Caitlyn Rainwater is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with Falck Orange County whose extraordinary compassion, vigilance, and lifesaving actions demonstrate that the commitment to care for others does not end when an EMS professional’s shift is over.

For five years, Caitlyn has served with Falck Orange County and is currently based at the Laguna Niguel Station. She lives in San Clemente with her husband, who serves in the United States Marine Corps, and their four children. As a military family, they navigate the challenges of deployments while making the most of their time together, including frequent family trips to Disneyland.

Caitlyn’s EMS training and instinct to protect others proved lifesaving while she was off duty at a birthday pool party for a friend’s child. With many children gathered around the pool, Caitlyn remained particularly attentive to a two-year-old who could not swim and was not wearing a flotation device. After briefly losing sight of the toddler, Caitlyn turned and immediately spotted the child floating unresponsive in the water.

Once the child was removed from the pool, Caitlyn quickly assessed the situation and activated 911. Recognizing that the child was not breathing, had no pulse, and was turning blue, she immediately began CPR. Drawing upon her training, Caitlyn remained focused and determined, successfully resuscitating the child within a short period of time.

Caitlyn continued caring for the toddler until the responding EMS crew arrived and assumed care. Most importantly, the child made a full recovery and was later discharged from the hospital in good health.

Despite the extraordinary outcome, Caitlyn has remained modest about her actions. As a mother of four and a dedicated EMT, she simply recognized that a child needed help and responded without hesitation. Her vigilance, compassion, clinical readiness, and willingness to act when seconds mattered made a profound difference for a child and family.

Caitlyn’s actions exemplify the instincts and values at the heart of emergency medical services: paying attention, being prepared, and stepping forward when another person needs help. Falck Orange County is proud to recognize Caitlyn Rainwater as a Star of Life.

Taylor has dedicated 27 years to emergency medical services, serving in roles ranging from Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Field Training Officer (FTO) to her current position as Operations Manager with Falck. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to leadership, innovation, and community service, but perhaps no accomplishment illustrates those qualities better than the Mounted EMS program she created from the ground up.

Taylor recognized an opportunity to combine her passion for horses with her commitment to EMS and community engagement. While mounted public safety programs traditionally operate through law enforcement agencies, Taylor envisioned something different: a mounted program within an ambulance organization. Using her own horses, personal time, and resources, she transformed that idea into a new way for Falck to engage with the public, increase the visibility of EMS, and strengthen relationships throughout the community.

What began as an idea evolved under Taylor’s leadership into a comprehensive policy and operational framework for Basic Life Support (BLS) Mounted EMS Units, establishing a model unique within Falck’s California Region. The program demonstrates Taylor’s ability not only to envision something new, but also to develop the structure necessary to make that vision operational and sustainable.

Its impact extends well beyond the mounted unit itself. Taylor has developed the program into a platform for building relationships with law enforcement, fire departments, public safety agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners. Through public safety events, parades, fundraisers, educational initiatives, community celebrations, and awareness campaigns, the Mounted EMS program creates memorable opportunities to share important safety information, connect people with valuable resources, and introduce communities to the people behind their local EMS system.

Through nearly three decades of service, Taylor has shown that leadership can mean recognizing possibilities others have not yet imagined and doing the work necessary to bring them to life. Her initiative, creativity, personal commitment, and dedication to building stronger connections between EMS and the community exemplify what it means to be a Star of Life.

Jessica Adams serves as Community Education Coordinator for Falck Alameda County, where she has developed and sustained a comprehensive community outreach and education program designed to strengthen the relationship between emergency medical services and the people they serve. Jessica has served as an EMT since 2005, bringing more than two decades of experience in emergency medical services to her work in community education. Throughout her career, she has also served as a CPR instructor and provided instruction to aspiring EMTs enrolled in emergency medical technician training programs. Her experience in both emergency response and education provides a strong foundation for the community outreach and education programs she leads today.

Through her work, Jessica has built lasting relationships with diverse communities throughout Alameda County. She provides education about health and safety, lifesaving skills, and the role of ambulance services within the healthcare system. Her outreach helps community members understand how to access emergency care, what to expect when calling 911, and what they can do to help during an emergency before first responders arrive.

Jessica also uses community engagement to introduce people to careers in emergency medical services. By connecting community members with Falck employees and providing greater visibility into EMS career opportunities, she helps inspire interest in the profession and supports efforts to build a future EMS workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

One of Jessica’s most significant accomplishments has been launching the Falck Alameda Community Advisory Board. The board brings together community-based organizations representing underserved populations from across Alameda County and provides them with a meaningful voice in conversations about local EMS services. Through Jessica’s continued leadership and engagement, these partnerships help Falck better understand and respond to the specific needs of the communities it serves.

Jessica’s work has helped strengthen trust between Falck and the community while expanding access to important health and safety education. Her collaborative approach demonstrates that meaningful community outreach is not simply about sharing information; it is also about listening, building relationships, and ensuring that community perspectives help inform how EMS serves its neighbors.

Through her leadership, collaboration, and commitment to inclusive community engagement, Jessica has helped make EMS more accessible, responsive, and connected to local needs. Falck Alameda County is proud to recognize Jessica Adams as a Star of Life.

Loralee Olejnik is the EMT Community Education Specialist for Falck San Diego, where her passions for EMS, education, communication, and public health come together in a career dedicated to empowering others. Over more than 20 years, Loralee has taught thousands of people how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies, with a particular commitment to ensuring lifesaving education reaches communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing it.

Today, Loralee helps lead an extensive community education program supporting approximately 150 outreach events annually. She provides Hands-Only CPR and Stop the Bleed instruction, blood pressure screenings, emergency preparedness education, and other public safety programming throughout the San Diego region. Her warmth, patience, and ability to connect with people from all backgrounds have made her a trusted community partner and an exceptional ambassador for EMS.

Accessibility is central to Loralee’s work. Most recently, she has led an “Accessible CPR” program designed to provide people with disabilities CPR training in a supportive environment that accommodates their individual needs. She has also developed partnerships with nonprofits, community and senior centers, Black Infant Health programs, and organizations providing EMS career training to young people overcoming barriers to employment.

Loralee’s impact on community preparedness began well before her current role. A longtime CPR instructor, she spent approximately a decade with the regional San Diego Project Heart Beat program, helping expand access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and lifesaving training. Her work contributed to placing AEDs with San Diego Police Department officers, in public schools, and at numerous locations throughout the community.

Her ability to build partnerships has brought together local government, fire and public safety agencies, healthcare systems, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. Her collaborators have included the City and County of San Diego, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, San Diego Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Scripps Health, UC San Diego Health, Sharp HealthCare, Rady Children’s Health Safe Kids, and Fourth District Seniors Resource Center.

Loralee’s commitment to education extends throughout the EMS profession. She regularly contributes to EMS publications, helped with the U.S. release of the children’s book What Paramedics and EMTs Do, speaks at conferences, and serves on the committee for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Girls Empowerment Camp, which introduces teens to careers in public safety. Within Falck, she has also developed recognition programs celebrating field deliveries and CPR saves, helping ensure EMS professionals receive recognition for their lifesaving work.

Through two decades of education, advocacy, partnership, and service, Loralee has worked to make lifesaving knowledge more accessible to everyone. She does more than educate communities; she gives people the confidence and skills to help one another when it matters most. Falck San Diego is proud to recognize Loralee Olejnik as a Star of Life.

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.