Nicole is known for her positive outlook and willingness to assist anyone with questions, whether they are members of the public, ambulance crews and wheelchair van drivers, other billing specialists, or management personnel. She makes everyone feel welcome from the moment they meet her.

Nicole joined Medix Ambulance on May 21, 2007, and she is our primary ambulance biller, making sure all ambulance billing is completed accurately and promptly.

She is a member and the secretary of Medix’s Safety, Operations, and Quality Committee.

Her great attitude makes her a delight to be around and generates a friendly work environment, and she still produces high-quality work in a very fast-paced job.

Nicole is married to Joe, who is a member of the United States Coast Guard, and they have a 6-year-old son, Aiden, and a dog, Essie. In her free time, Nicole enjoys scrapbooking, working on her house, and enjoying the outdoors.

Nicole’s presence and cooperation are greatly appreciated, and Medix believes she is exactly what a Star of Life is and should be. We are proud to have her represent our company.

Laura joined Pacific West Ambulance as an EMT a little more than four years ago and has since become a Paramedic. During this time, she has proven herself to be a deeply compassionate caregiver for her patients as well as a true team player. She is always ready to help at a moment’s notice.

She started in EMS when she was working at the hospital in Poplar, Montana. The hospital had a volunteer ambulance service that often put on classes. At first she wasn’t too sure that EMS was where she wanted to be, but then she ran her first call. She says she immediately fell in love with the ambulance, the field, the constant newness…and the rest is history.

Laura is the chairperson for Pacific West Ambulance’s Safety, Operations, and Quality committee, which helps shape the day-to-day operations of the organization. She has been instrumental in advising management on different aspects of the operation and then making changes with the goal of producing better employee job satisfaction and patient outcomes.

In Laura’s off time, she enjoys spending time with her 9-year-old, Tristan, her other half, Chris, and their wiener dogs, Duck and Goose, along with an assortment of chickens. Her family enjoys outdoor activities including kayaking, fishing, hiking, hanging out at the ocean, beachcombing, reading, painting, and a bit of video-game playing.

Pacific West Ambulance is proud to name Laura T. Ballanger our 2018 Star of Life.

Randy has been serving our rural Oregon coastal community since 1994. He started as a volunteer firefighter at Coos Bay Fire Department and quickly discovered his passion for EMS. Randy then started his EMS career, first earning his EMT Basic then his EMT Intermediate while volunteering with the Coos Bay Fire Department.

Randy started with Bay Cities Ambulance in November 2002. He worked his first six years as an EMT Intermediate, often being the primary caregiver, and refined his skills and knowledge. Then in 2007, Randy started the hard work that resulted in his earning his AA degree in paramedicine in 2009.

Since becoming a licensed Paramedic with Bay Cities Ambulance, Randy has continued to advance in his chosen profession, progressing to Field Training Office and then Paramedic Supervisor.

Now in his 15th year with Bay Cities, Randy has advanced to Administrative Supervisor. In that role he has numerous different responsibilities, including helping to establish our Community Paramedic Program.

We are privileged to have Randy as part of our team here at Bay Cities Ambulance, and, as the organization continues to grow, we’re excited to watch Randy grow with us.

Briggett has been around EMS her whole life, as many of her family members volunteered with their fire department and ambulance service—her grandmother was a volunteer Paramedic for 40 years, and a great one at that. Believing that she wouldn’t follow in her family member’s footsteps due to her uneasiness around blood, though, Briggett decided to pursue a career in music at Oregon State University.

During a break from school, Briggett attended two events where her friends needed medical attention, and that led her to realize that EMS, not music, was her true calling.

Briggett has been a Paramedic for three years now, and she is truly loving it. She enjoys the people she works with every day—the hospital staff, fire department, police department, and her coworkers. She is proud to serve her community, and everyone at Bay Cities Ambulance is proud of her.

When she’s not serving her community, Briggett enjoys spending time with her daughter, Carryn, and niece and nephew, Ireland and Crew. She also enjoys hunting, fishing, softball, and playing the piano.

Briggett received the Paramedic of the Year award, and we are excited to nominate her as a 2018 Star of Life.

In the early morning of August 5, 2017, Robert and his partner were dispatched to a male patient that had fallen into a river while rappelling at Frustration Falls, a very remote area of the Mt. Hood National Forest. The patient was reported to still be in the water with a compound leg fracture. Rescuers initially estimated that it would take 6–10 hours to get the injured man out of the canyon because of the sheer length of rope required. However, due to the remote location, difficult terrain, and an inability to communicate by phone or radio, the rescue estimate ballooned to 24 hours.

Robert hiked miles to locate the patient. Once on scene, Robert then began treating his injuries, administering medications, and working to keep the patient warm and comfortable. With no ability to communicate due to the remote location, Robert stayed with the patient until a Black Hawk helicopter could be activated to extract them the next morning.

For 17 of Robert’s 19-year career in EMS, he has been proud to participate in the Reach and Treat team. Robert is also an Ultra Runner and a personal trainer, and has recently started training the patient that he saved that day.

In recognition of his bravery and dedication, we are proud to call Robert Aberle a 2018 Star of Life.

Jennel began her career in EMS as a volunteer firefighter and EMT at Lane Co. Fire District (now Lane Fire Authority), in 2008, and is now a Paramedic with Metro West Ambulance. Jennel truly values the training, experience, and support she received during her five years as a volunteer. Throughout her time as a volunteer, Jennel was awarded the EMT of the Year in 2010 and Public Educator of the Year in 2011.

Jennel became a Paramedic in 2013 and was hired by Metro West Ambulance in January of 2015. She was chosen as this year’s Star of Life recipient for Metro West Ambulance Eugene-Springfield because of her commitment, dedication, and passion for growth. Jennel is not afraid to step up to the plate and accept extra duties. On top of her ambulance and FTO duties, Jennel also helps with interviewing, hiring, and training new employees. She became an ACLS instructor late last year, with plans of obtaining additional instructor training in the near future. Jennel hopes that people can look up to her as a role model, and she enjoys helping those around her succeed.

Jennel believes her own personal success is in part due to those around her. Her superiors at work, her parents and siblings, and her husband and kids, all help make her into the outstanding Paramedic she is today. Jennel’s husband is also a Paramedic, and having that support is invaluable to her.

Sheryl Maia promotes a positive attitude everywhere she goes and is dedicated to her career and her colleagues. Eight years ago, Sheryl started her EMS journey as a call taker and later became a dispatcher; today, she is a Dispatch Training Officer.

In her role, Sheryl is responsible for dispatching multiple county divisions and ensuring that communications personnel consistently follow protocols and procedures. Sheryl also coordinates reviews of high-level emergency calls and is actively involved in quality improvement activities. Sheryl played a pivotal role in the Portland Communication Center’s successful re-accreditation bid last year.

As a member of her agency’s Angel Team, Sheryl helps provide meals, groceries, babysitting, and other materials to EMS colleagues enduring family emergencies and other crises. Sheryl also participates in a program designed to educate parents about the danger of shaking babies.

Aaron Pawol has been a 911 ground Paramedic at Mercy Flights since January of 2009. During this time, Aaron has built strong relationships with his community, peers, supervisors, and patients.

Since joining our staff, Aaron has excelled in training Paramedic interns in his role as a Field Training Officer. Aaron welcomes new employees into an environment that promotes learning and accountability. Aaron is also perceived as a mentor by his peers.

In his off time, Aaron teaches at the local Community College Paramedic Program as a Lab Instructor. Aaron is also an avid soccer and golf enthusiast.

On February 25, 2017, while off-duty and playing in a local golf tournament, Aaron noticed some commotion on the green at the next hole. Aaron heard sirens in the distance, and drove his cart up to the scene to investigate. Aaron saw that there was active CPR being performed on an individual, so he identified himself as an off-duty Paramedic and began to assist. Due to the relationship Aaron has built with local fire personnel, they asked him to stay to “run” the call, even after the arrival of the fire/rescue unit and ambulance. Aaron continued to take the lead on the cardiac arrest patient and when return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was attained, the ambulance crew proceeded to transport the patient.

Aaron later received some follow up information from the transporting ambulance crew that the patient received intervention in the Cath Lab at a local hospital, and had survived the incident. Aaron thought that the story ended there.

Several days later, Aaron was surprised (to say the least) when the patient called his personal cell phone to say “thank you”. The patient had contacted the golf course’s pro shop and eventually tracked down Aaron to express his gratitude.

Although usually composed, the night Aaron received the phone call from the patient, he was visibly emotional. Aaron received recognition that was well deserved.

Aaron is truly an advocate for patients and his community. Aaron is completely selfless and commits himself to his profession and to helping others. Aaron is a leader, a mentor, and a true asset to Mercy Flights.

Harlan Brock has worked for Metro West Ambulance for over 11 years. Whether delivering babies or mentoring new paramedics and EMT’s, Harlan’s passion and dedication to EMS and Metro West Ambulance are demonstrated through his hard and tireless work.

Harlan always leads by example and embodies Metro West’s core values of teamwork and dedication. This was demonstrated recently when he served as a volunteer member of a regional search and rescue effort to locate a missing girl in the Columbia River Gorge. Harlan reached out to local companies to coordinate supplies and resources needed for the search.

Recently, Harlan and his partner were cleaning the ambulance after a transport to a local emergency department. All of a sudden, a shiny new Tesla came screeching into the emergency department bay. Harlan heard an ED technician shout, “There is a woman in labor in that car!” and sprang into action. Harlan quickly put on a fresh pair of gloves, safety glasses, and grabbed an obstetrical kit as he followed the technician to the passenger side of the Tesla. Soon after Harlan began his assessment, he recognized the patient was going to deliver soon. Minutes later, a healthy baby girl was delivered in the front seat of the car. Harlan is able to quickly assess and respond to situations with the resources necessary, to assure optimal patient outcome. Calm, professional, and caring, Harlan continuously demonstrates high-level, compassionate, clinical care to all of his patients.

Harlan is loyal, honest, and committed to both his company and profession. Harlan rarely misses a day of work, fills in when necessary for his fellow medics, and continuously volunteers his time to make a difference. Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Harlan as a 2017 Star of Life nominee.

Leanna was born and raised in Prineville, Oregon and eventually moved to Portland, Oregon to continue her education. She graduated from Portland Community College with a 4.0 GPA, and is currently enrolled at Portland State University where she is majoring in Biology with a minor in Public Health. She discovered early that she wanted to help people and eventually become a doctor. Two years into school, Leanna explored EMT classes so she could gain healthcare experience, and never thinking that she would enjoy being in EMS with the lights, sirens, and anxiety. But not only did she enjoy it, she excelled at it!

Shortly after receiving her EMT certification in 2014, Leanna joined Metro West Ambulance (MWA) as a member of the BLS team. Leanna stepped up to become a Field Training Officer (FTO) at MWA in the Wheelchair Transport Department, which allows her to polish her patient skills. Leanna cherishes moments such as holding patients’ hands when they’re scared or making balloon animals out of gloves for a smile. A career filled with patient care and focus rather than emphasis on emergencies, Leanna believes, can get personnel through the long days, failures, and heartbreak that is inherent in EMS. Teaching providers to stay compassionate while doing the hardest jobs imaginable is paramount to Leanna.

Leanna represents the BLS division and Vehicle Service Technicians on the Infectious Disease Control Committee. She created an infectious control guidebook for all of MWA as well as a specialized quick guide to protect new EMTs. Additionally, she submitted a proposal to change EMT training in the ALS division to cultivate leadership among new medics. She has also been an Activity and Skills Provider for People with Disabilities. Leanna is a great asset to EMS, to MWA, and to the communities in which she serves.

Leanna’s long-term focus is to become an emergency medical doctor, then eventually the medical director of an EMS agency. She is completing her medical school prerequisite classes now with a 4.0 GPA, and plans on taking the MCAT during the summer of 2016. One of her future goals is to make burnout uncommon among providers by changing the focus of EMS from emergencies to patient care. In the field, she has been a major part of amazing acts of heroism, compassion, and skill, but she’s also seen the toll this industry has on providers.

Bill is an innovator and devoted clinician with a unique ability to control any situation and bring calm to both patients and coworkers. With 21 years of EMS experience, Bill has performed numerous field saves and most recently lead the development of AMR’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program for the Portland operations.

Thanks to the countless hours Bill spent researching, training and meeting with mental health professionals, CISM has greatly benefited hundreds of AMR employees experiencing stress related to a difficult patient incident. In 2015, the CISM program was recognized by JEMS magazine with the Innovators in EMS Award.

Bill’s hard work and dedication to both his patients and fellow EMS professionals are why he is being honored as a Star of Life.

Tim Lewis, Paramedic, is Medix Ambulance’s selection for our 2016 Star of Life. He has been with Medix since November 6, 2006 as an EMT and Paramedic.

Tim Lewis was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where he lived until a 2000 move to Arkansas. While in Arkansas, he began working with adults with disabilities and volunteering with the local fire department. He soon found himself in school for his basic EMT certification, then started work for the local ambulance service. In 2006, Tim and his family relocated back to Oregon, where he began work with Medix Ambulance while completing his Paramedic degree in 2015.

Tim is very involved in his church, and began completing two mission trips to Mexico each year about seven years ago. While in Mexico, he conducts vocational training for mechanics, welding, and EMS. He is affiliated with a volunteer ambulance service in San Quintín, in Baja California, Mexico that provides education and training for EMS in the area. He has seen a great outpouring of generosity from hospitals and EMS providers with donations of equipment and training materials.

Tim has been married to his beautiful wife, Vicki, for 26 years and they have five wonderful children—three girls and two boys. Tim says, “I have been very blessed in my life to have a wonderful wife and family who love and support me as an EMS provider. With their encouragement, I have been able to serve my community and help other EMS providers in doing the same for the last 12 years.”

Robert found his calling in EMS when he began volunteering at a small rural fire department. He was immediately intrigued by the fast-paced environment, and set upon the path to becoming a Paramedic.

Now, with eight years of experience in the field, he is able to share his experience and wisdom with others. Robert is always happy to train new employees, and leads by example to instill in new team members the core values of teamwork and dedication. “I truly enjoy helping new employees become familiar with the system,” says Robert.

Robert’s wife, Jennel, who is also a Paramedic, is a source of deep inspiration for him at home and at work.

We are honored to nominate Greg Sorensen as a 2016 Star of Life for his dedication to EMS, as well as for his instruction of the art and science of prehospital medicine to numerous EMTs and Paramedics entering the field. His 32-year commitment to caring for his community is deeply commendable.

With a 10 year start in EMS, Greg began his career at Metro West Ambulance in June of 1999 and became a Field Training Officer in 2004. Greg also fills in as an Operations Supervisor, co-chairs the QI Committee, and is a member of the communication center’s QI Committee. Greg is an outstanding example of personal integrity, dedication, and compassion in EMS – qualities everyone strives for in their own EMS careers – and truly represents the gold standard of prehospital emergency care.

Greg works with various EMTs, Paramedics, and potential new hires on developing their skills in the field and teaches them the past, present, and future of EMS. Greg knows the future of EMS is built on teaching these individuals to be the best medical providers possible.

In his spare time, Greg helps facilitate volunteer projects for the needy in the community he lives in, and he helps facilitate yearly volunteer projects for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

These are but a few reasons why Greg Sorensen deserves the honor of being an American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.

Tommy Walker began his career in EMS in St. Louis, Missouri. He has since gained almost ten years of experience as a paramedic before joining our family at Pacific West Ambulance. In Tommy’s time as a paramedic he has been a prior Stars of Life recipient, a mentor and preceptor to paramedic students, and an EMS Bike Team Captain. As a bike captain he was responsible for providing medical services for participants at a range of events as well as coordinating medical staff and care. This has given him the ability to be a great leader and a highly qualified and competent paramedic. He has continued to learn and grow his medical expertise, even completing training to become a Critical Care Paramedic, a program that educates paramedics to better understand the needs of extremely sick or injured patients during extended transports to higher levels of care. He finds that being the first line of defense for his community in their times of need gives him great pride. He is a man that truly enjoys serving and making his community proud.

Tommy brings a lighthearted but caring energy to our team and displays a passion for providing a genuine type of care to our patients. He has an infectious spirit that helped him integrate and become a valued member of our team. He is always ready to provide a helping hand, tell a joke, or be the one to run command in a time of high stress. His ability to function as a lead paramedic and be the driving force on his calls, while never missing an opportunity to make someone smile or teach someone something, has made him more than deserving of this honor.

In his free time, Tommy is an avid photographer and travels with his wife, Karly. Photography is only one of Tommy’s many talents that he is always happy to share. Tommy and his wife lead a happy life of laughter and love. They are proud to say that they actually met at the Stars of Life celebration years ago when Tommy was being honored for the first time and Karly was accompanying her cousin, who was also being honored. The pair has added to their duo by adopting three rescued Weimaraner puppies. Tommy’s days are spent working hard, serving his community and loving his small family. He is a point of pride for Pacific West Ambulance and we hope nothing but fine things for his future.

Prior to beginning his career in EMS five years ago, Don Weeks was laid off from his job manufacturing bridges, such as the Hoover Dam Bypass and the San Francisco Seismic Retro-Fit Project. Don had promised himself that if he was ever laid off he would go back to school. Don has always liked helping people and a career in EMS made sense for him.

Don started working for Bay Cities Ambulance four years ago as a part time wheel chair driver and EMT. During this time Don decided that he wanted to become a Paramedic. Don secured a full time position working on an ambulance as an EMT, while going to school. Two years later, he became a nationally registered Paramedic. Within a few months he was promoted to Senior Paramedic, the position he holds today. Don looks forward to the future when he can become a Field Training Officer and train future generations of Paramedics.

Don and his wife, Nicole, have one daughter and are expecting their second daughter this summer. Bay Cities Ambulance is proud to honor Don Weeks with the American Ambulance Association 2016 Star of Life.