Julie Humes is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to patient care, even under the most extreme conditions.

During one particularly disruptive weather event, a head-on collision occurred, and the air medical team was grounded. Without hesitation, Julie volunteered to respond by ground vehicle. Her swift decision proved instrumental in saving the life of a critically injured patient who was bleeding profusely.

Julie administered blood and other lifesaving interventions, remaining by the patient’s side until they were safely transferred to hospital care. Thanks to her extraordinary skill and steadfast presence, the patient ultimately survived and was discharged after several weeks.

Julie is a hero who consistently puts patients’ needs at the forefront of her decision-making. Her calm under pressure and dedication to her community embody the very best of emergency medicine.

Air Evac Lifeteam is proud to recognize Flight Nurse Julie Humes as a Star of Life!

Terry Gray is being applauded for his extraordinary quick thinking and heroic actions during a freeway emergency.

While responding to a serious accident involving a pedestrian on a busy highway, Terry immediately assessed the severity of the scene and notified authorities. In the midst of this critical moment, he spotted another vehicle rapidly approaching. Without hesitation, he sprang into action—shielding others from danger and physically pushing a pedestrian out of harm’s way.

The oncoming vehicle collided with the AMR Supervisor unit, narrowly missing Terry. His swift, selfless response not only protected those around him but also likely saved multiple lives, including his own.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Emergency Medical Technician and Crew Chief Terry Gray as a Star of Life!

It’s every new parent’s worst nightmare: your newborn suddenly stops breathing and you are powerless to help. Last fall, that terrifying moment became reality for one mother—but in the midst of panic and fear, Dylan Graves became a beacon of hope.

Dylan is being honored for his heroic actions in saving the life of a 12-day-old infant who had stopped breathing. With calm precision and unwavering focus, he worked alongside his partner and local firefighters to resuscitate the baby, stabilize the situation, and ensure the child was safely transported to the hospital.

Thanks to their swift and coordinated response, the infant made a full recovery and was soon discharged home. To the grateful mother, Dylan isn’t just a first responder—he is a lifesaver. She continues to share her gratitude, praising Dylan and the entire crew who answered her desperate call for help. Their courage and compassion transformed a moment of unimaginable fear into one of miraculous relief.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Lead Paramedic and Field Training Officer Dylan Graves as a Star of Life!

United States Marine Corps veteran Aaron Goodloe is being honored for his deep and selfless commitment to patient care, even under the most extreme conditions. During a severe winter storm that blanketed Kansas in snow and ice, Aaron continued serving his community when many roads had become impassable.

When two ambulances—each carrying patients, including an infant—became stranded in the storm, Aaron bravely navigated treacherous, icy conditions to reach them. He safely transferred the patients into his own vehicle and ensured they arrived at the hospital for the critical care they required.

Aaron’s courage, determination, and dedication turned two perilous situations into lifesaving events. His military service instilled in him the values of resilience and commitment, which he continues to demonstrate every day in his role as a Paramedic.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Aaron Goodloe as a Star of Life!

Kenny Glimme is being commended for his quick instincts and lifesaving actions that saved the life of a toddler. While at his base during routine aircraft maintenance, Kenny heard screams coming from a nearby field. Compelled to act, he climbed a fence and discovered a mother clutching her lifeless child, who had fallen into a pond.

Without hesitation, Kenny immediately began rescue breathing and CPR while waiting for first responders to arrive. He coordinated care with the arriving EMS team, requested the closest air ambulance, and helped direct resuscitation efforts on the way to the airport. Once the helicopter crew prepared for flight, Kenny assisted the nurse to ensure the toddler received critical care every step of the way.

The child was stabilized and flown to a pediatric center, where they recovered and returned home five weeks later. Thanks to Kenny’s swift response, clinical expertise, and calm leadership under pressure, a young life was saved.

REACH Air Medical Services is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Kenny Glimme as a Star of Life!

Marc Flores is being honored for his exceptional clinical expertise and decisive action that saved the life of an elderly motor vehicle crash victim. While responding to a collision in rural Texas with Flight Nurse Missy Satterfield, Marc encountered a patient who appeared visibly distressed.

To an untrained eye, the symptoms might have seemed like simple shock from the accident. But Marc, drawing on his experience and keen clinical judgment, quickly recognized the signs of compromised breathing caused by chest trauma and multiple rib fractures. Just moments later, the patient went into cardiac arrest.

Without hesitation, Marc and Missy initiated advanced lifesaving interventions, successfully achieving return of spontaneous circulation and stabilizing the patient for transport. Thanks to their rapid assessment, calm execution, and advanced training, the patient not only survived but walked out of the hospital just two weeks later.

Air Evac Lifeteam is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Marc Flores as a Star of Life!

Jimi Estrada-Velazquez is being praised for his swift action and lifesaving intervention that saved the life of a toddler who nearly drowned.

Last summer, Jimi and his partner responded to a frantic 9-1-1 call from parents who had found their child face down in a swimming pool. Within two minutes of dispatch, Jimi arrived on scene and brought calm, expertise, and urgency to a chaotic situation. Working alongside his partner and law enforcement officers, he immediately began rescue breathing, delivering lifesaving oxygen to the child.

Thanks to seamless coordination with fellow first responders, the child was stabilized and quickly loaded into the ambulance. Firefighters joined en route, and together the team defied the odds—reviving the young patient and ensuring a safe arrival at the hospital.

Because of Jimi’s rapid response and unwavering focus, the toddler made a full recovery. His actions reflect his personal commitment to teamwork, training, and courage under pressure—qualities that define the very best of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Jimi Estrada-Velazquez as a Star of Life!

Arianne Emling is being recognized for her exceptional skill, professionalism, and perseverance while responding to a call for a critically ill cardiac patient. She and her partner, Flight Paramedic Beau McFarlin, were dispatched to care for a patient who had received an Impella device—a small heart pump—following a stent placement at a rural catheterization laboratory.

The patient was hypotensive and combative, requiring constant intervention. For three demanding hours before transport, Arianne and Beau worked tirelessly to keep the patient alive—ensuring airway integrity, responding to dangerous physiological changes, adjusting ventilator settings, and keeping vital equipment operational even as the Impella’s battery was close to failing.

By the time the aircraft lifted off and the patient was handed off to the receiving hospital, the individual was in a far more stable condition than when Arianne and Beau first arrived. Her expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care under the most challenging circumstances exemplify the very best of critical care medicine.

Air Evac Lifeteam is proud to recognize Flight Nurse and Base Clinical Lead Arianne Emling as a Star of Life!

Joseph Ketcham is being praised for his remarkable courage and quick action in the face of violence. After completing a long shift, Joseph was at home when he heard screams outside. Rushing to investigate, he saw an individual being stabbed.

While many might have fled out of fear, Joseph did the opposite. He confronted the attacker, forcing them to flee, and immediately turned his attention to the victim. Drawing on his Paramedic training, Joseph provided lifesaving care, treating multiple stab wounds and controlling severe bleeding. He remained at the victim’s side until first responders arrived and transported the patient to the hospital.

Thanks to Joseph’s fearless intervention and compassionate care, the victim survived. His actions reflect the highest standards of bravery and service, demonstrating that the call to protect and care for others never truly ends when a shift does.

MedicWest Ambulance is proud to recognize Paramedic Supervisor Joseph Ketcham as a Star of Life!

PJ Lowe is being recognized for her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and far-reaching impact across Central Mississippi and the EMS community.

An Advanced EMT, Field Training Officer, Honor Guard member, bike medic, and volunteer firefighter with two departments, PJ exemplifies service in every sense of the word. In addition to her demanding roles, she leads AMR Central Mississippi’s Mental Health Peer Support Group, reflecting her deep commitment to the well-being of her peers.

Her involvement in numerous EMS organizations and initiatives is a testament to her passion for the profession. PJ lives and breathes “all things EMS,” a calling that has profoundly shaped both her professional and personal life.

As a trusted mentor and educator, PJ also serves as adjunct faculty at Holmes and Hinds Community Colleges. Her hands-on teaching style, empathetic leadership, and steadfast focus on safety and excellence make her a sought-after preceptor. Students and new medics consistently request to train under her guidance, drawn to her authenticity, experience, and skill.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Advanced EMT and Field Training Officer PJ Lowe as a Star of Life!

Matt Magiera is being honored for his selfless actions and quick thinking while off duty in the aftermath of a devastating tornado. A dedicated Paramedic and avid “storm chaser,” Matt was surveying damage when he came across an injured individual. Without hesitation, he provided first aid and stabilized the patient.

Moments later, Matt identified a second, critically injured person who had been thrown more than 300 yards by the storm. With emergency resources stretched thin in the rural community, Matt collaborated with the local fire department to repurpose a fire vehicle into an emergency transport unit. He administered spinal precautions, closely monitored the patient’s condition, and ensured their safe transfer to a nearby hospital.

Matt’s ability to remain calm and resourceful under extraordinary circumstances exemplifies the very best of the EMS profession. His actions brought care and hope in the midst of disaster, reflecting the heart of what it means to serve as a Paramedic.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Matt Magiera as a Star of Life.

Beau McFarlin is being commended for her exceptional skill, professionalism, and resilience during a critical emergency response involving a severely ill cardiac patient. Working alongside Flight Nurse Arianne Emling, Beau provided intensive care to a patient with an Impella heart pump following a stent placement at a rural catheterization lab.

The patient was hypotensive and combative, requiring continuous intervention for three hours prior to transport. Beau and Arianne worked tirelessly to stabilize the patient—maintaining airway integrity, managing life-threatening physiological changes, adjusting ventilator settings, and ensuring the Impella device remained operational despite a failing battery.

By the time the aircraft lifted off and the patient was transferred to the receiving hospital, the patient’s condition had significantly improved. The outcome was a direct result of Beau and Arianne’s clinical expertise and their unwavering commitment to patient care, even under extraordinary pressure.

Air Evac Lifeteam is proud to recognize Flight Paramedic Beau McFarlin as a Star of Life.

Alexander Megquier is being celebrated for his swift, lifesaving response to a medical emergency involving a dialysis patient. The patient had accidentally opened their fistula and lost a severe amount of blood, leaving them semi-conscious and on the verge of cardiac arrest.

Arriving first on scene, Alexander found the patient covered in blood and immediately put his clinical training into action. With calm precision, he rapidly administered blood products, stabilizing the individual so they could be transported safely to the hospital for advanced care. The patient had lost more than 800 milliliters of blood from the ruptured fistula, yet thanks to Alexander’s quick intervention, they survived—and today credit his response with saving their life.

Alexander’s skill, dedication, and commitment to patient care reflect the very best of the EMS profession. American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Alexander Megquier as a Star of Life!

Douglas Milks is being honored as a Star of Life for demonstrating one of the most important skills in emergency medical services—compassion. During a severe winter storm in the Town of Evans, south of Buffalo, Douglas responded to a call despite a driving ban and whiteout conditions. Navigating impassable roads, he reached a critically ill patient in need.

Although the patient later passed away, Douglas’ kindness and empathy left a profound impact. The patient’s spouse shared that Douglas provided not only comfort and dignity to their loved one in their final hours, but also a deep sense of peace to her as she said goodbye. His ability to offer both excellent medical care and heartfelt human connection exemplifies the very best of the EMS profession.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Paramedic Douglas Milks as a Star of Life.

Magen Morris is being recognized for her extraordinary service and unwavering commitment to patient care, especially during times of crisis. Whether working extended hours, managing a surge in call volume, or stepping up to cover staffing shortages, Magen consistently rises to the occasion with grace and determination.

Her calm, focused demeanor and “can-do” attitude reflect her deeply rooted mission to serve others. Colleagues and supervisors alike describe Magen as a cornerstone of strength—a quiet mentor who leads by example and is always ready to lend a hand when it’s needed most.

Magen’s impact extends far beyond her daily duties. She embodies the spirit of teamwork, compassion, and resilience, making her not only an invaluable asset to her organization but also a true inspiration to everyone around her.

MedicWest is proud to recognize Magen Morris as a Star of Life!

Holly Nasello is being lauded for her quick and accurate intervention in the case of a patient found unresponsive at a local car wash. Arriving on scene with her partner and local fire personnel, Holly immediately recognized the signs of a major heart attack and administered lifesaving aid without delay.

Working seamlessly with her partner and the fire crew, Holly helped stabilize the patient and prepared them for rapid transport by an awaiting air medical team. At the hospital, the patient underwent placement of four stents and spent nearly two weeks in the intensive care unit before being released. Physicians later described the outcome as nothing short of a “miraculous recovery.”

Holly’s decisive action, clinical expertise, and calm under pressure exemplify the very best of EMS and the critical role Paramedics play in saving lives every day.

Life Line Ambulance is proud to recognize Holly Nasello as a Star of Life!

Trey Phillips is being commended for saving the life of a patient who nearly drowned while he was attending a continuing education training in Orlando, Florida. During a break by the hotel pool, Trey noticed someone being pulled from the water—unconscious and not breathing.

Without hesitation, Trey’s EMS instincts took over. He immediately stepped in to assist hotel security, helping to remove the individual from the pool and initiating CPR. After several minutes of resuscitation, the patient regained consciousness.

Trey then placed the individual in the recovery position and remained at their side until Orlando Fire Department arrived, providing a thorough report to ensure a seamless transition of care. His quick action, calm presence, and commitment to excellence exemplify the very best of the EMS profession.

Air Evac Lifeteam is proud to recognize Trey Phillips as a Star of Life!

Rick Pringle is being honored for his extraordinary, lifesaving response to a horrific and complex tractor-trailer accident that left a patient trapped beneath part of a 340,000-pound cargo load. The incident occurred when an 18-wheeler carrying the massive shipment overturned on a Texas state highway, pinning a passenger from another vehicle beneath the fallen freight.

As the acting supervisor on scene, Rick coordinated the response with Paramedic Samantha Sabol, EMT Talitha Tanous, Temple Fire Department, and Temple Police during an intense, hours-long extrication effort. The operation demanded precise coordination, advanced clinical judgment, and determination to free and stabilize the patient so they could be transported safely for advanced care.

Rick’s steady leadership and unwavering focus, combined with the skill and dedication of everyone involved, ensured the best possible outcome in an incredibly challenging situation. His calm presence under pressure exemplifies the very best of EMS.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Rick Pringle as a Star of Life!

Julie Purick is being recognized for taking the term “commitment to patient care” to a whole new level. One winter morning, Julie responded to a fiery multi-vehicle collision where one of the victims had been engulfed in flames. Without hesitation, she worked alongside Rochester police officers to extinguish the fire and immediately began lifesaving treatment—placing the needs of her patient above her own safety.

Julie’s fearless actions ensured the victim could be stabilized and transported to the hospital. But heroism often comes at a cost. In the process of saving a life, Julie sustained severe respiratory injuries. She was hospitalized, intubated, and placed on a ventilator. Remarkably, just one week later, she recovered, the ventilator was removed, and she returned to duty—stronger and more determined than ever.

Julie’s courage, resilience, and devotion to her patients are not just commendable—they are unforgettable.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize Julie Purick as a Star of Life!

LeAnn Riley is being honored for 35 years of unwavering dedication to problem-solving and her gift for empathetic, strategic communication in the face of crisis. As a calm and steady voice on the other end of 911 calls, she has guided countless individuals—many too frightened to speak clearly—through emergencies with precision, compassion, and care.

Her remarkable ability to ask the right questions and quickly assess the appropriate level of response is not a skill acquired overnight. It reflects decades of experience, professional mastery, and a deep understanding of the emergency medical services industry.

To her colleagues and supervisors, LeAnn is the very definition of an unsung hero. Her exceptional skill, accuracy, and commitment make her an indispensable part of her agency’s success and a trusted lifeline for her community.

American Medical Response is proud to recognize LeAnn Riley as a Star of Life!