Andrew Watson, Paramedic and Clinical Services Specialist, has been named EMSA’s 2024 Western Division Star of Life. Since joining EMSA three years ago, Andrew has made a lasting impact as a Paramedic who is deeply committed to his patients and achieving positive, healthy outcomes. In addition to his role as a Paramedic, Andrew has played a key role within the Clinical Services Department, where he has been instrumental in enhancing EMSA’s simulation program to better prepare team members for real-world scenarios.

Andrew was nominated as a Star of Life by numerous team members, all of whom recognized his dedication to EMSA’s mission of providing clinically superior care. One nomination highlighted his act of heroism in September, which resulted in saving the life of a community member experiencing a STEMI. The nomination read, “Andrew’s remarkable act of heroism epitomizes his unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. His quick thinking, expertise, and compassionate actions not only saved a life but also allowed our patient to continue to experience the joys of life with her loved ones.”

EMSA is proud to recognize Andrew Watson as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life, honoring his dedication, expertise, and commitment to both his patients and his team.

Keri Taylor has been selected by EMSA as the organization’s 2024 Administrative Star of Life. With a career in the medical field spanning 24 years, Keri joined EMSA 15 months ago as the Health Information Management Coordinator in the Patient Business Services Department. In this role, Keri works closely with law enforcement and other agencies to handle subpoenas and patient records, managing information requests with professionalism and efficiency.

Keri was nominated by her peers for her passion, dedication, and the positive attitude she brings to her work every day. Described as a helpful team player, Keri is always ready to assist others and shows empathy in every interaction, particularly when communicating about patient care. Her ability to foster strong relationships with outside agencies, such as law enforcement and attorneys, and her effective communication with other EMSA departments, make her a valued and respected member of the team.

Keri’s exemplary work ethic and compassionate approach have earned her this well-deserved recognition as a 2024 Star of Life.

Tom Smith, Communications Manager, has been named EMSA’s 2024 Eastern Division Star of Life. Tom has been a member of the EMSA Team since 2016. Throughout his career in EMS, Tom has been an EMT, a Paramedic, a Systems Status Controller, a Communications Lead, and a Communications Supervisor.

Tom was nominated by his coworkers for the Star of Life for his consistent diligent work ethic and his ability to put the needs of EMSA ahead of anything else. Tom’s nomination highlighted his commitment to his Communications Center Team and EMSA’s values, “Tom works countless hours not only helping on the floor, but actively working to improve our relationships with the Western Division, Fire Departments, Police Departments, and other agencies. He strives to stay ahead of technology changes and data processing. He exemplifies our mission, vision, and values.”

Paramedic Zachary (Zach) Zeiler was nominated for Stars of Life by EMT Ashlynn Gregory. Zach has worked at EMSA in the Eastern Division for three years.

“Even on high stress calls, Zach stays focused on the best way to provide patient care and advocacy. He is always diligent in practicing teamwork as a partner and with other agencies. I have never met a Paramedic more adamant about holding himself accountable,” Gregory wrote in her nomination.

EMSA Field Operations Supervisor David Yales said, “Zach is always eager to help out. He is well-liked and respected by the team. He remains positive. He’s always happy to assist and teach newer team members. He’s coachable and honest.”

Zach never flinches when asked to help and often helps without being asked. He is a team-first medic every EMS service would be lucky to have.

Zach spends his time away from EMSA with his fiance, Madelyn.

EMSA Advantage Instructor Michael Wilson was nominated as a Star of Life by Western Division Clinical Services Manager David Gooshaw. Michael has worked at EMSA in the Western Division since 2016.

“Michael’s focus is taking individuals who have no EMS experience and mentoring them through an EMT certification course. Mike takes his time and gives 100% to each one of the students. He makes himself available to them 24/7 during and after the course is completed. Michael also serves the community by working several street shifts on an ambulance on his weekends off,” Gooshaw said in his nomination.

Michael’s Supervisor, Tina Mathes, EMSA Director of Clinical Services, noted that even after students have left Michael’s classroom he continues to stay connected to them as a coach and a mentor. Day and night, he ensures they know he is their advocate at EMSA as long as they’re a member of the team.

Michael helped launch EMSA’s in-house EMT School, EMSA Advantage – and has helped set the bar high for his students. This successful program has helped our operations in Oklahoma City make positive strides many thought would be impossible in the last year and a half.

In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his beloved family.

Patient Business Services Prebilling Supervisor Sharrie Barnes was nominated by EMSA Verifier Lori Yanez. Sharrie has worked at EMSA since 2014. “I enjoy working with my team to overcome obstacles and improve processes to make our department more effective. EMSA has always made me feel appreciated,” says Sharrie.

“At the beginning of 2022, our ENTIRE management team left our department, abruptly, with no warning. It was pretty scary but Sharrie stepped up and took control and kept us all encouraged throughout the process. We fell behind, as some of our team members left us as well, but Sharrie advocated for our department to get the help we needed, and as of today we are back on track for our department’s goals of executing the billing cycle. I am so proud of her and thankful for leadership throughout this process,” Yanez said in her nomination.

Sharrie’s Supervisor, Sonia Coleman, EMSA Director of Revenue Cycle Management, said that Sharrie is always an advocate for patients and works tirelessly to make sure they are taken care of after their transport to the hospital. When not working at EMSA, Sharrie enjoys spending time with her family.

Fulfillment is found in many ways; and for EMSA Paramedic David Bingham it centers around one thing – helping others. Whether making a patient smile, mentoring students and new recruits, or taking care of critically sick and injured patients, David enjoys seeing the difference he can make.

David relentlessly checks up on his fellow team members. He is cognizant of the fact that this job takes a toll no matter how much experience you have, and is transparent about struggles. David checks in on other team members after difficult calls, long weeks, or busy nights. Despite how fatigued he may be, David always puts others above himself.

David joined the EMSA team in 2018 and has thrived in a busy system, rising through the ranks to the positions of Field Training Officer and Assistant District Chief. David maintains the REMSS trailer which is deployed for large events in EMSA’s Western Division, including the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. He says, “There is so much to do at EMSA – your opportunities are abundant as long as you are willing to chase them.”

EMSA Paramedic and Assistant District Chief Brett Palmatary knew early on that a career in emergency medical services was right for him. In high school, Brett began teaching CPR and Lifeguard classes at the American Red Cross, which was next door to the local EMS agency. He spent a lot of time talking to the Paramedics who worked next door, learning the ins and outs of their careers. Brett was intrigued, and soon began pursuing a career in EMS.

Brett hails from Fort Smith, Arkansas, and joined the EMSA team in 2016. He was a founding member of EMSA’s Peer Support Team, which strives to improve the quality of life for team members by providing support and resources after stressful calls. Brett also serves as an Assistant District Chief and Incident Command at Special Events. He truly believes EMSA is at its best when every member of the team is working toward the same goals.
Brett is described by his coworkers as having “a servant’s heart,” which is reflected in his daily duties of meeting the needs of his patients, colleagues, and community. Brett has a unique ability to lead his team, while still remaining approachable and trusted.

Brett places a high value on continuing education for EMS providers. He says, “It takes a lot of time and effort; however, it is all worth it in the end.”

Service has been the common thread running through Rusty Friske’s professional life. Rusty joined the EMSA team in August 2014, shortly after receiving his EMT certification. He had intended to join the fire service, but fell in love with medicine. Rusty earned his Paramedic certification in August 2016 and has since become a part-time Clinical Coordinator. He is responsible for leading the EMSA Field Training Officer program, and has taken responsibility for helping EMTs successfully transition to Paramedic roles. Rusty has received numerous kudos for excellent patient care and customer service during his time at EMSA.

Before entering the EMS field, Rusty worked as a youth pastor and then as a YMCA Director. Doing for others – patients, colleagues, parishioners, campers, and strangers – fulfills Rusty, and he and his wife encourage their young daughters to possess servants’s hearts as well. The family has adopted the values of faith, respect, integrity, sacrifice, kindness, and excellence (an acronym of “Friske”) and discuss how to align their lives with these values daily.

Emergency Medical Services is in Rachel Evans’s blood. Rachel joined EMSA fresh out of EMT school in March 2015 and ended up working alongside many of the same people her Paramedic father had decades earlier. Rachel earned her Paramedic certification, with valedictorian honors, in July 2017. Since then, she has made teaching others her mission. That includes Rachel’s partners, her patients, and the most recent group of EMSA EMTs to complete Paramedic school; they recognized Rachel for the hours she spent helping them to succeed. Rachel credits her grandmother, a long-time teacher, with helping her understand the importance of sharing what she has learned with others.

Last year, Rachel received a special administrative award for her professionalism and leadership. She has been recognized many times for providing excellent clinical care and demonstrating strong teamwork, and her patient care documentation is superb. An avid runner, Rachel has competed in half and full marathons, including the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. However, Rachel claims that she is most proud of the fact that her colleagues say that they would trust her to provide emergency care to their family members. 

No matter the hour—or day of week—Kim McDorman is ready to respond when technology issues arise. Kim has earned a reputation as “Ms. Fix-It” during her nine years at EMSA. Whether it’s a desktop computer that’s stopped working, a tablet used for documentation that’s not charging, or a mobile data terminal that’s not synching, Kim has a knack for getting to the underlying cause of any IT issue. If solving the problem requires coming in to the office during her off-hours, Kim does so without complaint.

Kim is an intensely curious person. If Kim doesn’t know how something works, she does her research and finds out. She’s also quick to share information with others, in the hope of helping prevent future IT problems from occurring in the first place.

Kim has a wonderful sense of humor and unique way of making all team members feel important. Kim treats frontline EMTs and Paramedics with the same respect and consideration she affords to organizational leaders. Kim is a customer service star and integral part of the EMSA team.

Some people are known to wear their hearts on their sleeve. Brandon Jones is known to wear his life’s mission on his forearm – literally. Two verses from the 82nd Psalm are tattooed on Brandon’s arm and speak to his commitment to be a servant and protector of those in need. It’s both ironic and poignant, given that Brandon has found himself in great need more than once.

Brandon joined the EMSA team as an EMT in 2009. He started Paramedic school in 2010, but battled alcohol abuse, financial crises, and ultimately, homelessness. With support from his EMSA family, Brandon got back on his feet, stopped drinking, and graduated. Brandon experienced a relapse after responding to an apartment fire that killed two children. Then, while working to maintain good health, Brandon suffered a devastating injury that took him off the ambulance. Brandon was offered a position as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher in 2014 and has since flourished, personally, and professionally. Brandon is renowned for making quick, strategic decisions, and for championing the interests of patients and field crews alike.

Derek Weinkauf knows no strangers – or doesn’t for long. During his four-plus years at EMSA, Derek has earned a reputation as always having a smile on his face, the team’s mission on his mind, and his patients’ best interests at heart. He has received numerous kudos during his career for providing excellent care on critical calls and demonstrating incredible compassion when interacting with suicidal subjects and patients’ family members. Derek shows consideration and respect to everyone he meets.

Derek is an accomplished Field Training Officer. His approach to teaching new recruits is simple yet effective: don’t expect perfection, but rather strive for excellence.

Derek was inspired to become a public servant by his grandfather, who was a long-time member of the Tulsa Fire Department.

When terrorists attacked our country on September 11, 2001, Paramedic Chris Page – then a high school senior – petitioned his principal for an early diploma. Two days later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Chris served two years before suffering a devastating injury in Iraq that ended his military career. He spent several months recovering, and a few years doing odd jobs, before finding his way into EMS about four years ago.

Last winter, Chris responded to a call for an extremely premature baby who was born at home, with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. The baby was unresponsive and had a slow, weak heartbeat. Chris removed the cord, provided chest compressions and successfully intubated the 1-pound patient. By the time they arrived at the hospital, the baby had a strong heartbeat. She is continuing her recovery today.

Professional, reliable, and community-focused are the qualities that best exemplify EMSA Paramedic Chase Coates. Chase was nominated multiple times this year, and the same descriptors—leader, teacher and role model—came up repeatedly in the nominations. He is well-liked and deeply respected by his peers and supervisors.

Chase joined EMSA in July 2010 while he was completing his zoology degree at the University of Oklahoma. He had intended to become a physician, but fell in love with pre-hospital medicine and the EMS industry. In January 2013, Chase was promoted from EMT-Intermediate to Paramedic. He is a founding member of EMSA’s Community Ambassadors program and, as such, conducts dozens of presentations each year at schools, has organized clothing drives for the homeless, and represents EMSA at various public events. Chase also is a Field Training Officer and serves on both the honor guard and tactical EMS teams.

When Michael Williams tells his colleagues that he knows how they feel, he isn’t joking. During a 14-year tenure at EMSA, Michael has held nearly every job there is. He joined EMSA as a vehicle supply technician and quickly worked his way into a tech supervisor role. Other roles he’s filled include EMT and field training officer, materials manager, paramedic, emergency medical dispatcher and, most recently, assistant field operations supervisor. Michael says that wearing so many different hats has given him a unique perspective on the business of EMS, but that “above all else, at the end of the day, we’re all here to take good care of sick and hurt people.”

In August 2015, Michael, his partner, and first responders resuscitated a man who went into cardiac arrest at a flea market. Doctors at the receiving hospital publicly praised the care Michael gave his patient and used the case to highlight the importance of bystander CPR and quality medical care.