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.

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.

Edwin “Ed” Williams Jacobs started as an EMT in 1989 at Grand River Ambulance District in Albany MO. He advanced to Paramedic in 1993 with Grand River Ambulance District where he rose to the position Crew Chief. Ed joined Atchison-Holt Ambulance District in 2002 where he served as a Paramedic until leukemia forced him to take medical leave from the job he loved. Ed was optimistic about his recovery and in December, 2013 he requested that his position not be filled, he was going to return to work. Ed dedicated his life to helping people. He was not only a skilled paramedic, but had a way of making people feel better by just being with them. Ed volunteered with the Disaster Services through the Red Cross as a Paramedic. He served in several disasters including, The World Trade Center, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Ike. He was always ready to give and offer encouragement to folks in their time of need. Ed’s second love was farming. He was a cattle farmer that raised horses, corn and soy beans. EMS allowed him to take care of the sick and injured then take care of his farm on his days off. Ed was also an accomplished musician. He played country music in a number of bands. Ed considered music a tool for helping the sick. He would routinely play at the Hope Lodge where he stayed while being treated for cancer. Ed was a provider of hope to others right up to the point of his passing. Edwin Williams Jacobs passed away on January 11, 2014. He is survived by his 3 children, Ed Jacobs, Julie Cassavaugh, and Wyatt Jacobs, one brother, John Jacobs, and six grandchildren.”

Laurine Dennis became a paramedic in 2004, and has been with St. Francois County Ambulance District for the past 9 years. Her most recent accomplishment in her career has been becoming a Supervisor for the district. She is also a valued member of the districts paramedical tactical team. During the course of her career as a paramedic, she has demonstrated the depth of compassion she can have for each individual while continuing to provide outstanding patient care. Laurine had one particular event in which she was able to not only provide care for a patient that night but for months to come. She was dispatched to a 20 year old unresponsive patient who had overdosed, as she responded to the call she reflected on what care to provide as well as how frequent these types of calls were becoming. The call went by the book and once the patient was loaded in route to the emergency room, she decided to have a heart-to-heart with the gentleman. She informed him of how they found him and had there been no one around, death may have been the outcome. Also that his little brother had been there to witness the entire scene, she continued to tell him that his family loved him very much. That he needed to love himself in order to become clean. Two months later, he showed up at the ambulance shed to not only personally thank Laurine for saving his life but for giving him the motivation and clarity he needed to get his life back. He is planning on becoming a paramedic in the near future. This young man also changed her life as well, his situation has reminded her that you never know what the cause is for a patient’s actions and furthermore may never know how your actions will impact a person’s life forever. Laurine is supported by her husband, John and their 2 children.”

Mike Dodson has been a paramedic since 2008 and a supervisor for St. Francois County Ambulance District the last 4 years. He has demonstrated the ability to provide excellent patient care while remaining highly compassionate to those in need, as well as extending this compassion to the family members involved. He was instrumental in the implementation of the necessary training needed for the paramedic tactical team that has been formed for the community. One particular event in his life exemplifies the type of person and paramedic he has become. He and his wife were having dinner at a restaurant when he witnessed a gentleman go into cardiac arrest. He quickly began CPR and directed a bystander to call 911. When EMS arrived they took over providing patient care, in which they were able to achieve ROSC while in the restaurant. When he returned to his dinner his wife, emotional from the scene, asked how he could continue to eat after what had happened. He responded, “That is what we do, we help people.” The pride he saw on his wife’s face that day is something he will never forget. Mike is supported in his career by his wife, Shelly and their 5 children.”

Kent has served the St. Francois County Ambulance District for 28 years. During this time, Kent has advanced his education to include the credentials of Registered Nurse and Critical Care Paramedic. Kent also leads St. Francois County’s Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Team.

Kent was selected as a Star of Life because his conduct and knowledge embody the gold standard of EMS.

Each day, Kent gives 150% effort and attention to his patients and colleagues. Kent is a self-starter, a leader, and the living example of the EMS professional that you want to come to your house during an emergency or mobile integrated health call.

Renee has worked at St. Francois County Ambulance District for over 10 years. In addition to her career in EMS, Renee also teaches classes at Mineral Area College to aspiring EMTs and Paramedics.

Renee’s excellent communication skills, willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, and can-do attitude, have earned her this nomination for a Stars of Life of Award. Renee’s compassionate and caring behavior make her a widely respected supervisor at St. Francois County Ambulance District.

Aaron Gagnepain has been a full time paramedic with Taney County Ambulance District Paramedics (TCAD) for the past three and a half years. Aaron comes to TCAD with several years of military experience, both ground and air medical civilian experience, and experience providing EMS education across our region.

Aaron routinely demonstrates a sincere dedication to the profession, providing excellent patient care and impeccable documentation. Aaron teaches, coaches, and mentors both new and experienced providers. Aaron has shown a high level of self-awareness and maturity, making difficult decisions that positively impact patients’ lives. Aaron is always striving for improvement and displays a willingness to help make those around him better. Aaron is a role model for his fellow providers and in 2016 was voted by his peers as Paramedic of the Year. TCAD Paramedics is proud to name Aaron Gagnepain as a Stars of Life nominee.

Darick has been a paramedic for six years, and is currently Madison County Ambulance District’s (MCAD) Chief Medical Officer. Darick is the go-to person for Madison County, and is truly phenomenal at his job. Darick manages MCAD’s Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement to ensure ongoing excellence.

Darick mentors fellow staff and continually helps improve their performance. Additionally, Darick serves his community in number of ways. Darick is MCAD’s CPR and first aid instructor for the local police department, fire department, and home health staff. Darick also works with MCAD’s Chief to provide AED training to churches and community centers that have AEDs on their premises.

Madison County Ambulance District is truly proud to have Darick as an integral part our team and to nominate him for a Star of Life award.

Jeff Cloutier is a nine year veteran EMT and Field Training Officer at Taney County Ambulance District (TCAD) Paramedics. Since obtaining his EMT license, Jeff has worked in the streets providing high quality healthcare to his community. Jeff is active within the training department, teaching new hire personnel as well as EMT students how to function as a basic level provider in EMS. In addition to his full time job with TCAD Paramedics, Jeff volunteers his time as a Captain with the Protem Fire Protection District. In 2016, Jeff was voted EMT of the Year by his peers for his dedication and outstanding work ethic.

Jeff is a dependable, well-rounded EMT who displays the courage and fortitude necessary to succeed in EMS. Jeff’s level of dedication to our profession and to those he serves is top notch. Patients say, “Jeff is so kind and professional. Jeff is there when you need him most and we know he will always put us first.” TCAD Paramedics is proud to nominate Jeff Cloutier for this year’s Star of Life Award.

Jessica Berscheid has been an Emergency Medical Dispatcher with Taney County Ambulance District (TCAD) Paramedics for five years. Jessica is an integral part of TCAD’s communications team and oversees a training program for new employees. Jessica is an EMD-Q and plays an important role in TCAD’s quality improvement process. Jessica is always looking for ways to improve communications and our delivery of service.

Jessica is currently working towards her Master’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Play Therapy. This degree focuses on interaction with children and assisting them in coping with their own illness or a family member’s. Jessica’s graduate studies are an example of her kind and compassionate spirit for helping children. Jessica’s love for helping people is what makes her such a successful and reliable team member. Jessica is an amazing coworker and friend; who can cheer anyone up on their worst day. TCAD Paramedics is proud to nominate Jessica Berscheid for this year’s Star of Life Award.

Kristy Halter started full time at Saint Francois County Ambulance District (SFCAD) on May 26, 1998. During Kristy’s senior year of high school, she job shadowed a few hours each week here at SFCAD. She would help out with office duties and caught on quickly to new tasks. Upon graduating high school, she was hired full time.

Her first position was as our billing clerk. It was obvious that she was eager to assist with anything the service needed, even driving our non-emergency transport wheelchair van. She then became a car seat technician in addition to her billing duties. She became interested in information technology (IT) when we transitioned to laptops for electronic reporting. Kristy quickly took on the in- house role as the “IT go-to person.” In 2015, Kristy was promoted to the IT/Education Account Manager.

Kristy is an amazing employee and an all-around great person. She is the one all others run to anytime anything goes wrong, whether it be with IT or education. Everyone’s response to questions they cannot answer is, “ask Kristy,” “take it to Kristy,” or “Hey Kristy!” She always answers with “Yes.” Each day, she is pulled in a thousand different directions and always manages to complete every task that she has in front of her, without complaint and always with a smile.

Kristy has been married to her husband, Chris Halter, for 15 years, and they have two wonderful children, Carter (11), and Kendra (7).

Kristy is a very important part of our service and helps to keep it running smoothly. The staff of SFCAD is extremely proud to have her as part of our team.

Dustin Tate started full time at Saint Francois County Ambulance District (SFCAD) on March 25, 2014. Dustin is an EMT and is currently enrolled in the paramedic program.

During Dustin’s last quarter of high school he started job shadowing our Education Coordinator. While at SFACD, Dustin would help out in the billing office and, when needed, with education. Just after Dustin became an EMT he was hired part time. It did not take long to recognize that Dustin was a great addition to our district. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a full time employee.

Dustin is the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) instructor at Farmington High School. All of his students look up to him and respect him. They see Dustin’s compassion for emergency medicine and his heart for educating our younger generation. His passion for EMS has touched many lives in his short career and his future in EMS looks bright.

Dustin is father to his beautiful daughter, Chloe, who is age 2. Chloe is Dustin’s entire world.

We are very proud to acknowledge Dustin Tate is part of our team and to nominate him as an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.