Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service is proud to name Jeff Neve, Emergency Medical Technician, as a 2019 Star of Life. Jeff began working for Gold Cross Ambulance (now Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service) in Albert Lea, Minnesota, 19 years ago. As a lead Emergency Medical Technician, Jeff intermittently serves as the point of contact for several other Minnesota cities and facilitates staffing changes, transfers, and crew movement as needed.

Jeff’s colleagues describe him as a team player who is always willing to get involved and who leads by example. He fosters teamwork by stepping up and finding creative solutions for patient transport requests when the system is stressed and transport options are limited. He provides guidance for teammates when unique situations and challenges present, and he consistently works in a collaborative manner — not only within Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, but also with referring agencies. Jeff’s supervisor remarks that he “welcomes new team members by showing kindness, and helping them learn geographic areas and their role in emergency medical services. He is quiet and calm in chaotic situations, which supports both responders on the scene, and patients.”

“What I like most about my job is helping people,” says Jeff. “Lots of times, patients are experiencing the worst thing they have ever been through, and it is nice to comfort them and get them through that difficult time.”

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and attending his daughter’s volleyball and softball games. He also hosts an Austrian foreign exchange student, and enjoys going to his basketball games.

Of his job as an Emergency Medical Technician, Jeff says, “After 19 years, I still enjoy going to work, and look forward to it.”

Gold Cross, the paramedic service of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is proud to honor Chris Roser as a 2018 Star of Life.

Chris began his career with Mayo Clinic in 1981. Hed says there is a simple reason he has dedicated nearly four decades to mobile healthcare, “I like helping people at a time when they need it the most.”

Chris has served patients in a variety of roles during his tenure. He has applied his training and skills as a flight paramedic on Mayo Clinic’s helicopter and airplane as well as his current role as a ground operations paramedic. While Chris says he recalls many highlights as he reflects on his career, one special period of time was when he had the opportunity to work alongside his son on calls as paramedics together.

When he’s not working, Chris enjoys water-skiing and has been on a competitive ski team since 1995. He also enjoys playing hockey, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his three sons and their families.

A colleague wrote this in support of nominating Chris for the Stars of Life award, “Chris has all of the qualities and values that Mayo Clinic appreciates. He is respectful, caring, and has a positive effect on everyone he comes in contact with—patients, emergency services colleagues, and coworkers. He is just the kind of person that a new employee can learn so much from.”

Chris’ advice for the next generation of paramedics coming into the workforce is to, “do your best, be kind, and treat patients like you would want your family member treated.”

Angela “Angie” Jarrett, NRP, began her career in EMS as an EMT in 2001, joining Gold Cross in 2007.

Angie works collaboratively and fosters an inclusive environment. Angie says she finds her role as a leader and mentor very rewarding. “It is extremely gratifying to pass along my knowledge and experiences to others and to see it reflected in the patient care they provide,” Angie said. In her estimation, Angie believes that leadership should not be about one’s own accomplishments; rather it should be “the ability to contribute to the success of others.”

Throughout her career, Angie has demonstrated initiative and is respected as someone who mentors and leads by example in providing the best care to every patient, every day.
A colleague wrote, “Angie is always willing to listen and help crew members through any situation they are facing. Thanks to her leadership, when challenges have arisen between crew members, Angie is able to bring calm to the situation. Angie is always mindful of the differences in people and their views of a given situation.”

Angie’s advice for the next generation of Paramedics coming into the workforce is, “I would tell them to build one another up, do your best every day, and choose to be part of the solution.”

Gold Cross, the Paramedic service of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is proud to be represented by Angie Jarrett, a Paramedic and Assistant Operations Supervisor, as a 2017 Star of Life.