Mike started working in the wheelchair department of Metro West Ambulance in 2012 and climbed the ladder to Field Training Officer shortly after. While working, he is also attending The National College for Technical Instruction studying paramedicine. Mike moved to Oregon from Southern California 3 years ago and enjoys spending time with his family, his wife, two dogs, and soon to be daughter! Mike has told us he “Enjoys EMS because it takes the principles and satisfaction of giving great customer service that he learned spending years in retail and takes it to the next level.” He loves coming into people’s homes where they are having the worst days or months of their life and the challenge of meeting their needs and hopefully having a positive impact on that person. A favorite story of his that he likes telling new hires that he is training for the department is something a patient once told him while transporting to dialysis. She asked him if he liked his job, and he told her, “of course but doing Non-Emergency transports is not the end goal, I am going to paramedic school.” She replied, “While that’s nice, I want to remind you that even doing Non-Emergency transports you are saving lives. Because without medical transport, people like me would die. I need to get to dialysis and to my doctor appointments, and without you I would die.” Mike takes great pride in his work here at Metro West Ambulance and continues to go above and beyond the call of duty. We would like to applaud him for his continued efforts and loyalty to his patients, facilities and to our company as this year’s Star of Life.”

Nathan Rasmussen came to Pacific West Ambulance as a Paramedic intern in 2011. He was quickly liked by all the staff and was given the nickname “Monkey”.This nickname came from the auto commercials where a monkey would jump out the trunk of a vehicle, and come to the aid of the vehicles driver. As an intern, Nathan was very eager to arrive on scene and jump out of the ambulance ready for action. Nathan gained the respect of those that worked with him, and he was hired on full time after he completed his schooling. Nathan has a strong passion for EMS and continuing education that he shares with those that are around him. His enthusiasm for his job is contagious and this is why he was awarded Pacific West Ambulance “Paramedic of the Year” in 2013 by his peers. Even though Nathan is at the start of his career in EMS, he is able to function at the level of a seasoned Paramedic. Nathan has become an asset to Pacific West Ambulance due to his willingness to step in and lend a hand when needed with special projects, staffing, and taking a vital role in the growth in the company. During his off time Nathan enjoys an active lifestyle of mountain biking, racquetball, and has a strong passion for his Subaru STI.”

When a fellow paramedic FTO was asked what could be said about Spencer in his biography for the Star of Life Award, he immediately quipped, “He is tall and has a firm handshake!” This mention was quickly followed up with a smile, laugh and a detailed opinion about Spencer’s merits. This type of interaction exemplifies the reputation Spencer has at Metro West Ambulance. Spencer started working as an EMT-Basic in the wheelchair division of Metro West Ambulance in 2008. While working, he also studied paramedicine at Portland Community College. He graduated in 2009 and earned his paramedic license from the State of Oregon. He quickly moved up and into the ALS ambulance division. From day one of his FTO period, Spencer has been able to effectively balance his fun personality, professionalism and his constant willingness to learn and improve his practice. He is always challenging himself by expanding his knowledge of EKGs, cardiology and critical care medicine. Recently, he completed the lengthy and very challenging CCEMT-P course. This never-ending passion to learn and challenge himself has paved a quick road to his position as a field training officer. As FTO, he is now able to his share his knowledge and passion for EMS with new employees. Besides his clinical development, Spencer is also passionate about Metro West Ambulance’s operational success. He has volunteered on the Operations Advisor Committee, and has been chair for the past year. In that challenging position, he strives to constructively present new ideas, opinions and most importantly, effective solutions to management on behalf of fellow employees. He has proven to be a respected voice of reason that has brought renewed success to Metro West Ambulance. Metro West Ambulance is proud to honor Spencer as a 2014 Star of Life.”

With more than 10 years in emergency medical services, Dale has evolved into one of Clackamas County’s most valued and dedicated paramedics. His drive to keep his clinical skills at peak performance and his deep knowledge as a paramedic were especially apparent during an off-duty cardiac arrest save at a local soccer field. After finishing the first half of an adult league soccer game, Dale heard yelling from the opposite side of the field and quickly realized that someone needed medical help. Dale found the patient with agonal respirations and no pulse. With the help of a physician on the scene, Dale coordinated efforts to maintain quality CPR and ventilation while a bystander ran to a nearby school for an AED. Dale attached the AED and administered a single shock which returned spontaneous circulation and lead to the patient regaining consciousness. The patient was transported to the hospital and later discharged.The cooperation from both medical and non-medical bystanders during this event has lead Dale to spearhead various initiatives in the Clackamas County area to encourage early intervention, including the training of local soccer coaches and players in CPR and AED use. Dale has been the recipient of both the Clackamas Fire District Board of Directors’ Community Life Saving Award and the State of Oregon’s EMS Life Saving Medal. His off-duty efforts to train others to save lives and his unwavering commitment to the community he serves make Dale a genuine Star of Life.”

Liz is one of those colleagues we all know and love who live and breathe EMS and community service. After beginning a career as a licensed dental assistant took a required CPR class and caught the EMS bug. In the early 1980’s Liz took a Basic EMT class in the basement of Wollowa Memorial Hospital and her passion for lifesaving was off and running. Throughout her career, Liz has found a way to put her enthusiasm and commitment to excellent use. She has served as a paramedic and EMS manager in extremely rural northeastern Oregon, and as a Captain firefighter/paramedic in Central Oregon. These roles gave her excellent experience which she has put to use as an EMS educator and community college EMT program director. Liz spent 15 years working in the Oregon State EMS office in roles including Prehospital standards, rules promulgation, and trauma system oversight. Even while taking on these many roles, Liz has continued doing what she truly loves, using her paramedic license to provide care in the field with Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services. Liz has recently taken on the role of Chief and will be putting that experience and community spirit to great use as she guides her EMS agency forward. She is absolutely a “Star of Life”.”

Don began his career in the 1970’s as a volunteer with the Madras, Oregon ambulance service where he obtained his EMT certificate. In 1980 Don began working for Metro West Ambulance and earned his paramedic license in 1984. He continued his EMS career eventually moving back to Madras where he spent countless hours serving his community, eventually becoming Chief of Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services. Even while working actively in EMS as a paramedic, manager, and volunteer EMS educator, Don took on the added role of volunteer reserve police officer for both the Madras Police Department and Jefferson County Sherriff ‘s Office. In 2013, at the peak of his professional life, Don was doing one of his favorite activities, riding his motorcycle, when he was struck by a vehicle and killed. Thousands of lives have been touched by Don throughout his career. Don exemplified the qualities of a true “Star of Life”

In 2008 Robert Conrath joined the Metro West Ambulance family of companies. In 2011 he was promoted to Field Training Officer, during that time he played an integral part in developing policies and procedures for the Non-Emergency transport division. Becoming an FTO has allowed him to share his extensive skills and knowledge with new employees within the company. Robert has since graduated from Oregon Health and Science University’s Paramedic program and is continuing to make a difference within our ambulance division. Roberts’s strong willed dedication and leadership to the company has paved the way to success for our Non-Emergency division and he is an excellent example of a Star of Life recipient.”

Michael was hired by Metro West in April 2017. His new position as an EMT marked an official milestone in his life—he was transitioning into EMS following four years of service as an active duty U.S. Marine.

The transition between professions was seamless, though, as Michael applied the same levels of commitment, enthusiasm, responsibility, and dependability that he acquired while serving as a Marine. One of Michael’s most commendable traits, simply put, is his willingness to work.

Michael would begin every workweek looking for gaps in the weekly shift schedule, then he’d request to pick up the extra shifts, in addition to his own full-time schedule. If coverage was needed for an early transport or out-of-town movement, Michael was on it.

During the 2017 wild land firefighter season, Michael was constantly picking up extra shifts to provide coverage for EMTs who were either contracted out as wild land firefighters or were volunteering with separate fire agencies. It was Michael’s outstanding work ethic that catapulted him into a full-time position on a medic unit.

Michael continues to push himself as both a professional and a student as he pursues new and additional career opportunities. He earned a Tactical Combat Casualty Care certification and completed Secfor International’s challenging High Risk Medic program in November 2017.

He has undoubtedly raised the bar and set a new standard of excellence that is expected of new hires.

Michael is always quick to acknowledge the support, flexibility, and encouragement he receives from his supervisors, partner, dispatchers, family, and his new fiancée.

Metro West Ambulance is nominating Michael as a Star of Life for his incredible work ethic, consistently professional demeanor, and his adaptive personality.

Jason is celebrating his 15th year working as a Paramedic Field Training Officer with Metro West Ambulance, and he is being nominated in recognition of his operational excellence and the consistency that he maintains as a field trainer.

As a field training officer, Jason is always ranked as one of the top trainers by his Paramedic trainees. They regularly comment on how appreciative they are of his professionalism, his consistency in evaluation, and the detailed clinical and operational knowledge he shares with them.

Jason is a consummate professional, focusing on listening first and then professionally guiding his trainee in the appropriate direction. This subtle yet firm teaching style has allowed his trainees to feel much more comfortable stepping into their new role of Paramedic in a busy EMS system.

Jason is also a husband, father, and dedicated sports fan. When he is not busy training new Paramedics, he will be following his favorite basketball team or traveling to the latest EMS conference seeking more EMS knowledge.

Metro West is proud to call Jason Fleming a Star of Life for 2018.

Erik started as an EMT in the Metro West Wheelchair Transport Division back in 2011, then in 2014 he became a Nationally Registered Paramedic.

For the past two years, Erik has worked as a preceptor, mentoring Paramedic students throughout their internships, patiently sharing his knowledge and experience. Most recently, he has been promoted and is now serving as Metro West Ambulance’s newest Field Training Officer.

Metro West is celebrating Erik as the Star of Life for 2018 not only for his professional development in the organization but, more importantly, for his dedication to patient care.

This past fall, while off-duty and on the way to work, Erik came upon a serious accident where a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle. Erik parked his car nearby and assisted with initial patient care, and he later ended up assisting the crews with the emergency intubation and transport to the trauma center.

On that call, and through his mentoring of new Paramedics, Erik has exemplified his dedication and service to EMS. 

We are proud to have him as Metro West’s 2018 Star of Life.

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.