Brian Meyer is a star performer in the eyes of Lakes Region EMS. It is an honor to give this award to someone who has dedicated over two years of service to our organization with skill, determination, and leadership. Brian is one of our most dedicated and hardworking EMT’s at Lakes Region EMS. Brian is consistently showing through his actions and commitment to outstanding patient care and customer service why he is one of our top performers. He gives his all to his patients, co-workers, and to the community. He is well respected by staff and management and goes out of his way to help move our organization forward. His commitment doesn’t just stop after he punches off the clock. Brian is also involved with community programs and fundraisers such as Shop with a Cop and our Adopt a Highway sponsorship. He is an active member of the Lakes Region EMS Tactical team, headed by our local sheriff ‘s Office, and creates and teaches multiple EMS components to the other team members. Additionally, Brian teaches CPR and assists with several aspects of our EMR classes for the community and other local responders. Brian dedicates an enormous amount of time and energy to Lakes Region EMS, always picking up extra shifts when needed, and striving to be his best. Management and staff always know they can depend on Brian for anything. Brian’s partners are thrilled to be able to work alongside him and reinforced this message through the multiple nominations Brian received to earn him the Star award. Brian also had the honor this year of representing Lakes Region EMS at the Arrowhead EMS conference in Duluth, Minnesota. He was selected by the leadership staff to represent the organization as a result of his commitment of excellence in state-of-the-art patient care, his outstanding customer service, his dedication to the communities we serve, and his responsibility for the organizations financial health and wellbeing. Lakes Region is blessed to have such a competent, dedicated, and generous individual to represent our organization. He is deserving of the Stars of Life award and we are thrilled to honor him for all his years of service.”

Adam has been nominated for this award by multiple employees over the past two years. He’s a person who has always taken initiative to be a leader even before he held a leadership role within Lakes Region EMS. His dedication to his organization has continually proved this for over 16 years. Adam started out his career as an EMT and over the years has worked his way up to Paramedic, Field Lead, Supervisor, and most recently Ambulance Operations Manager. His willingness to learn and grow as a professional and his passion for the job has continued to show in his leadership. Adam also spends his time serving our local police force. He is the first and longest standing medic on the SWAT team and continues to play an essential role in sustaining the SWAT Medic program at Lakes Region. Despite this dedication and commitment, he continues to prove there is more room for growth as he is currently working to complete his BA in Organizational Leadership. He has long work days and late school nights, yet he still gives 100% to his job and the community. Adam maintains his dedication and outstanding commitment daily by always going the extra mile. He is responsible for the training and orientation of all new staff, vehicle maintenance and operational supplies, and equipment purchasing. He is willing to listen and problem solves, as well as finds creative solutions to day to day issues. Adam has the clinical expertise to excel as a Paramedic and the leadership knowledge to manage a team of people with integrity and professionalism. He does all this while maintaining a smile on his face making for an enjoyable working atmosphere. Adam has an infectious laugh that fills the office and a big heart that reaches many. Lakes Region wouldn’t be what it is today without having Adam as a member of its team. The Lakes Region EMS leadership and staff thanks him for all of the hard work and dedication that he has given to the organization, through his time and thoughtfulness, his leadership, and his ownership to the organization and the people working alongside him. Every member of the staff, from the executive leadership, to the clinical staff feels honored to have such a great leader and individual working by their side.”

Mayo Clinic Medical Transport is proud to select Tim Alden, RN, as a 2014 Star of Life.Tim has served as a flight nurse aboard Mayo One for more than seven years and has been a nurse for more than fifteen. Tim’s efforts to serve patients continue beyond his nursing career. Tim has been a volunteer EMT for Grand Meadow (Minn.) Ambulance Service, the community where he lives, for more than twenty years. This long-term commitment to EMS, both as a volunteer and a career, exemplifies his passion for patient care. Throughout Tim’s career as a nurse he has earned the trust of his patients, his peers and leadership. “Tim models the role of nurse as the patient advocate. We have received several testimonials from patients and family members that believe their life or family member’s life was saved because of Tim’s care,” wrote a colleague who nominated Tim for the Star of Life honor. The same colleague also wrote this of Tim, “Tim Alden’s performance as a flight nurse and the word excellence may very well be synonymous. Tim was one of the first flight nurses to obtain certification as a CFRN (certified flight registered nurse) and helped to inspire others to do so.” Perhaps the best example of Tim’s embodiment of excellence in EMS is his reputation. Tim comes to work ready to work. Anything requested of Tim will be done promptly and effectively. Tim has the respect of his peers, managers and colleagues. Patients who Tim has the privilege of caring for receive high-level compassionate and professional care.”

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.”

Lyle has dedicated more than 36 years of service to the community through his work with HealthEast Medical Transportation.

In fact, you could say Lyle is a pillar of HealthEast. He has been an active participant and leader through many changes in the company, community, and profession, all while holding onto and preserving the history and values that remain the foundation of HealthEast.

As a Paramedic, Lyle takes an active role in the development of our EMS profession, our service, and our new field clinicians. As a field preceptor, he shares his experiences, consistently demonstrates professionalism, and collaborates with leadership. Most importantly, Lyle centers our team. He mentors our EMTs, Paramedics, and leaders and maintains focus on what is most important—quality compassionate care.

Lyle has remained on the cutting edge of paramedicine, embracing new developments in the field. But one thing has not changed during his long career: Lyle’s dedication to the many patients he has served over the years. He often comments, “I have dedicated my life to the care of the sick and injured,” and this comes from the heart.  You can see the truth in the statement shining through in  his pleasant demeanor and the compassion he shows not only to his patients but to his coworkers as well.

His performance has been recognized by his peers with the HealthEast “One of Our Best” awards.

He states that his personal goal, inspired by his father, is to be the best Paramedic that he can be, and by his own estimate, he’s got about four more years left in his career to achieve that.

Lyle loves spending time with his family, and he values their special place in his life. “God, family, then self,” he often quotes from one of his favorite books, I am Third, by Gale Sayers.

Doug Volin has more than 17 years of experience in emergency medical services, spending the past six years with Lakes Region EMS. Doug started his career as a Firefighter/EMT-Basic, quickly deciding that he wanted to become a Paramedic. Now, Doug is a Paramedic Field Training Officer, SWAT team medic and employee liaison on our Board of Directors. Over his career, Doug has shown consistently how to lead through example. Doug has the ability to take a very stressful call or situation and turn it into what feels like a routine call. As a Field Training Officer, Doug’s ability to push new hires and Paramedic students to learn from their calls and expand their knowledge is what makes him an important part of our organization. While working full time at Lakes Region EMS Doug made time to complete our Critical Care Course. Doug has also been chosen to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors as an employee liaison. Lakes Region EMS is proud to nominate Doug as a 2017 Star of Life.

Doug Volin has been a Paramedic-FTO with Lakes Region EMS for 6 years. In that time he has shown consistently how to lead through example. He has the ability to take a very stressful call or situation and turn it into what feels like a routine call. As a Field Training Officer, Doug’s ability to push new hires and paramedic students to learn from their calls and expand their knowledge is what makes him an important part of our organization. While working full time at Lakes Region EMS Doug made time to complete our Critical Care Course. He was also chosen to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors as an employee liaison.

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.

Brian has more than 21 years of experience in emergency medical services spanning from rural to large city services. Brian began his career working at a small rural ambulance service as an EMT-Intermediate. Brian then worked in 911 dispatch centers for Sheriff’s offices as well as the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. After receiving his paramedic licensure, Brian started working for an ALS/critical care EMS organization. Brian came to Lakes Region EMS as the MN Operations Manager and has shown his extensive experience in many areas to help lead the organization forward.

Brian Galowitz has been the Minnesota Operations Manager at Lakes Region EMS for just over one year. In this short time, Brian has utilized his previous experience both clinically and within management to help move the organization forward; leading the organization’s second largest change, a switch-over to a new dispatch center. Brian shows leadership skills everyday through his compassion for the crews, his ability to manage multiple situations calmly, and his capacity to help make transitions happen effortlessly. Brian truly has become an integral part of our organization.

“A high standard of excellence” and “commitment” are words that describe Kayla Hedlund and her work with Lakes Region EMS. She consistently goes above and beyond, surpassing expectations to advance her knowledge within her role.

Because of Kayla’s desire to advance her knowledge, in addition to being a Paramedic, she is also a respiratory therapist. These two titles combined show Kayla’s commitment to providing the best care for her patients. Each role has a unique set of
challenges that help her to progress her clinical knowledge; and if Kayla was not already pushing the envelope, she has recently taken on a new role within Lakes Region EMS. Because of her ability to translate her knowledge into a relatable and easy-to-understand format, she has been chosen to design lesson plans and scenarios for the Critical Care Program that will help teach others and lead them on the road to success.

“Success” is also a word that describes Kayla and her endeavors. She is joy to work with, and her optimism brings positive energy to the workplace. Kayla readily volunteers for any project and is up for any task. She is kind to all she meets, and has deep loyalty to the patients and staff of Lakes Region EMS.

Kayla’s excellence and dedication to all she does has made her more than deserving of this award. We all strive to surpass the expectation, push the envelope, and advance our knowledge, but Kayla has certainly mastered each of these goals.

We at Lakes Region EMS are proud to have her as a part of our family.

Gold Cross, the paramedic service of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is proud to nominate Roger Swor, Paramedic, as a 2016 Star of Life.

Throughout his career, Roger has been one to lead by example by providing the best care to every single patient. Roger joined Gold Cross in 1977 and is known as someone who takes the initiative to ensure the needs of his patients come first.
Nearly three years ago, Roger organized a skills review session for himself and his fellow paramedics at the Duluth base to assure that caregivers were proficient in providing the best possible care to patients. The session he developed and has personally led several times for fellow Gold Cross paramedics supports the company’s annual skills testing, which is required of all patient care team members. This skills review session ensures patients are receiving the care they expect and deserve, as well as a way to foster trust with the patient and amongst fellow caregivers.

Industry experts released a study estimating the average career length for ground ambulance paramedics to now be approximately four years. How has a paramedic like Roger stayed in the career path for nearly four decades? According to Roger, “Every day I try to find something good, something positive in the day. We all have long, tough days in this role at times, but if you can find something you enjoy about your day I think it’s a way to avoid burnout. If you look for something positive you’ll find good in the day.”