Anna Ailstock has been a Paramedic since 2006. She began at Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) in 2008, and is currently a Paramedic Field Training Officer and chair of the RAA Clinical Services Committee. Prior to moving to Richmond she enjoyed a teaching position with Arlington County Public Schools as an assistant EMT-Basic instructor and was an active volunteer with Arlington County Fire Department for 4 years. Anna has also worked as a Paramedic Tech at Mary Washington Hospital ED and with the Department of Defense as a contracted Paramedic at Fort Belvoir. Anna is the 2014 recipient of the RAA Medical Directors Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to a paramedic that has demonstrated superior clinical abilities and who has dedicated personal time effort to ensure RAA remains clinically on the cutting edge of mobile healthcare in the City of Richmond, as well as an EMS leader in the region, country and internationally as they continue to provide World Class EMS. Anna was selected specifically because of the leadership she provides the clinical services committee. She has dedicated countless hours of time and service to lead this committee as they worked meticulously to develop a new competency based perception manual for our new employees. Additionally, she worked diligently to ensure exceptional training was provided to each student assigned to her for their field internship and through her guidance her students had a 100% first time pass rate through our paramedic clearance process, chaired personally by our Operational Medical Director Dr Joseph P. Ornato. Anna is a delight to work with and is an outstanding representative of Richmond Ambulance Authority. She exemplifies the very essence of the AAA Star of Life.”

Richmond Ambulance Authority is delighted to nominate Paramedic James “Scott” Kiniry for the AAA’s Stars of Life award. Scott, a Chesterfield County, Virginia, native, has resided locally his entire life.

Scott grew up in Midlothian, Virginia, and graduated from Benedictine High School. He was not sure of his future until he witnessed a tractor trailer roll over and aided the person inside. He then understood what he wanted to do with his life.

Beginning as an EMT and joining Richmond Ambulance Authority in December 2013, he pursued his Paramedic certification, graduating in July 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a second-generation public safety provider. His father is a retired captain with Richmond Police Department, and his brother has over 10 years with that department. His wife and his mother are both Registered Nurses.

Scott was promoted to corporal in 2017, and he also has the distinction of accomplishing the highest number of cardiac arrests resulting in return of spontaneous circulation! He is regularly recognized by his peers and supervisors alike, and he has received many commendations—all of which describe him as being a calm, compassionate, and dependable provider to our patient population.

Scott’s great accomplishments and wide recognition resulted in him being selected by RAA’s Medical Director, Dr. Joseph P. Ornato, to receive the 2017 Operational Medical Director’s Award-Paramedic of the Year.

Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) is delighted to nominate Paramedic Julie Anderson for the AAA’s Stars of Life Award. Julie began her career with RAA in August of 2007. Over the next two years, Julie decided to expand her knowledge in the field becoming a Paramedic in December of 2009. Julie is well known around RAA for a positive attitude that is contagious and constant bright smile. Julie states that “[her] favorite thing about EMS is helping people in their time of need—even if it’s not medically related. Just a kind word or a smile helps.” Julie sets the bar for dedication to her peers, with perfect attendance and frequent commendations. During her time at RAA, Julie has been a strong leader and voice for the employees on RAA’s Shift Bid Committee. In 2016 Julie received the Operational Medical Director’s Award, Paramedic of the Year.

Julie is a Hanover County, Virginia native, and has resided in the Richmond area her entire life. 

“When you want something all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” — Paulo Coelho

Tiffany Samuels was born in January 1987 in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Richmond, Virginia with her family at the age of ten. After graduating high school she was briefly employed in the banking industry before beginning her EMS career with the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA). In 2008, her EMS career started in an entry-level position within the Logistics Department as a Vehicle Service Technician. She has worked very conscientiously, taking each step up with an undeniable passion. Tiffany has proven herself confident and proficient at each certification and skill level before progressing through the organization to her position as a Paramedic – Field Training Officer. In this role she takes great effort and shows immense pride in teaching new employees how to provide “World Class EMS.”

She has contributed to the agency’s success in each position she has served along the way, including Vehicle Service Technician, EMT, EMT – Field Training Officer, Paramedic, Paramedic – Corporal, and currently Paramedic – Field Training Officer.

She continues to be a valuable asset to RAA with not only her dedication in carrying out her normal day to day duties, but also her many contributions while serving on various committees. She helps shape the clinical direction of the agency by serving as Chairperson the of Clinical Services Committee, and is an advocate for her fellow EMS providers while participating on the Wellness Committee. Tiffany has presented many creative ideas to the Scheduling Committee, resulting in a schedule offering a greater work/life balance.

As a result of her leadership, hard work, commitment to clinical excellence, and her many contributions to the Richmond Ambulance Authority, Tiffany was selected as the 2015 Medical Director’s Paramedic of the Year.