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.

Lynn Flores is known for being highly prudent in her decision-making, passionate about her work, and deeply caring. An enthusiastic EMS professional, Lynn consistently seeks opportunities to drive improvement.

This February, EMT-Intermediate Lynn Flores and her partner noticed something strange on their way back to base: a man was on the shoulder of the highway, hitting a limp baby across the back. Lynn immediately pulled over and rushed to help the family. Lynn and her partner took turns giving the baby back blows until the obstruction was dislodged from his throat. Lynn and her partner transported the baby to the hospital, where he made a full recovery.

A local news station learned about the rescue and recognized Lynn and her partner in one of its “Pay It 4ward” segments. Each person featured receives $400 from the station, which the recipient gives to a charity of their choice. Lynn donated her $400 to Carrie Tingley Children’s Hospital.

Critical Care Paramedic Tracy Allen has spent the last decade of her life caring for other people’s loved ones. In August 2016, Tracy faced the heart-wrenching challenge of caring for members of her own EMS family.

Tracy, fellow Star of Life Honoree Theresa Hartman, and their partners responded last summer to a head-on crash involving an AMR ambulance in which two paramedics were injured. Tracy took command of the scene and provided expert care to her most critically injured colleague. Later, Tracy and Theresa volunteered to transfer their colleague from the initial receiving hospital to a higher-level trauma center.

During her teammates’ long recovery process, Tracy was a beacon at local events benefiting the two. Tracy’s colleagues say that this specific case was just one notable incident in a career marked by sacrifice, advocacy, and a commitment to quality patient care.

Gabe is an accomplished Medic and an amazing leader. Gabe is a Tactical Medic and is on Trinidad Ambulance District’s Rescue Task Force. In addition to being a full-time employee with the Trinidad Ambulance District, Gabe is a dedicated community servant, serving as second in command at a local volunteer fire department. Gabe is also a sworn member of the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office where he frequently rides patrol shifts.

Gabe’s dedication to public safety is what makes him a Star of Life. Gabe puts his life on the line every day for EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement, in order to make his community safer and a better place to live. 

With more than 22 years at AMR, Robert’s leadership has shone during some of the most challenging events in his community’s recent history.

During the Waldo Canon Fire in 2012, Robert was one of the first units on the scene at the Mount St. Francis Nursing Facility. As the Field Supervisor, he determined the facility needed to be evacuated and quickly implemented a plan. His quick thinking and actions contributed to a successful evacuation and ultimately saved many lives.

On November 27, 2015, Robert coordinated with both fire and police personnel during the Planned Parenthood shooting, an incident that lasted more than six hours. His leadership ensured the treatment and transport of 12 victims.

Robert is now using his knowledge and experience from these difficult events to begin implementation of tactical EMS deployment in Colorado Springs and throughout the region.

Julia Spring, Chief Flight Nurse, is receiving the Star of Life award for her continued selfless leadership of the AMR Air Clinical Operations. Julia has spent the last 30 years in the flight medicine world and has been with AMR Air since its inception in 2002. Her work this year to ensure that the organization achieved reaccreditation as a CAMTS operator was a testament to her dedication to the quality and safety of patient care and operations. Additionally, due in large part to Julia’s efforts, AMR was able to add neonatal transports to the level of service provided. Julia leads the clinical operations of AMR Air and AMR Air Hawaii, which are the highest practicing critical care level of prehospital medicine for AMR.

Dominic “Junie” Verquer has been a fixture in the Trinidad, Colorado community for many years. As a lifelong resident, it is hard to go anywhere in town without running into people who know Junie. In addition to being an EMT+ and the Public Outreach Coordinator for Trinidad Ambulance, Junie is also the County Coroner and is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Hoehne Fire Protection District. Junie’s life has been filled with examples of his dedication to community service and volunteerism.

Junie exemplifies the qualities of a true Star of Life. He is always ready to help, regardless of the time of day or the weather, and always without remuneration. The Trinidad Ambulance District wouldn’t be what it is without Junie Verquer. We are proud to call him our colleague and our friend, and to recognize him as the Trinidad Ambulance District’s Star of Life.