey is truly a selfless and loyal Flight Nurse who facilitated challenging patient evacuations while living in sub-optimal conditions in a post-disaster zone.

Lindsey received positive recognition from other Air Medical programs for her energetic and “can do” attitude, and represented our organization with honor. AMR Air Ambulance is extremely proud to have Lindsey represent our organization as a 2018 Star of Life!

Rob is the best of what this country has to offer. He exemplifies the characteristics of a true public servant.

Rob risked his life to defend freedom as a United States Marine, then again as a firefighter and police officer. Now, Rob is saving lives as a Paramedic here at Trinidad Ambulance District. He also serves as our county’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.

Rob is an incredibly intelligent individual with a phenomenal sense of humor. He is affectionately known as our “encyclopedia.”

We are proud and honored to have Rob as a teammate at the Trinidad Ambulance District.

From the greatest tragedy rose the inspiration known as Deborah Rath.

In 2004, Debbi’s teenage son was killed by a drunk driver. Debbi arrived at the scene of the fatal accident shortly after it happened; instead of turning away from the tragedy, Debbi decided to lean in and has dedicated her time to drunk driving prevention programs and other community efforts.

Debbi is a regular speaker for the Every 15 Minutes and Mothers Against Drunk Driving programs. She also donates her time to a non-profit organization that provides funeral services for abandoned newborns.

Last year, Debbi was honored by the Sonoma County Paramedic Association for her part in a cardiac arrest save. She was also part of an AMR team sent last year to Trinidad and Tobago to provide ALS pre-hospital instruction to Global Medical Response crews.

Before joining the American Medical Response family two years ago, Kira worked in the public health sector. In fact, Kira continues to volunteer today with county-based HIV prevention and syringe exchange programs. Kira seeks to improve the quality and standard of health care provided in her community by bridging EMS, public health, education, and health policy. Kira is working toward realizing her goal of becoming a physician.

Frustration over an inability to meet patients’ unique needs drove EMT Kira Gressman to action. Kira devoted her own time to researching available community resources for people with socioeconomic needs. Kira then planned and gave a detailed presentation to her co-workers on the various social services to which patients could be referred. Kira also created and distributed referral cards to help team members link patients to appropriate resources.