Jo-Ann White-Hall joined Hunter’s Ambulance Service in 2008 as an EMT. She has been actively involved with community events and has continued to encourage interest in the field of EMS (Emergency Medical Services). She has received several commendations for her dedication to achieve positive patient outcomes. Our Management Team along with other responding agencies have remarked on her ability to coordinate a unified response for the welfare of those around her and within her care. She has often taken time to provide feedback for improved performance at multiple events. Jo-Ann was recently recognized by supervision for her performance at a standby that required the triage of approximately 20 plus persons. She assessed the situation establishing treatment for those who were medically ill while activating the system which resulted in the declaration of an MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) and transport of multiple patients. Multiple accolades from supervisors and the public prove she is an asset to our EMS team. She communicates with event leadership to establish expectations. Her ability to work with and follow procedures has been reported from multiple venues such as the Durham and Berlin Fair EMS response providers. Jo-Ann is being honored as a Star of Life for her professionalism and dedication. In December 2013, Jo-Ann was honored and awarded the 2013 Hunter’s Ambulance Distinguished Service Awards for EMS-Emergency Medical Technician. Hunter’s Ambulance is privileged to have such a dedicated person as part of our team.”

Gordon Reed joined Hunter’s Ambulance Service in 2006 as an EMT-B; and worked in that capacity for 5 years. He then rejoined our team a year and a half ago as a Paramedic. Since Gordon’s return, we have received multiple commendations from patients, family members and local fire and EMS departments on his exemplary performance in the field. His patient care, professionalism and the comfort he provides are often noted. Gordon is dependable, caring and is well deserving of recognition. Commendations from patients all read the same “professional, courteous, respectful”. Patients appreciate his care and concern during stressful times. His commendations include the Chief of Durham EMS calling to state that Gordon “performed phenomenally, and although the outcome was not successful, he was impressed with the superior work performed by Gordon.” Also, the Chaplin from MidState Medical Center expressed his sincere thanks to Gordon for his participation in the incident and diffusion from a tragic multiple patient motor vehicle accident involving the deaths of two young children. The Chaplin was impressed by Gordon’s maturity and he recognized Gordon’s dedication and commitment to caring for others including his colleagues. Gordon is being honored as a Star of Life for his professionalism and dedication. In December 2013, Gordon was honored and awarded the 2013 Hunter’s Ambulance Distinguished Service Award for EMS- Paramedic. Hunter’s Ambulance is privileged to have such a dedicated person as part of our team.”

Sal DeLucia began his career in EMS in Vermont then moved back home to Connecticut where he continued his career as an Emergency Medical Technician first for Flanagan Ambulance and then for New Haven Ambulance Service in New Haven, Conn. As a dedicated, hardworking EMT, Sal advanced to the Paramedic level in 1988. His strong commitment to patient care enables him to mentor many of his colleagues and he is widely recognized as one of the most knowledgeable, committed Paramedics in the region. He always demonstrates the AMR core values while anticipating a patient’s needs, safety and comfort. As a Paramedic and Field Training Officer, Sal has inspired many of his peers while dedicating himself to his profession. He regularly attends local municipal emergency management meetings. He presented a plan to the community of Orange, CT to adopt a “Heart Safe Community.” Sal worked with local businesses, volunteer agencies and business leaders to purchase CPR assist devices for the town. He then conducted CPR training for the town’s employees and EMS providers. At a recent standby community event, a patron went into cardiac arrest in front of Sal and the EMS team. Sal successfully guided the team in patient care, providing early CPR and ALS protocols resulting in a CPR save and the patient ultimately discharged from the hospital.”

Rosemary O’Keefe-Kirschner truly embodies the best of AMR-New Haven. She is its heart and soul, and there is not an employee who has not been positively affected by Rosemary. She constantly looks for ways lend a helping hand to her coworkers and her community.

Rosemary is the kind of person who is always looking out for those around her, no matter what she herself may be going through personally. She is truly a selfless individual who will stop at nothing to help someone in their time of need.

The entire New Haven staff looks up to Rosemary. She is the Paramedic colleagues go to for advice, mentorship, or to discuss a difficult call.

Rosemary has been honing her skills and serving this community for 39 years. In an interesting parallel, these skills which were recently demonstrated when she had a code-save of a 39-year-old woman. Thanks to Rosemary’s knowledge and experience, this young mother of three returned home to her children.

Heather Roy is the epitome of the axiom “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Heather is a “pint size” provider that out-performs her larger size peers.

Heather was hired in September 2006 within our Special Transportation Division transporting students with special needs. In March 2007, she transferred to the EMS Division as an EMT. Heather excelled in this position and has great respect for her peers, partners, hospital staff, and fellow first responders.

Heather is truly a patient advocate. She surfaces issues for patients that may not be of a medical nature, but are impacting their quality of life, so that they can be addressed.

Always willing to improve herself through reflection after each call she completes, she was the perfect candidate for a Field Training Officer position. Heather has great interactions with the new employees she is assigned. In particular, because of her solid technique, Heather has become the company’s ”lifting guru” for any new employee needing additional lifting assistance in this area.

Heather has also recently accepted and trained to become one of Hunter’s first Certified Car Seat Technicians. She provides proper installation and instruction of car seats for those in need in our community.

Heather is a positive role model for our EMS staff and a great advocate for our organization.

Dennis Dougan was hired as an EMT on December 15, 2008. While working for Hunter’s, Dennis continued his education by going to Paramedic school. In November 2011, Dennis was granted his Connecticut State Paramedic license, then obtained his medical direction in January 2012.

Dennis is a solid Paramedic who exercises self-control and solid scene management, bringing calmness to the most chaotic scenes. Dennis has been able to pass some of this along through his precepting of new Paramedics. We have received positive feedback from those he has mentored and evaluated through the process.

Dennis has had several commendations from the public. Here are a couple of excerpts:

• “We would like to thank you very much for all that you did for my brother-in-law.”
• “The treatment (both physical and emotional) that we received from the Hunter’s Paramedics was exceptional! These Paramedics provided us with the expert care while also keeping us informed of our situation.”
• “Being from out of state with no family or friends close by, the smart thinking of this team was a comfort and a true blessing.”
• “You have two of the finest human beings working for you, and I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much we all appreciate them in their kind heartedness.”
• “Your crew should be complimented for the manner in which they performed, especially in the face of a very difficult task.”

Dennis is a fantastic representative of what EMS is about and we are proud to have him as part of our team.

A veteran of the War in Iraq, AMR Paramedic Supervisor Mike Turcio is passionate about supporting and recognizing others who have served in the armed forces. Mike organized a ceremony last year to honor veterans working in his operation and designed a special challenge coin for veterans in Connecticut’s EMS industry. Mike also regularly leads efforts to create and send care packages to soldiers deployed overseas.

Mental health for first responders is another of Mike’s passions. Mike has been part of several panel discussions related to identification and treatment of first responder stress, and has organized team meetings with Yale’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Mike makes a point to check in with colleagues who have responded to critical incidents and to connect them with the initial and ongoing support they need.

Daniel Jackson has been employed with Hunter’s Ambulance Service since November 2002. Dan joined Hunter’s as an EMT-IV, then later successfully progressed to obtain his Paramedic license in June of 2003.

Dan possesses many qualities that are appreciated by our organization. When his supervisors were asked to describe him, they all had the same positive response: “Dan is extremely dedicated to his job, and his patients”. His is known to be “respected by
patients, peers, and supervisors alike.”

In addition, Dan is a Paramedic Field Instructor (PFI) and has been critical in precepting and assisting our new Paramedic employees to obtain medical control. Dan’s recommendations while acting as a PFI are valued and trusted by all. He takes the time to critically evaluate each and every call to ensure the best in patient care.

Dan is being honored as a Star of Life for his proficiency and dedication. Hunter’s Ambulance is privileged to have such a committed member on our team.

Bill is a Paramedic and Field Training Officer for AMR in Hartford, Connecticut. He is receiving the Star of Life award for his life-saving actions during a cardiac call in 2015. He responded to the “unknown medical” call and found himself evaluating a young female patient who was in an unstable arrhythmia. His calming demeanor and connection with the patient immediately gained her trust. Bill then prepared the patient both physically and emotionally before successfully cardioverting her into a normal rhythm.

Bill is a compassionate and patient-focused professional who has earned a reputation among his peers as a strong clinician committed to improving the quality of emergency medical services in his community. Bill exhibits strong clinical skills and is highly dependable; however, it is his deep compassion that sets Bill apart. He is described by his peers as both a leader and someone who displays utmost confidence that puts both patients and trainees at ease.

Jesus Zenon joined Hunter’s Ambulance Service in March of 2011 as a Non-Emergency Driver. He later went on to successfully obtain his Emergency Medical Technician Certification in May of 2014. 

Jesus is known by his supervisors and peers as being helpful and willing to do whatever is needed to assist with call volume and operations. Jesus always goes the extra mile, and as a result of this leadership-by-example he elevates the performance of others.

There are numerous patient and coworker accolades in his file; each and every one of them compliment Jesus for being proficient and compassionate during transports.

Jesus is being honored as a Star of Life for his exceptional professionalism and commitment. Hunter’s Ambulance is privileged to have such a dedicated member of our EMS team.