Daniel Lee distinguished himself through courage and skill by going beyond the call of duty to rescue his fellow crew members after the unthinkable happened.
On an afternoon in May 2022, Lee picked up a shift on an AL3 Klamath helicopter to help out his team and keep the aircraft in service. He, along with a newly hired registered nurse, a respiratory therapist, and the pilot had completed one call. While sitting on the helipad, the team was dispatched to another hospital. Arriving at the scene, the aircraft lost stability and crashed.
Lee reacted quickly and pulled all remaining crew members from the damaged aircraft. He triaged his peers based on acuity, started IVs on everyone, and gave medications as appropriate. He continued to care for and advocate for his team, even though he was also injured. He made sure everyone had help and insisted on staying with the newest team member to make her feel safe.
His quick thinking and expertise saved lives that day.
Demonstrating that EMS, at times, requires more than medical skill to save lives, Sean Fuller is being honored for his actions when dispatched to a suicide attempt. Fuller’s supervisors highlighted the humanity that Sean brought to a situation that is often tense and difficult for patients and first responders alike.
By coincidence, Sean recognized the emotionally fragile patient’s home as formerly belonging to the family of one of his childhood friends. While providing medical treatment, he helped the patient stabilize with stories of the times he had spent there, which had proved to be a blessing in Sean’s life. By the end of the transport, the patient was not only calm, but was laughing along with Sean, when mere minutes before the patient had been holding a suicide note and threatening to harm themselves.
Upon arrival at the hospital, staff determined that restraints were no longer needed. They were then able to provide continued care in a de-escalated environment, which was better for everyone.
Carol Boies has proudly served as an EMT at Falck Northwest Ambulance for more than four years. Residing in Salem, Oregon with her family, Carol continues her committed service at Falck Northwest.
In May 2023, Carol and her partner were dispatched to a harrowing scene: a 9-year-old girl, showing signs of abuse, was discovered unconscious, face down in cold bathwater. Upon assessment, the young patient was in a persistent PEA state and her body temperature had dropped significantly. Without hesitation, Carol and her paramedic partner initiated full ACLS and CPR. Despite their intense efforts over 45 minutes, the child’s rhythm remained unchanged. However, they noted a persistent and steady nominal ETCO2 reading. As Carol consistently delivered high-quality CPR, her partner successfully established an airway.
Despite the lack of observable improvement in the patient’s condition, the team made the decisive choice to transport her to the hospital, holding onto the hope that her cold presentation might prove beneficial in a medical setting.
Upon arrival at Salem Hospital, the young girl was immediately placed on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), resulting in the return of her pulses. Her recovery journey continued at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), where she showed remarkable progress. Recently, she was discharged from the hospital, not only capable of speaking and communicating but also actively participating in an ongoing investigation with law enforcement.
The successful recovery of this child stands as a testament to the impeccable CPR skills, judicious decisions, and unyielding persistence displayed by Carol and her partner. Their swift actions not only saved a young life but also paved the way for the wheels of justice to turn. Above all, this young girl has been given a second chance at life, and thanks to the heroism of Carol and her partner, her future looks promising.
Don started his EMS career over 37 years ago as an EMT/Firefighter in Astoria, Oregon. While he enjoyed being a firefighter, he fell in love with the EMS side of the job.
As such, 19 years ago, Don came to Medix Ambulance as a Paramedic Supervisor. Three years ago, Don progressed to overseeing the operations in our newest division in Longview, Washington.
Don’s dedication to his job, the company, and the care of our patients has been a huge part of Medix’s continued success.
Don has been married to his high school sweetheart for 35 years. Together they share three beloved children. The couple adores doting on their four grandchildren.
Medix is proud to call Don Thomas a 2023 Star of Life.
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
—J.K. Rowling.
Kristina Ploeger’s passion is to serve as a light for others during their worst moments. This drive stems from her humble upbringing in Arizona, which instilled in her values that paved the way for the person she is today. Kristina realized at a young age what was important to her; family, health, and happiness.
In that spirit, Kristina launched her healthcare career in 2002 caring for dementia patients. A few years later, she started volunteering as a Firefighter with Columbia River Fire in St Helen’s, Oregon. It was there that Kristina quickly realized she had found more than a career—she found her destiny. Kristina graduated from college, earned her Paramedic license, and spent 17 years working for Metro West Ambulance in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Last year, in search of a change of scenery, Kristina and her family moved to Idaho where she became licensed as a real estate agent. A few months later, when she learned that Metro West had become the ambulance provider for Baker County, Oregon, she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to serve at Metro West again. Kristina has spent many years providing great patient care. Now she has taken on the role of helping to build and grow a new division for the company.
Kristina’s spare time is often spent with the Coast Guard Auxiliary promoting water safety. Kristina is happily married to Paul Ploeger. Together they have five beautiful children as well as a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law.
Metro West is proud to honor Kristina Ploeger as a 2023 Star of Life.
Daniel MacDowell demonstrates a spirit of service for others and an impeccable work ethic. One specific situation where these distinguishing traits were clear was a call that involved a boy who had an allergic reaction to an insect bite. At first, everyone at the scene, including the boy’s family, thought the reaction was mild and did not require an emergency response. However, as Daniel, who was among the first to arrive at the scene, was putting the boy in his family’s car, he noticed that the boy had fainted and his face was starting to swell. Recognizing that anaphylaxis was imminent, Daniel showed courage, medical judgment, and leadership beyond what can be expected from a new EMT, and stopped the family from going to the hospital. He then measured and administered the correct dose of epinephrine per protocol, reversing the symptoms and saving the child’s life.
Once the ambulance arrived on the scene, the boy was found safe and in stable condition. His family members stood by, smiling as tears ran down their faces, forever grateful that the boy was still alive—all thanks to Daniel.
Pete Carlson’s dedication to his community, coworkers, and patients is inspiring. Reaching out to others and knowing just how to help them is one of Pete’s unique skills, and his teammates describe him as one of the most supportive colleagues they have ever known.
Pete began his career in the military, which he says helped him develop a strong work ethic and a passion for EMS. He is a natural teacher and has a gift in his ability to impart his knowledge to new Paramedics. His uplifting spirit creates the perfect atmosphere for learning, and he constantly displays a positive presence in his operation. The Multnomah Operations Manager said Pete has been a major contributor to the Multnomah operations and that he continues to serve his community with a sense of pride, care, and love. He is admired and deeply appreciated by his teammates, leaders, and the patients he serves.
Lukas Robinson joined Umpqua Valley Ambulance as a full-time Paramedic eight years ago. He began his career in EMS when he earned his paramedic and fire science degrees at Umpqua Community College. Throughout his career with Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Lukas has developed an outstanding approach to EMS and earned tremendous respect from his colleagues. In addition to his 911 response duties as a Paramedic, Lukas is a Field Training Officer and assures that future generations of medics are able to provide high-quality care and response to patient needs.
During the wildfire season in the western United States, Lukas serves as a Fire Ambulance Paramedic, operating in remote and difficult conditions. Lukas is always willing to go above and beyond to help out his coworkers.
Lukas has a wife and two boys. During his time off, he enjoys hunting and riding ATVs and UTVs at the coast. He was recently awarded Paramedic of the Year by his coworkers for his dedication and outstanding service.
Umpqua Valley Ambulance salutes Lukas Robinson as our Star of Life!
Aaron Myers has worked at Woodburn Ambulance Service as a Paramedic since 2016. Aaron has, in a short period of time, established himself as a leader, not only at Woodburn Ambulance but in EMS as a whole.
Aaron is an excellent Paramedic and a perfectionist when it comes to patient care. He has shared his wisdom with Paramedic students, and has trained most of Woodburn’s current staff in the Field Training Program when they were first hired. Although he is thought of by new employees as a tough evaluator, Aaron has raised the bar in patient care and many of his peers continue to aspire to reach his level. As a result, Aaron received Woodburn Ambulance’s 2021 Paramedic of Year Award.
In his short time as a Paramedic and as an employee of Woodburn Ambulance, Aaron has been awarded the position of Shift Officer. Management recognized that, through his own actions and without an official position, Aaron’s peers were already following his lead and often sought out his advice on medical protocols and on company policy. In essence, the employees placed Aaron in a leadership position well before management gave him the title.
In addition to his roles as Shift Officer and Field Training Officer, Aaron has also taken on the job of Chair of the Regional Protocol Committee. His passion for the field of EMS is beyond compare, and he frequently researches new treatment modalities to ensure that the region continues to advance in the field of EMS.
What is possibly most remarkable about Aaron is that he is extremely humble and unassuming. He leads by example and never expects his subordinates to perform any task that he would be unwilling to do, nor perform at a level that he could not attain himself. Because of his leadership success, he has been a trusted advisor to management and a trusted leader for all employees.
Howard Mullins was born and raised in Warrenton, Oregon. He has been with Medix Ambulance since November 2013, beginning his career as a Wheelchair Van Driver. It soon became apparent that he had an additional high-level skill set when he jumped in as a mechanic for the Wheelchair and then for the Ambulance Divisions of Medix. Howard has the ability to quickly learn new things and has proven himself to be extremely valuable to the company.
Howard soon became responsible for helping put new wheelchair vans in service by performing the initial installations of the necessary equipment. He has become certified as a Ricon Lift service person, and is also the primary installer of the Stryker Power Gurney and Lifts systems for all of the Metro West family of companies. Howard is always available for any needs the company or its employees may have at any time. He is a great example to all fellow employees as someone who is willing to go the extra mile to accomplish his and the company’s goals, and he always leads by example.
When not keeping Metro West’s lifesaving equipment on the road, Howard also enjoys riding motorcycles and spending time with family and friends. He and his spouse, Nelda, enjoy living on the Oregon coast and in the relaxed atmosphere that comes naturally to the area.
Medix Ambulance is proud to announce Howard Mullins as our Star of Life!
Kevin Horst is a Paramedic at Bay Cities Ambulance in Coos Bay, OR. He began his EMS career over ten years ago as a volunteer with Bridge Fire Department and North Bend Fire Department, and as a part-time employee with Bay Cities Ambulance. Kevin quickly realized that a career in EMS and working in an ambulance was the way he could best serve others in his community. He decided to leave his career as a Journeyman Electrician to pursue his goal of becoming a Paramedic.
Kevin started as an EMT-Wheelchair Van Driver for Bay Cities Ambulance as he continued to pursue his degree in paramedicine. He spent the next five years working full-time in the ambulance and attending school to earn his Associate of Applied Science and Paramedic degree at SWOCC in 2016. Kevin enjoys his full-time work in the ambulance because he “loves serving his community in this capacity.” He also enjoys teaching the next generation of EMS professionals through actively participating in our FTO and internship programs with the local community college.
When Kevin is not at work he enjoys hiking, backpacking, and hunting with his wife and daughter.
Paramedic Eric Dunaway has served in EMS since 1985. He began as an EMT and then obtained his Paramedic certification in 2002. Caring for his community has been Eric’s passion and fascination since he was a young boy. Eric has spent his career working in 911 services and has served as a Critical Care Paramedic in the past.
His supervisor, peers, and dispatchers all identify him as a spirited, intellectual individual who routinely goes above and beyond to provide excellent care and comfort to his patients. For example, Eric has often purchased furnishings or other extra items for his patients in order to make them comfortable upon their return home after a medical event. Eric’s personal quote is, “Choices are Power.”
In addition to his career as a Paramedic, Eric discovered a passion for BMX riding and spends his off time doing downhill dirt jumping. He also found that the sport crosses generations and has found a niche in mentoring the younger enthusiasts of the sport, helping to teach them not just BMX riding but also valuable life lessons. Eric’s other community outreach effort includes teaching and preaching helmet safety, and he is looking towards providing service to Meals on Wheels.
The accomplishment that Eric is most proud of is raising his daughter as a single parent, willing to sacrifice everything to ensure she grows up happy and healthy. Eric is now the proud grandpa to two beautiful grandbabies, a 6-year-old grandson and a 2.5-year-old granddaughter.
Mid-Valley Ambulance is proud to nominate Paramedic Eric Dunaway as a 2022 Star of Life.
Devin Degler has climbed the emergency medical services ladder one rung at a time.
Del Norte Ambulance’s Star of Life started his EMS journey back in his childhood with the Boy Scouts of America, which led him to becoming part of the Explorer Program.
In his hometown of Crescent City, CA, Devin had a number of career choices, including Explorer posts with the local fire departments, law enforcement, the Sea Cadets, and Del Norte Ambulance. The question was, which one?
Something inside drew him to the EMS field, and soon, the quiet son of a former U.S. Navy sailor was learning about CPR and pressure bandages, instead of tying knots and raising mainsails.
Upon graduation from Del Norte High School, Devin was encouraged to take the locally offered EMT-Basic class. In the meantime, he became a driver for Del Norte Ambulance. Once he finished the course and passed his National Registry test, he was hired full-time as an EMT-B on the ambulance.
After several years of enjoying EMS, Devin decided it was time to move his career forward and enrolled in the Paramedic program offered by College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA. With support from the company, and with help from his Del Norte Ambulance crewmates, Devin completed his studies and recently graduated with his National Registry as a Paramedic.
Nic Heller began working in EMS four years ago after a good friend and neighbor gave him an application to volunteer for Polk County Fire District. After six months of initial training, Nic began responding to calls and was immediately hooked. He received his EMT-B certification and joined Pacific West Ambulance (PWA) two months later.
Nic is currently training to be a Paramedic while working two full-time jobs. In addition to his job as an EMT, Nic serves as a Behavior Consultant subcontractor for the state of Oregon and writes behavior plans for adults that live in assisted living and memory care facilities. He also continues to work as a volunteer for Polk County Fire District. Nic plans to attend the National College of Technical Instruction (NCTI) next year and to return to PWA upon completion of his degree.
Nic and his wife, Cassandra, have two children, Mercy and William, two dogs, and two cats. Nic enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family, as well as playing bass guitar for his local church.
Robert has worked for Medix Ambulance since November of 2010 as an EMT Basic. Robert is very knowledgeable, which is one of the many reasons his partners enjoy working with him. Robert is pleasant and hardworking, and always goes the extra mile to perform additional tasks and assist his co-workers. He never questions an assignment, and always finds ways to achieve his goal in the simplest and most effective method possible.
Robert is married to Brenda, the Communications Supervisor for Medix. During his free time, Robert enjoys kayaking, local sports programs, and enjoying the outdoors.
Robert’s presence and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Medix believes Robert embodies exactly what a Star of Life should be and is very proud to have him represent our company.
Candice Dickson’s first day as a paid EMT on an ambulance was September 11, 2001, with AMR Rancho Division in Southern California. A year and a half prior, Candice found herself suddenly widowed and was looking for a sense of control and security, which the challenges of mobile healthcare fulfilled. Of her experience in EMS, Candice says, “I found that I got back from it so much more than I ever expected. I found like-minded people with tons of curiosity and interesting senses of humor, people that took their skills very seriously, but didn’t have to wear their scars.”
In 2003, Candice became a Paramedic after studying at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California. She received a field internship at Yucaipa City Fire, which lead to a paid position as a Call Firefighter, in addition to her full-time Medic job with AMR. Candice also began teaching in the EMT and Medic program at Crafton Hills. In order to improve her wildland fire skills, Candice also worked for a short period for the California Department of Forestry.
Candice moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2006, and worked for South West Ambulance, before returning to the West Coast and relocating to Lincoln City, Oregon in 2008. She has been a Medic with Pacific West Ambulance (PWA) since 2009, and has enjoyed the challenges of working in a rural community with a rigorous Medical Advisor. In 2017, Candice attended and graduated from the North Lincoln Fire & Rescue Academy, which has allowed her to live her passion for EMS and serve her small community even more.
Sheila Jackson has worked for Metro West Ambulance for over 20 years. Calm, professional, and caring, Sheila continuously demonstrates high level compassionate clinical care, whether it is a routine patient transport or a more emotionally challenging event.
Mentoring new Paramedics and EMTs is Sheila’s passion. Sheila’s 20 plus years of dedication to EMS is seen throughout community, as she spends a lot of her off time volunteering with animal shelters and with a local fire agency. While volunteering, she trains, coaches, and mentors new Medics, and is always ready to share her years of wisdom with others, from new EMTs to seasoned Paramedics.
When not on duty, Sheila enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Sheila’s dedication to Metro West Ambulance and the EMS community is demonstrated through her hard work and perseverance. She is loyal, honest, and committed to the growth of the EMS profession. She rarely misses a day of work, fills in when necessary for fellow medics, and continuously volunteers her time to make a difference. Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Sheila as a 2019 Star of Life.
After 14 years in Special Education working with medically fragile individuals, Cassandra Sperlein made the leap to EMS. She began her career as an Emergency Medical Technician in Los Angeles, where she worked for two years on an interfacility transport unit doing Basic Life Support and Critical Care Transports. She then worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for a special events company, where she also held the positions of Field Training Officer and Supervisor.
In January 2017, Cassandra began her career at Metro West Ambulance as an EMT in the Wheelchair Department. She was able to obtain her Ambulance Certification and started working on an ambulance shortly after starting with the company. Cassandra recently moved to the Standby Division and is currently attending Paramedic school. After a few years of experience in the field, Cassandra hopes to become a Field Training Officer in order to help and teach new EMTs and Paramedics.
Cassandra greatly enjoys reading and taking adventures with her wife and 5 year old son.
Daniel Neazor has been a Paramedic with Woodburn Ambulance since 2006. Over the years, Daniel has developed into a key member of the organization, serving as a mentor and leader to countless new Medics entering the field. His commitment to constant improvement of the care given in the field is unmatched.
This past year, Daniel has spearheaded new relationships between Woodburn Ambulance and many local law enforcement agencies to add Naloxone to the officers’s patrol units. Daniel has personally trained dozens of police officers in the region, resulting in several documented saves. He also teaches leadership to EMS students in our local community college.
Prior to joining Woodburn Ambulance, Daniel served as an Infantryman and Combat Life Safety Instructor in the New Zealand Army. He did two tours with the UN in East Timor, followed by several months as a private contractor in Afghanistan providing security services to the fledgling government.
When not on duty, Daniel enjoys family time in the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.
Woodburn Ambulance Service is proud to recognize Daniel as a 2019 Star of Life.
Prior to moving to Roseburg, Oregon, Bob Wilkinson worked in Virginia for Richmond Ambulance Authority where he completed a certificate in Paramedicine. Bob has served Douglas County, Oregon since 2005, beginning as an EMT with WEST Ambulance in Roseburg while working on an Oregon Paramedic license. A few years later, Douglas County Fire District #2 purchased the EMS division. Currently, Bob is a Paramedic with Umpqua Valley Ambulance in Roseburg.
Over the years, Bob has taken on the role of a quiet, behind the scenes leader. He is always looking for new ways to keep busy, such as volunteering as a Child Safety Seat Technician and teaching part-time for the local Paramedic program as an instructor for Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events and for High Threat Techniques and Tactics. Bob is passionate about the physical and mental health of his crews, and thus also regularly volunteers as a crisis intervention PEER counselor.
On October 1, 2010, Douglas County public safety entities were put to the test when an active shooter threatened the local community college. The mass casualty incident gave Bob the opportunity to analyze the procedures and consider ways in which his crews could improve their response. According to Bob, “EMS is one of the most dangerous service jobs out there. We interact with the public usually during some of the most stressful times of their lives.” As a result, he is working to provide crew members with body armor to use in high-stress situations, as well as to increase training on situational awareness.
Bob has been married for 31 years and has three children. He spends most summers with his parents in Alaska, where he was born and raised. When he is not working on one of his worn-out vehicles, Bob enjoys fishing and reloading. Prior to his career in EMS, Bob worked as a baker and pastry chef, and recently made his daughter’s wedding cake.
