Nicole “Nikki” Warren is being recognized for her clinical skills and quick action that saved the lives of patients on two separate occasions.

The first, a motor vehicle crash where the patient was at first believed to be deceased, required rapid attention after a longer-than-expected extraction from the wreckage. En route to the hospital, the patient received blood products and post-intubation care as Nikki used all her clinical knowledge to keep the patient alive during the flight. Because of her extraordinary abilities, that individual survived and was eventually discharged.

In the second incident, a patient with a crossbow arrow in the leg required three units of blood, one unit of plasma, and multiple doses of epinephrine. Despite these ministrations, the patient went into cardiac arrest and compressions were started. Due to the extraordinary level of care exhibited during this patient’s flight, the patient managed to make a full recovery.

In both of these patient interventions, Nikki played an irreplaceable role in the survival of these individuals.

Lucie Walters is a brilliant first responder who has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovative thinking, and an outstanding work ethic, earning the admiration of her leaders and peers at AirMed. Lucie has been the recipient of multiple awards, including the company’s Quarterly Safety Award and the Outstanding Employee of the Quarter Award.

Beyond her accolades, Lucie is being honored for her extraordinary composure and heroic actions after witnessing a shooting in a hotel parking lot while covering at the AEL base in Birmingham, Alabama. She provided critical aid to the victim by applying pressure to his wounds until emergency medical services arrived, ultimately helping to save the victim’s life. Lucie is a hero both on and off the clock, embodying the best qualities of a first responder.

Andrew Varela is being honored as a Star of Life for his exceptional dedication to the EMS industry and his exemplary performance in two critical emergency responses in 2023. In one instance, Andrew responded to a young boy who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while riding his scooter. Andrew and his partner took over CPR, administered advanced life support, including defibrillation, and helped restore the boy’s pulse before his full recovery and discharge from the hospital. In another incident, Andrew and his trainee successfully revived a female patient in cardiac arrest at an urgent care clinic by performing CPR and using an EKG monitor to restore her pulse.

As a respected Field Training Officer, Andrew not only demonstrates clinical excellence but also leads and mentors new EMTs and paramedics, making him a well-deserving recipient of the 2024 Star of Life award.

Shane Terry, a nearly 20-year veteran with Air Evac Lifeteam, is an expert in emergency medical care, known for his ability to quickly assess and intervene in critical situations. His expertise has been particularly noted in two significant incidents: one involving a former AEL team member and the other, a child.

In the first instance, Shane was in an ER when a former team member experienced cardiac arrest. His quick thinking and skillful intervention, alongside ER staff, saved the individual’s life.

In another case, Shane responded to a call for a child in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, he immediately recognized that the child’s airway tube was incorrectly placed. Shane reintubated the child and, recognizing the weather conditions were unsafe for flight, accompanied the ground unit to ensure the child received continuous care en route to the hospital.

Shane’s dedication to patient care and his ability to act swiftly in critical moments make him a standout in the field. His nearly two decades of service with Air Evac Lifeteam and his commitment to saving lives are why he is recognized as a 2024 Star of Life honoree.

Jason Southard is recognized as a champion of life for his heroic actions in saving the life of a fellow first responder. While on shift, a paramedic colleague suffered a stroke, and Jason’s quick thinking and immediate intervention not only saved her life but also preserved her ability to continue her career, be a mother, and lead a normal life post-stroke.

The paramedic describes Jason as an “amazing person who always remains calm under pressure, incredibly humble and kind, and always available to lend a hand.” His life-saving actions not only impacted his colleague’s future but also ensured that many more lives would be saved through her continued work.

Jason’s calmness under pressure and compassionate service make him a deserving recipient of the 2024 Star of Life award.

Raquel Soto is being recognized for her life-saving interaction with a suicidal patient. She and her partner, Howard Freeman, were the first to arrive on-scene for the call. An adult male was standing atop an eight-story parking structure indicating an intention to jump. Raquel made her way to the roof to establish contact with the patient and quickly established that the man was struggling with psychiatric and substance-used disorders and frustrated with failed treatment efforts, wanted to end his life. With support resources arriving at the ground level, Raquel established a rapport with the patient acknowledging that his struggle was real, and he was being heard. Over the next 20 minutes, Raquel displayed great empathy and ultimately convinced him that there were better solutions to his problems. She got him to step away from the ledge and allow EMS to transport him to the hospital, where he could receive treatment and take the first steps to mental health and recovery. This was an extraordinary, veteran-like demonstration of patient skills from an EMT with just five years on the job.

Lance Smeal, a 30-year veteran in EMS, is being recognized for his exceptional patient care and compassionate people skills. As a Field Training Officer and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with American Medical Response in Buffalo, New York, Lance recently responded to a 911 call involving a toddler with breathing difficulties. While delivering expert care to the patient, Lance also took the time to calm and reassure the toddler’s older brother.

A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, Lance connected with the sibling by talking about their shared love for the team, easing the tension of the situation. Before leaving with the patient, Lance gave the boy his Buffalo Bills watch as a gift, which left a lasting impression. After the toddler’s recovery, the family reached out to thank Lance in person. In true fashion, Lance surprised them with a Buffalo Bills Von Miller jersey, further demonstrating his kindness. The family was so moved that they shared their experience on social media, praising Lance and AMR.

Lance’s dedication to both his patients and their families reflects his compassionate approach to EMS, making him a proud recipient of the 2024 Star of Life award.

With more than 15 years of dedicated service as an EMS first responder, Kevin Rochford is being honored for his life-saving actions in January 2024, when he responded to a cardiac arrest involving a well-known community leader. Kevin’s quick and decisive intervention, which included administering multiple medications and performing defibrillations, led to the patient achieving ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) after more than 30 minutes of effort. Thanks to Kevin’s expertise and persistence, the patient survived and has since returned to serving the community.

Known for his humility and commitment to lifelong learning, Kevin is actively pursuing courses to further his career in the medical field. His dedication to both his patients and his personal growth makes him a valued member of American Medical Response and a true asset to the Waco community.

Michael Penna is being honored as a Star of Life for his extraordinary dedication and bravery in providing essential medical care in war-torn Ukraine. In early 2023, Mike embarked on a life-changing mission, volunteering with the aid organization Front Line Medics to deliver emergency medical services to rural villages in the Donetsk region. These villages were deeply impacted by the ongoing conflict with Russia, and Mike’s decision to volunteer exemplifies his commitment to the mission of Global Medical Response: to provide care to the world at a moment’s notice.

Upon arriving in the liberated villages of Eastern Ukraine, Mike was faced with the harsh realities of limited resources, damaged infrastructure, and constant air raid alerts. Despite these extreme challenges, he remained undeterred, adapting to the austere environment and improvising solutions to ensure that critical medical care reached those in desperate need.

Driven by a profound sense of duty and compassion, Mike willingly put himself in harm’s way to provide care in one of the most dangerous environments imaginable. His perseverance and commitment to delivering vital healthcare in the face of overwhelming adversity exemplify the highest standards of the EMS profession.

Michael Penna’s selfless actions and unwavering dedication to helping others in times of crisis make him a deserving honoree for the American Medical Response Stars of Life award.

Megan Overbeck is being recognized for her outstanding clinical excellence, diligence, and dedication to the EMS profession. In 2023, Megan responded to an impressive 1,993 calls and transported 1,559 patients, averaging 5.5 calls per day. During this period, she performed a remarkable 3,942 procedures, which included 767 IVs, 165 12-leads, eight intubations, and two needle decompressions. Additionally, she administered critical treatments, including DuoNeb, Fentanyl, and TXA.

Megan’s dedication to patient care is reflected not just in the volume of her work but in the quality of her results. She responded to 47 cardiac arrests in 2023, transporting 27 patients and achieving ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) in 13 cases, including six clinical saves. Her success rate in cardiac arrests—27.7% ROSC and 36.4% of all cardiac arrests her operation responded to—far exceeds national averages, demonstrating her exceptional clinical skills and ability to make a life-saving difference.

Megan’s commitment to excellence and her extraordinary outcomes make her a deserving honoree for her contributions to the EMS profession.

Eli Melamed went above and beyond the call of duty when he risked his own safety to care for a patient trapped in a burning vehicle following a fiery car crash in May 2024. Along with his partner, Alyssa Meier, Eli responded to the scene and together they worked to extricate the patient—who was on fire—from the driver’s side of the vehicle, putting their own safety on the line in the process.

After successfully removing the patient from the vehicle, Eli and Alyssa provided critical care to the patient, who was in and out of cardiac arrest. Their swift actions helped stabilize the patient enough for a transfer of care to a flight team, enabling the patient to be flown to a local trauma center.

Eli’s bravery and commitment in such a life-threatening situation demonstrate his exceptional dedication to his work as a Paramedic and to the safety and well-being of his patients.

Alyssa Meier demonstrated immense courage and dedication when she put her own welfare aside to care for a patient trapped in a burning vehicle following a fiery car crash in May 2024. Alyssa, along with her partner Eli Melamed, arrived on scene and immediately assisted in extricating the patient—who was on fire—from the driver’s side of the vehicle, significantly risking their own safety in the process.

Once the patient was out of the vehicle, Alyssa and Eli provided critical care to the patient, who was in and out of cardiac arrest. Through their swift actions, they were able to stabilize the patient enough for a successful transfer of care to a flight team, enabling the patient to be transported to a local trauma center.

Alyssa’s bravery and commitment to patient care in such a dangerous situation highlight the dedication and heroism that define her work in EMS.

Miki Leslie is being recognized for her extraordinary actions on August 15, 2023, when she responded to a single-vehicle rollover accident involving two children and two adults. Despite being off duty, Miki arrived at the scene before any responders, as the accident occurred near her home. Without hesitation, she immediately triaged all the patients and provided crucial updates to the first responders en route.

One of the patients was a young child who had been ejected from the vehicle and was drifting in and out of consciousness. By the time EMS arrived, Miki had already completed full assessments on each patient and was holding C-spine precautions on the youngest victim. She remained on scene throughout the entire call, assisting the responding EMS team with critical patient care tasks, including suctioning, applying a C-collar, assisting with backboarding, aiding in intubation, bagging the patient via ETT, and hot-loading a patient into a responding air ambulance.

Miki’s quick thinking, skillful actions, and dedication played a vital role in the successful management of the scene and the treatment of each patient, even without the advantage of additional help or equipment. Her selfless service and expertise on that day exemplify the best of what it means to be an EMS professional.

Matthew Lambert is a passionate EMS advocate who has made a significant impact in his community by raising awareness about the role and services of his EMS operation. Known for his selfless dedication to teaching, Matthew goes out of his way to help fellow clinicians stay informed about the latest advancements in the emergency medical field. His expertise has earned him recognition for numerous “saves,” and he has received multiple awards for achieving ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) in the field.

One of Matthew’s most notable calls involved a patient trapped in a fiery car crash, suffering burns over 90% of their body. Despite the life-threatening injuries, Matthew’s swift and skillful intervention saved the patient’s life. His dedication to his craft and his community continues to inspire and make a profound difference in the lives of those he serves.

Dan Laguna is being recognized for a lifetime of service that spans both the EMS industry and the military. His life has been compared to a Hollywood movie, filled with early-life hardships overcome and a highly decorated career in the Green Berets. His military service includes combat in Operation Desert Storm and Mogadishu, Somalia, where he participated in the famous “Blackhawk Down” search-and-rescue operation. His autobiography, You Have to Live Hard to Be Hard, has influenced and informed aviation and military operations around the world.

Dan’s distinguished post-military career with REACH Air Medical Services has allowed him to continue influencing pilots across the country with his knowledge, expertise, and example of sacrifice, dedication, and resilience. Having often been in need of medical attention during his combat experience, Dan now views the EMS field as an opportunity to give back for the help he received when he needed it most. His greatest satisfaction comes from being there for others in their time of need.

David Kingdon is being recognized for his outstanding leadership during the devastating fires on Maui, particularly in the town of Lahaina. David is the team leader of Maui’s only rapid-response unit and has been instrumental in expanding the unit’s capabilities to perform advanced functions, including training and deployments with the Special Response Team unit at the Maui Police Department, and collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard to launch specially trained paramedics on their response boat. When fires on the island spread rapidly in August of 2023, David took it upon himself to act as medical incident commander. He worked tirelessly in uncertain conditions to ensure that patients were triaged, treated and transported safely to healthcare facilities and that his team members remained safe as well. As the fires were brought under control, he continued to ensure EMS operations were uninterrupted while the island dealt with tremendous loss.

Heather James, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with American Medical Response in Lagrange, Georgia, is being recognized for her heroic efforts in delivering and saving a baby who was born pulseless while en route to the hospital.

The incident occurred last June when an expectant mother began experiencing labor in the ambulance. Heather’s partner, AEMT Amanda Owens, was driving while Heather attended to the mother. After delivering the baby, Heather quickly noticed the newborn wasn’t breathing and immediately sprang into action. She administered CPR and performed lifesaving interventions, successfully resuscitating the baby before transferring both mother and child to the hospital.

Thanks to Heather and Amanda’s quick thinking and skillful interventions, the baby, though initially facing a long road to recovery, is now healthy and recently celebrated their first birthday. The baby’s mother credits Heather and Amanda for saving her child’s life, and their selfless dedication is a testament to the exceptional care provided by EMS professionals.

Heather’s life-saving actions in such a critical situation exemplify her commitment to her patients and her remarkable skill as an AEMT.

Jason Hodges, Operations Supervisor and Honor Guard Commander for American Medical Response in Washington County, Oregon, is being honored for his unwavering selflessness and dedication to his patients and team members. Since joining the AMR Honor Guard in 2011, Jason has been an active participant in numerous memorials and events supporting both AMR and affiliated organizations. As the current Commander of the Honor Guard for the Oregon/Southwest Washington region, Jason goes above and beyond to ensure that each memorial event is flawlessly executed and that the families affected are well taken care of.

In addition to his Honor Guard responsibilities, Jason extends his compassion and leadership to his fellow crew members, often acting as a mentor in times of need. In 2023, he joined the Multnomah County leadership team as a relief supervisor, seamlessly transitioning into this role and quickly earning the respect and admiration of his field medics. Jason’s commitment to his team and the community is evident through his actions, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty.

Jason has also deployed to disaster-stricken areas, assisting vulnerable citizens in the aftermath of hurricanes and wildfires, exemplifying the GMR mission of providing care to the world at a moment’s notice. His selfless dedication and leadership make him an invaluable asset to the EMS profession, and American Medical Response is proud to recognize Jason Hodges as a Star of Life.

Ambrose Stevens is being recognized posthumously for his unwavering dedication, selflessness, and unyielding commitment to serving others. For nearly two decades, Ambrose was a cornerstone of compassion and expertise for AMR, where he held various roles, culminating in his position as Operations Manager. His leadership was instrumental in ensuring the delivery of top-tier medical services, consistently going above and beyond to meet the needs of the caregivers he led, as well as those of the communities he served. Beyond his exemplary day-to-day service, Ambrose’s humanitarian efforts extended far beyond his normal job duties. He deployed for AMR’s Emergency Response Team to numerous disaster zones, offering his expertise and support in times of dire need. He also lent his skills to organizations like Pure Works, providing critical medical assistance in regions ravaged by conflict and natural disasters, including Burundi, Haiti, and Nepal. His contributions, both locally and globally, have undoubtedly left an enduring legacy of kindness, compassion, and clinical skill that serve as an inspiration to others.

Jason Henry, a Fire Captain Paramedic with Rural Metro Fire in Tempe, Arizona, exemplifies leadership and honor in every aspect of his role, values he strives to instill in the crews he leads. These qualities were on full display in March 2023, when Captain Henry and his crew responded to a life-threatening situation that showcased their teamwork and dedication to saving lives.

While driving on a rural road, Captain Henry witnessed a vehicle swerving erratically toward his fire engine, just before the driver lost control and crashed into a soft soil field. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Captain Henry immediately requested that firefighter and EMT Antoine Berenger assess the patient, who had suffered cardiac arrest and was in dire need of medical attention.

After the assessment, Captain Henry and his crew swiftly removed the patient from the vehicle and placed them on solid ground. There, Antoine and new paramedic Brendan McCormack began administering CPR and other critical interventions. Thanks to their quick actions, the team successfully revived the patient, ultimately saving their life.

What makes this event even more remarkable is that Antoine and his crewmates were not originally scheduled to be in the area. They had stepped in to cover the shift, yet their ability to immediately come together and work seamlessly under pressure is a testament to their professionalism and dedication to patient care. Captain Henry’s leadership was crucial in coordinating this lifesaving effort, showcasing his commitment to his team and the community he serves.