Tag: Falck USA

On June 24, 2024, while off duty, Falck Alameda County Paramedic Jeremy Jaime performed a heroic rescue that saved the life of seven-year-old Bastian “Bazzy” Michel. Jeremy came upon a devastating accident where Bazzy had been struck by a large truck and was found unconscious.

Drawing on his professional training, Jeremy immediately initiated CPR alongside a nearby witness. After approximately two minutes of focused effort, they successfully revived Bazzy. Jeremy quickly identified the boy’s critical injuries—including a broken arm, head trauma, and internal damage—and remained at his side until additional responders arrived. He not only assisted EMS crews in stabilizing the patient but also provided calm reassurance and support to Bazzy’s family during the crisis.

Thanks to Jeremy’s swift actions, Bazzy survived and went on to make an incredible recovery. The families have remained close, with Bazzy affectionately calling Jeremy his “guardian angel” and “Maui,” a nod to his larger-than-life presence and heroic role that day.

Falck Alameda County is proud to honor Jeremy Jaime as a Star of Life!

Falck San Diego is proud to recognize Paramedic Gerardo Ramirez as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life. Gerardo is known for his dedication, compassion, and professionalism, treating every patient with empathy and skill whether facing routine discomfort or life-threatening emergencies. Always willing to step in, Gerardo supports fellow crews, ensures scene safety, and provides calm reassurance in difficult situations.

Beyond the field, he serves as a Paramedic and EMT trainer for Falck and a preceptor for Paramedic interns, guiding the next generation with both technical knowledge and compassion. He also teaches at Southwestern College, where his thoughtful approach continues to shape future EMS professionals. Gerardo’s reputation for integrity and leadership has earned him respect from colleagues, partner agencies, and fire crews alike. He has repeatedly stepped up to help cover shifts in times of need, demonstrating his commitment to his community and his team. Balancing professional excellence with devotion to his family, Gerardo embodies the very best of Falck San Diego and we are honored to recognize him as a Star of Life!

Paul Lopez began his Emergency Medical Services career in 1991 as an Emergency Medical Technician in Los Angeles County. Over more than three decades of service, he has contributed his expertise to multiple organizations, steadily building a reputation as a trusted professional and leader. Today, he brings that wealth of experience to Falck Los Angeles, where he serves with distinction as Dispatch Manager.

Paul’s EMS journey led him from the field into communications, with early roles in Los Angeles and San Diego before stepping into his current leadership role. He is being recognized for his outstanding leadership and for cultivating a culture of honor, trust, and accountability within the dispatch center. His leadership philosophy is rooted in leading by example—demonstrating every day the values he expects from his team.

By empowering his colleagues through trust, encouraging professional growth, and fostering an environment where people feel supported and valued, Paul has created a high-performance culture. Under his steady guidance, the division has seen marked improvements in performance metrics and teamwork. He also played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the LOGIS dispatch system, ensuring a smooth transition through clear communication, careful planning, and unwavering support for his staff.

Paul’s influence extends beyond operational improvements; he has set the tone for integrity, teamwork, and pride in service. His example shows that true leadership is not about position, but about action. Falck USA is proud to recognize Paul Lopez as a Star of Life.

Ryan Horowitz began his EMS career in 2004 as an EMT in Orange County. After gaining valuable field experience, he transitioned to the Communications Department, where his leadership journey truly took shape. Starting as a dispatcher, Ryan quickly advanced to Communications Training Officer, then supervisor, and now serves as Dispatch Manager.

Ryan’s commitment to service is unwavering. He believes that every emergency call deserves the fastest possible response and takes personal responsibility for ensuring ambulances are dispatched with speed, precision, and urgency. His leadership is rooted in a deep sense of duty to the communities he serves.

Always looking ahead, Ryan embraces innovation and has been a strong advocate for using advanced technologies—including artificial intelligence—to improve ambulance positioning and optimize response times. His forward-thinking approach continues to drive measurable improvements in system efficiency.

Ryan’s impact was especially evident during the recent system upgrade to LOGIS. Under his guidance, the transition was seamless and resulted in numerous operational enhancements. His leadership, vision, and ability to foster a culture of duty, pride, and accountability have strengthened the dispatch center and the entire operation.

Known for leading by example, Ryan inspires his team and remains a driving force behind the mission to deliver timely, life-saving care. Falck USA is proud to recognize Ryan Horowitz as a Star of Life.

Jonathan Tseng, Falck’s QA/QI Specialist, brings a unique blend of clinical experience and analytical expertise to his work—driven by a strong passion for improving the experience of both patients and healthcare providers. With nine years of experience as a 911 EMT in Orange and Riverside Counties, Jonathan has seen firsthand the challenges faced by patients and providers in the field. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of California, Riverside, and uses his academic background to take a thoughtful, data-informed approach to quality improvement. Jonathan is deeply committed to making a positive impact. He consistently seeks ways to enhance clinical care, support his colleagues, and improve outcomes for the patients we serve. His work reflects a strong belief in using data not just for numbers—but for meaningful, people-centered change. Two notable areas where Jonathan’s efforts have driven innovation and made a real difference are the development of Sensory Support Bags for neurodiverse patients and the creation of a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) response structure. In partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Jonathan reviewed clinical data and helped implement sensory support bags across our system, providing comfort and reducing stress for patients with sensory processing needs. He also played a key role in strengthening our CISM response by creating a reporting system that flags potential critical incidents, enabling timely peer support and intervention for field staff following difficult calls. Jonathan’s dedication to service, his empathy for patients, and his innovative use of data continue to make a lasting impact on our organization and the communities we serve. We are proud to nominate Jonathan as a 2025 Star of Life!

Yahya Elshawarbi joined Falck Alameda County three years ago as an EMT and is currently working toward his Paramedic license. In that time, he has not only excelled in his role as an EMT but also dedicated himself to shaping the future of the profession by educating and inspiring the next generation.

Yahya’s journey in emergency medical services is deeply personal.  He once walked the same path as the at-risk youth he now teaches, having graduated from the very same program.  His firsthand experience with the challenges and obstacles faced by these young individuals has fueled his passion for giving back and making a difference. Beyond the classroom, Yahya’s impact extends into the EMS community as an advocate for equity in care for all ethnicities in diverse communities like Alameda County.  He has participated in various research projects and recently presented at the 2024 EMS World conference on this very topic.

Yahya is being honored as a 2024 Star of Life for his work as an educator of underrepresented youth preparing them for life and for the role of emergency medical technician. His dedication, compassion, and leadership have made a profound difference in the lives of many. His receipt of the Star of Life Award is a testament to his outstanding service and his commitment to making a positive impact on the community.