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.

Scotland Hamlin, a Field Training Officer and Emergency Medical Technician with American Medical Response in Orlando, Florida, is recognized for his dependability, skill, and unwavering commitment to the EMS profession. Known for his hardworking nature and dedication, Scotland has demonstrated time and again that he is willing to go above and beyond for his patients and fellow first responders—even on his days off.

In November of last year, Scotland exemplified his dedication when, while off duty, he noticed an AMR ambulance parked along the road with its emergency lights activated. Without hesitation, he stopped to investigate and found both crew members in the back of the ambulance struggling to manage a combative behavioral patient. Scotland immediately jumped into action, helping the crew regain control of the situation. He then notified the on-duty operations supervisor and continued to assist with the patient’s transport to the behavioral center.

Scotland’s actions reflect his strong commitment to the EMS Guiding Principles of teamwork and patient care. He is an exemplary EMS professional who consistently steps up when needed, ensuring the safety and well-being of both his patients and colleagues. His dedication to his role and his team make him a standout first responder, and American Medical Response is proud to recognize Scotland Hamlin for his outstanding service.

Jason Florance, a Paramedic with American Medical Response in Topeka, Kansas, is recognized as a positive role model for students and newly hired first responders. Known for his dedication to both his patients and fellow public servants, Jason consistently goes above and beyond to serve his community.

Last summer, Jason demonstrated this commitment when he helped an elderly patient who had no air conditioning in their home due to a lack of electricity. Not only did Jason help restore power, but he also reached out to local organizations and police department outreach programs to ensure the patient had access to additional resources. His efforts gave the patient a renewed sense of independence and dignity.

This act of kindness is just one example of Jason’s unwavering dedication. He is also known for helping homebound residents with tasks like mowing lawns, fixing gutters, and rearranging furniture—offering support where others may have limited options. Jason’s compassion and commitment make him an invaluable part of the Topeka community and a true role model in EMS.

William “Brent” Fisher is being recognized for his exceptional dedication to emergency medical care, as demonstrated during a critical response in December 2023. Brent and his flight nurse partner arrived at the scene of a hunting accident where the patient had been shot in the leg with a crossbow arrow. The patient was still in a tree stand, complicating extrication for air-medical transport, and Brent and his team had to wait before beginning life-saving interventions.

The arrow had entered just above the patient’s knee, piercing the femoral artery and causing severe hemorrhaging. Brent administered three units of blood, one plasma unit, and multiple doses of epinephrine, all while coordinating the need for additional blood products. Just before arriving at the hospital, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Brent immediately began chest compressions, stopping only to secure himself for landing, and resumed once they were on the ground.

Thanks to Brent’s extraordinary care during transport, the patient survived and made a full recovery. His quick thinking, skill, and unwavering commitment to patient care were pivotal in saving the patient’s life.

Juvencio Estrada is being recognized for his lifesaving actions during a critical incident involving another company’s ground ambulance and an 18-wheeler collision. Juvencio, along with Flight Paramedic Johan Alvarado, was dispatched to the scene of the accident, where they quickly assessed that one of the patients in the ambulance was in urgent need of advanced care. The patient was experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, and had suffered right arm trauma with a tourniquet applied.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Juvencio and Johan promptly removed the patient from the ambulance and transferred them to their aircraft for immediate transport to advanced medical care. During a fuel stop at Laredo International Airport, they discovered that the patient’s left anterior chest was unstable, among other pressing medical concerns. Acting swiftly, they performed a needle decompression and other complex medical procedures, which immediately improved the patient’s condition.

Their quick decision-making and skilled interventions were described as “lifesaving,” with the patient later expressing that they wouldn’t have survived without the care provided by Juvencio and Johan. Their actions exemplify the highest standards of emergency medical care.

Riggs Egolf is being recognized for his unwavering dedication as a healthcare provider and his remarkable ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. His cool, professional demeanor serves as an inspiration to other first responders who admire his ability to stay focused regardless of the challenges he faces while providing care.

A notable example of Riggs’ exceptional attention to detail occurred in early 2023 during a routine hospital discharge to a skilled nursing facility. Despite the patient claiming they felt fine, Riggs detected subtle changes in their vitals and sensed something was wrong. Ten minutes from the receiving facility, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Riggs immediately instructed his partner to pull over and assist with care while he called for additional EMS resources. His quick thinking and composed response helped save the patient’s life.

Riggs routinely demonstrates this high level of awareness and confidence in his skills, embodying the professionalism and competence that all EMS professionals should aspire to. His ability to stay calm in critical situations and his commitment to providing exceptional care make him an exemplary first responder.

Andrew Davalos, a Paramedic with American Medical Response in Rancho Cucamonga, California, is being recognized for his remarkable courage and expertise during a critical motor vehicle crash. Arriving as the first responder to a wrong-way collision involving six patients, some in cardiac arrest, Andrew faced overwhelming circumstances with limited resources. His quick thinking and decisive actions were instrumental in ensuring the well-being of all involved.

Andrew immediately triaged and administered life-saving interventions, prioritizing care based on the severity of injuries. His calm demeanor and clear communication with his partner enabled them to efficiently extricate and provide essential medical care to each individual on the scene.

Andrew’s exceptional performance was especially evident in his treatment of the three children involved in the accident. Recognizing the urgency of their conditions, he quickly assessed their injuries, using age-appropriate techniques to provide the specialized care they needed. Despite the chaos, Andrew remained focused and composed, delivering compassionate and effective care to every patient.

For his outstanding performance under pressure and dedication to patient care, Andrew Davalos is being honored as a 2024 Star of Life.

Emily Chandler is being recognized for her commitment to training and retaining EMTs and Paramedics. Through her work as Program Director and Lead Paramedic Instructor for NCTI of Massachusetts, she has helped bring new skilled, committed first responders to the EMS profession. In her expanded role as EMS Programs Manager for AMR Springfield, she is the driving force behind bringing the award-winning Earn While You Learn (EWYL) program to Massachusetts.

Thanks to Emily’s oversight, Springfield has graduated a total of 13 EMT EWYL classes and three Paramedic classes with EWYL graduates. Emily also travels throughout the country to mentor and facilitate new EWYL rollouts and program oversight. She has become one of the faces of this successful program.

Through her many graduates—who embody her knowledge and patient-care expertise—Emily impacts thousands of lives across Massachusetts and the entire country, every day. She is proud of her accomplishments but continues to look for ways to improve EWYL, the NTCI Paramedic and EMT programs, and herself.

With two decades of experience as a first responder, Josh Cavaness embodies the true spirit of EMS through his dedication to caring for people in need. This was recently demonstrated in November 2023, when Josh, while off duty, came across an ambulance crew dealing with a patient whose condition was quickly deteriorating. After assisting the crew in stabilizing the patient, it became clear that the patient needed to be expedited to the hospital—fast. Josh immediately contacted Flight Communication Dispatch and was able to provide detailed information, so that a medical helicopter could be dispatched to the scene and quickly fly the patient to advanced care.

Antoine Berenger is a true hero. In March 2023, he, together with his crewmates, saved a patient, who, while suffering cardiac arrest, drove erratically towards the firefighters’ engine in the oncoming lane of a rural road just before crashing their vehicle into a soft soil field.

Following orders from his leader, Captain Jason Henry, Antoine quickly assessed the patient before he and his crewmates removed the patient from the vehicle and then placed the individual on the hard, dry ground near the field. Antoine and his crewmate, new paramedic, Brendan McCormack, then began administering CPR and other critical interventions, ultimately saving the patient’s life.

Remarkably, Antoine and his crewmates weren’t originally scheduled to be in the area—they had stepped in to cover a shift. Their swift, coordinated response in a moment of crisis exemplifies their teamwork and commitment to patient care.